In Vitro Fertilization - IVF Treatment

What is IVF Treatment?

For many, becoming a parent is a cherished dream that comes true naturally. However, for some, this dream may feel distant due to infertility challenges. In such cases, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can provide a solution. IVF involves collecting mature eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment, and then transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus to initiate pregnancy.

Tests Required Before IVF

Before starting IVF treatment, several important tests are conducted to ensure the best chances of success:

Ovarian Reserve Testing: Assesses the quality and quantity of available eggs.
Semen Analysis: Conducted for the male partner to evaluate sperm health.
Infectious Disease Screening: Performed for both partners to ensure overall health.
Uterine Cavity Examination: Checks the health and structure of the uterus to ensure it’s ready for embryo implantation.

Precautions to Consider During IVF Treatment:

Take injections and medications consistently as prescribed.
Refrain from sexual intercourse after 6-7 days of starting the injections.
Steer clear of smoking, alcohol, and habit-forming substances.
Avoid lifting heavy weights or engaging in activities that may increase intra-abdominal pressure.
Follow a balanced and healthy diet plan.
Practice stress management techniques to support your treatment.

What are the different steps involved in an IVF cycle?

An IVF cycle involves a series of carefully planned steps, each aimed at maximizing the likelihood of successful fertilization and implantation. These steps include ovarian stimulation, monitoring follicle development, egg retrieval, laboratory fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer. Throughout the process, fertility specialists provide expert guidance and support, ensuring that each step is optimized to enhance your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.

The treatment begins on day 2 of the menstrual cycle, and the embryo transfer typically occurs between day 15 to 19 if it’s a fresh embryo transfer. Hormonal injections to stimulate the development of multiple follicles in the ovaries start from the second day of menstruation. These injections are usually administered for 10-12 days. Patients may experience mild abdominal discomfort, nausea, bloating, or slight pain after 6-7 days of the injections.

Once the follicles mature, the eggs are retrieved from the woman, and a semen sample is collected from the male on the same day. The eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish, allowing the sperm to fertilize the eggs. The resulting embryos are cultured in the lab for 3-5 days. After this, any frozen embryos are transferred into the uterus. Following the embryo transfer, the patient receives hormonal support through oral tablets and vaginal injections for the next 12-15 days. If pregnancy is achieved, the hormonal medication continues for up to 10-12 weeks of gestation.

When to Consider Ovarian Stimulation with IVF?

Ovarian stimulation with IVF is recommended for women with low ovarian reserve, advanced maternal age, irregular ovulation, or those who need to retrieve multiple eggs for fertilization. It is also suitable for couples planning fertility preservation or using donor eggs. The goal is to produce several mature eggs in one cycle to increase the chances of creating healthy embryos for transfer.

How Ovarian Stimulation is done with IVF?

Ovarian stimulation in IVF involves daily hormonal injections of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) for 8 to 14 days to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These hormones, naturally produced in the body, are administered in higher doses to promote the development of several follicles. In some cases, medications are given before stimulation to prepare the ovaries. The progress is closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds. Once the follicles are mature, a trigger shot is given to induce final egg maturation, and eggs are retrieved for fertilization in the lab. This process increases the number of quality embryos available for transfer and storage, boosting IVF success rates.

IVF with Ovarian Stimulation has a 40% to 55% success rate per cycle, depending on age, ovarian response, and individual fertility factors.

Benefits of IVF

Panacea Fertility Center offers a ray of hope for couples experiencing infertility.
Some of the key benefits of IVF include:

Increased Chances of Pregnancy: IVF significantly improves the chances of conception for couples struggling with infertility.
Use of Donor Eggs or Sperm: IVF allows for the option of using donated eggs or sperm if necessary.
Genetic Screening: Enables the screening of embryos for genetic disorders before implantation.
Control Over Timing: IVF provides flexibility, allowing families to plan their pregnancy around personal and financial considerations.

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