What is IVF?
IVF stands for In-Vitro-Fertilization which means ‘In lab conception’. At the IVF centre in Punjab, the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and then fertilized with sperm in the petri dish. Typically, many eggs are retrieved from the biological mother because not every egg will fertilize, and not every fertilized egg will become a viable embryo.
Few days following fertilization, the best embryo or embryo is transferred to the mother or surrogate ureter with the catheter through the cervix. If there are any extra embryos then they will be cryopreserved for future cycles.
When IVF treatment is needed?
- During IVF treatment, the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and the embryo is transferred to the uterus via the cervix. It means the treatment does not need clear and open fallopian tubes. Women with blocked fallopian tubes can undergo the treatment to have increased chances of pregnancy.
- For severe cases of male infertility, IVF is used along with IUI or ICSI. If the sperm is not able to reach the female reproductive tract then they will be retrieved directly from the testicles
- IVF is used along with ICSI which involves taking a single sperm and then injecting it directly into the egg. This increases the chances of pregnancy when used along with IVF.
What is the procedure of IVF?
- With every case of infertility, the procedure may be slightly different. The procedure starts with women taking birth control pills or injectable medication that prevents the ovulation cycle before the treatment which shuts down the woman’s normal ovulation cycle. This is done so that the doctor can regulate your ovulation and not lose the eggs before the retrieval. After the blood works and ultrasound, the woman will take ovulation stimulation medications and typically gonadotropins.
- Once the follicles are ready, the woman will get an hCG injection which will mature the eggs. During the egg retrieval, the woman will get an IV sedation and the eggs will be retrieved through an ultrasound-guided needle.
The man will give the semen sample and this will go through the washing procedure. The sperm and eggs are placed together which results in fertilization.
- Few days following fertilization, the best and healthiest embryo will be selected. Your doctor will tell how many embryos need to be transferred back to the reproductive tract to increase the chances of conception. The leftover embryos can be cryopreserved to be used in later cycles, donated to another couple, or thrown away.
Is the IVF treatment safe?
IVF procedure is safe. However, there are general possible side effects which your IVF doctor will make you understand when you undergo the consultation. The egg retrieval process will result in discomfort and cramping during the procedure. If pelvis infection occurs then the patient is given intravenous antibiotics. In rare cases of infection, the ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes will be treated surgically. For more information, contact the doctor.
