The term IVF refers to In Vitro Fertilization. IVF is a procedure that helps with fertilization, embryo development, and embryo implantation. IVF is one of the most popular methods through which one could artificially induce pregnancy. The procedure for an IVF involves a combination of medicines and a few surgical procedures, which help sperm fertilize an egg, and the fertilized is further implanted into a uterus. This procedure is done in intervals throughout several months.
Candidates Eligible for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Since IVF is an assisted reproductive technology, there are certain qualities or conditions where a candidate is eligible for this treatment. Here are the examples of candidates who qualify for going through the IVF treatment;
Women with fallopian tube dysfunction
If a woman has her fallopian tubes removed or has issues getting pregnant due to blockage in the fallopian tubes.
Women affected by infertility disorder
The most common cause of infertility in women Is due to the disorder called PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) and endometriosis.
Women with irregular ovulation
IVF helps women have regular ovulation by fixing their irregular menstrual cycles.
Men affected by infertility disorder
Men with low sperm count or sperm dysfunction can be treated through IVF paired with ICSI.
These are a few examples of whom IVF is commonly recommended.
Five Steps of In-Vitro Fertilization Process
The IVF procedure specifically carried out in IVF centers involves 5 major steps through which the entire IVF process is completed with.
Ovarian stimulation
The procedure of IVF initiates with the introduction of synthetic hormones within the body in order to stimulate the ovaries. This process helps the ovaries in producing multiple eggs, which is the initial stage of the IVF process.
Egg retrieval
The egg retrieval process usually takes place 34 to 36 hours after the final injection of the synthetic hormones and before the period of ovulation. The patient is usually sedated during the process of egg retrieval. The eggs are retrieved by using procedural methods using ultrasound to precisely locate the eggs and retrieve them.
Sperm retrieval
Usually, a semen sample of the preferred donor is submitted to the doctor’s office, preferably on the morning of egg retrieval. The sperm is then separated from the semen fluid under laboratory conditions
Fertilization
Fertilization is done by using two different methods, they are; conventional insemination and intra cytoplasmic sperm injection. Conventional insemination is used in cases where the sperm is in a healthy state and intra cytoplasmic sperm injection is used in places where the health of the sperm is questionable.
Embryo Transfer
The embryo is transferred into the uterus using a long thin and flexible tube called a catheter. The implant usually takes place about 6 to 10 days after the egg retrieval.
This is the order in which the IVF process is usually carried out.
Advantages and Disadvantages of In Vitro Fertilization
There are pros and cons to every procedure, and as such, even IVF has its own advantages and downsides. So here is a table that explains the pros and cons of the IVF procedure:
Alternative Procedures to IVF
There are a few other options other than IVF which can help in the process of artificial pregnancy methods; they are:
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
A process in which the sperm is artificially injected into the womb with the help of a plastic tube passed through the cervix. This process is commonly known as artificial insemination. In this procedure, a washed and concentrated sperm are placed directly in the uterus around the time the ovaries release one or more eggs to be fertilized. The IUI procedure involves coordinating the normal menstrual cycle or artificially inducing it with fertility medications.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
This process involves a sperm injected directly into the egg by using a micropipette. After the egg is fertilized, the egg is grown in a laboratory in a controlled environment; the infants born through this procedure are casually called test-tube babies. This process is majorly used for people who are affected due to sperm or egg abnormalities.
Success Rate of In Vitro Fertilization Process
According to a report taken in 2018, the data indicates a success rate of 50% for IVF procedures done for women in their 35 or less, and the success rate of an egg being fertilized from women aged 41 and more stands at a 3.9%. According to the most recent data analysis, this is the success rate of IVF.
Common Causes of Infertility
There are multiple factors that can contribute to the infertility of an individual, here are a few very common factors;
- Old age
- Diabetes
- Eating disorders
- Alcohol addiction
- Toxin exposure
- Exposure to radiation
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Excessive smoking
- Excessive stress
- Abuse of substances
- Obesity
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