IVF
Treatments
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child.
To understand IVF treatment, it is necessary to understand the natural conception process. In the middle of a normal menstrual cycle, an egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, where the fertilized egg remains for several days while dividing and becoming an early embryo. A few days later, the embryo enters the uterus and implants in the uterine wall.
IVF treatment can be thought of as a fallopian tube bypass. The ovaries are stimulated with injectable fertility drugs to make multiple eggs. Transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests done during this time help determine when the eggs are mature. At this point, they are retrieved through the vagina with a minor procedure that requires only a mild anesthetic. The eggs are put in a petri dish and exposed to the husband’s sperm.
During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVF takes about three weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into different parts and the process can take longer.
IVF is the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology. The procedure can be done using a couple’s own eggs and sperm. Or IVF may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or anonymous donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier — someone who has an embryo implanted in the uterus — might be used.
Your chances of having a healthy baby using IVF depend on many factors, such as your age and the cause of infertility. In addition, IVF can be time-consuming, expensive and invasive. If more than one embryo is transferred to the uterus, IVF can result in a pregnancy with more than one fetus (multiple pregnancy).
Headings
Why is it done?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. If IVF is performed to treat infertility, you and your partner might be able to try less-invasive treatment options before attempting IVF, including fertility drugs to increase production of eggs or intrauterine insemination — a procedure in which sperm are placed directly in the uterus near the time of ovulation.
Sometimes, IVF is offered as a primary treatment for infertility in women over age 40. IVF can also be done if you have certain health conditions.
How it works
In natural conception, an egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube in the middle of a menstrual cycle. The egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube. The fertilized egg then begins to divide in the fallopian tube, thus becoming an early embryo. After being in the fallopian tube for several days the embryo enters the uterus where it will implant.
Steps of IVF includes;
- Ovulation induction
- Egg retrieval
- Sperm retrieval
- Fertilization
- Embryo transfer
After the procedure
After the embryo transfer, you can resume your usual daily activities. However, your ovaries may still be enlarged. Consider avoiding vigorous activity, which could cause discomfort.
Typical side effects include:
- Passing a small amount of clear or bloody fluid shortly after the procedure — due to the swabbing of the cervix before the embryo transfer
- Breast tenderness due to high estrogen levels
- Mild bloating
- Mild cramping
- Constipation
If you develop moderate or severe pain after the embryo transfer, contact your doctor. He or she will evaluate you for complications such as infection, twisting of an ovary (ovarian torsion) and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.