IVF: In vitro fertilization explained

For the couples experiencing male fertility problems or those who have been unsuccessful with less advanced treatments, IVF is often the best alternative to achieve pregnancy. IVF is simply the uniting of egg and sperm in the lab - in vitro. Subsequently the embryos are transferred into the uterus through the cervix and pregnancy is allowed to begin. IVF involves collecting eggs and sperm from you and your partner and placing them together in a laboratory dish for fertilization.

Who needs IVF?

• If woman's fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, this can make it difficult for the egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus.
• Male factor can include a low sperm count, problems with sperm function or motility which can inhibit sperm from fertilizing an egg on its own.
• Abnormal uterus shape, fibroid tumors, or exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a fetus.
• Ovarian issues.

You must consult your doctor to know the best treatment for your infertility.

Factors effecting success of IVF:

• Age of the woman (and consequently, her ovarian reserve)
• Normalcy of the uterus, and semen quality
• Success or failure of fertilization and cleavage in vitro
• Number of embryos transferred and cryopreserved
• Adequacy of the luteal phase after transfer

Procedure of IVF:

• Ovarian Stimulation: At the start of the woman's cycle, the physician prescribes hormones or other medications. These control the timing of the cycle and stimulate the development of multiple follicles, sacs of fluid in the ovary that may contain an egg. When the doctor is satisfied with the progress of the cycle and the number of follicles, the patient is instructed to administer an additional injectable medication.

Egg Retrieval: Egg retrieval is normally performed under anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Eggs are retrieved via follicle aspiration, in which a very thin catheter is carefully guided by ultrasound to withdraw the entire contents of the follicle, including the egg. Fertilization and Incubation: Once the eggs have been retrieved, an embryologist prepares the eggs and sperm from the partner or a donor. The eggs and sperm are mixed in the laboratory to promote fertilization. The fertilized eggs, called embryos, are incubated for several days.

• Embryo Transfer: If the embryos develop normally, the embryologist selects the best candidates to transfer into the woman's uterus. Based on the individual situation, the physician and the patient determine the number of embryos to transfer. After the transfer, which requires no anesthesia, the patient must rest in a recovery room. Two weeks later a simple blood test will verify if pregnancy has occurred.

Precautions after implantation:

• Avoid caffeine, smoking, alcohol, and drugs
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Avoid strenuous exercising and housework (this includes vacuuming)
• Avoid bouncing activities (horseback riding, aerobics)
• Avoid sunbathing, hot saunas, hot tubs and jacuzzis
• Avoid swimming and baths
• Avoid sexual intercourse and orgasms

Success rate according to the Jones Institute of Reproductive Medicine depends mostly on the female's age, and as expected it decreases as age increases.

In case you are facing the same problem of infertility do consult your doctor. Medical science has so many safe treatments which can fulfill your dream of motherhood.

(Sources: integramed.com, sharedjourney.com, communitymedical.org, jonesinstitute.org, ivfconnections.com)