What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process where eggs are taken from the ovaries and combined with sperm in a laboratory. Once fertilized, the embryos are observed for development and then transferred into the uterus with the aim of achieving pregnancy.
Who requires IVF treatment?
IVF treatment may be recommended for individuals or couples experiencing infertility issues. IVF treatment is an option if you may experience any of the symptoms.
- Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes
- Male Factor Infertility
- Endometriosis
- Ovulation Disorders
- Unexplained Infertility
- Advanced Maternal Age
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Benefits of IVF Treatment:
IVF treatment offers several benefits:
- It improves the chances of pregnancy for couples with fertility issues.
- IVF helps overcome common fertility challenges like blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, and irregular ovulation.
- It enables genetic testing of embryos to check for potential genetic conditions before implantation.
- For individuals or couples who need them, IVF allows the use of donor eggs or sperm.
- It provides options for same-sex couples and single individuals, supporting diverse family structures.
- Embryos can be frozen and used later, offering flexibility for future attempts.
- Single embryo transfers are increasingly used to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies and improve outcomes.
Difference between IVF and IUI (intrauterine insemination)
IVF and IUI are both ways to help people get pregnant, but they work differently:
IVF (In vitro fertilization): In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory setting. Once fertilized, the embryos are observed for development and then transferred into the uterus with the aim of achieving pregnancy.
IUI (Intrauterine insemination): this is a method used to address infertility issues. It increases the likelihood of conception by introducing specially prepared sperm into the uterus, the site where a fetus grows. It is also referred to as artificial insemination.
What are the steps of IVF treatment?
Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation (Superovulation)
Fertility medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Normally, a woman produces one egg per month, but these medications encourage the production of several eggs. women need to have regular ultrasounds to check their ovaries and blood tests to monitor hormone levels.
Step 2: Egg Retrieval
A small procedure is done to collect eggs from the ovaries. You’ll be sedated, and a thin needle is inserted through the vagina to reach and gather the eggs from the ovaries.
You might feel some cramping afterward, but it typically goes away within a day. If no eggs are retrieved, donor eggs might be an option.
Step 3: Insemination and Fertilization
Fertility medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Normally, a woman produces one egg per month, but these medications encourage the production of several eggs. women need to have regular ultrasounds to check their ovaries and blood tests to monitor hormone levels.
Step 4: Embryo Culture
After fertilization is over, the eggs will start to develop into embryos over about 5 days. In some clinics genetic testing to select the healthiest embryos.
Step 5: Embryo Transfer
3 to 5 days after fertilization, embryos are placed into the woman’s uterus. This is done in the doctor’s office while the woman is awake. A thin tube (catheter) is used to place the embryos into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. If an embryo attaches to the uterine lining, it can result in pregnancy. Multiple embryos may be transferred to boost the chances of pregnancy, which could lead to twins or more. Any extra embryos can be frozen for future use or donated.
Complications of IVF Treatment
Multiple Pregnancies:
IVF can lead to twins or triplets, which might cause early birth and health issues for both the mother and babies.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS):
IVF medications can make the ovaries swollen and painful. You might also feel nauseous. In serious cases, it could lead to blood clots.
Ectopic Pregnancy:
The embryo might implant outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube and it requires medical attention.
Miscarriage:
The risk of miscarriage with IVF is similar to natural conception but can increase with age or underlying conditions.
Egg Retrieval Complications:
The procedure to collect eggs might cause bleeding, infection, or damage to the bowel, bladder, or blood vessels.
Why choose kanaa fertility IVF treatment?
At Kanaa Fertility in Chennai, we leverage decades of shared experience and cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology to get to the bottom of your fertility issues. Our IVF treatment in Chennai is designed to address each couple’s unique medical, emotional, and financial needs.
Dr B.Priya Kalyani
MBBS., DGO, DNB (OG)
Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist