IVF

In Vitro Fertilization is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) commonly referred to as IVF. It is a process of fertlisation where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body, in vitro ("in glass"). The process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman's ovulatory process, removing the eggs from the woman's ovaries and letting sperm fertilise them in a liquid in a laboratory. The fertilised egg is implanted after 2-6 days of culture in lab in the woman's uterus with the intention of establishing a successful  pregnancy.

Which couples may need IVF?

• Women with both fallopian tubes blocked or damaged
• Male partner with very low or nil sperm count, poor morphology
• Women with ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure or menopause
• Couples with unexplained infertility
• Couiples who fail to conceive with other infertlity treatments.
• Women with severe endometriosisor genital tuberculosis,
• Women before undergoing cancer treatment or unexplained infertility
• Individuals with genetic disorder

How does the IVF process works?

There are five basic steps in the IVF and embryo transfer process:

• Stimulate egg production nad monitoring: Multiple eggs are desired because some eggs will not develop or fertilize after retrieval
• Egg Retrieval: It is done through a minor surgical procedure under iv sedation and uses ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity to remove the eggs.
• Sperm retrieval :This is done by asking the male partner to produce seamen sample or can be retrieved directly from the testes where required
• Embryo formation: The sperm and eggs are mixed together and stored in a laboratory dish to encourage fertilization. In some cases where there is a lower probability of fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used.
• Embryo transfer: The embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus 2-6 days following egg retrieval and fertilization using a thin catheter. This procedure is painless for most women, although some may experience mild cramping.pregnancy is confirmed through a blood test 15 days post procedure.

What are risks associated with IVF?

• IVF process is simple uncomplicated and relatively painless with minimal side effects.
• Egg retrieval carries the uncommon risk of bleeding, infection and bowel and bladder injury.
• Rates of miscarriage are similar to natural pregnancy
• Risk of multiple pregnancy is increased and depends mainly on the number of embryos transferred
• Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation

What is success rate of IVF?

The success rate of IVF clinics depends on a number of factors including reproductive history, maternal age, the cause of infertility, and lifestyle factors. It is also important to understand that pregnancy rates are not the same as live birth rates.