IVF

Why is this done?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. If IVF is being done to treat infertility, you and your partner may be able to try less invasive treatment options before IVF, including fertility drugs to increase egg production or intrauterine insemination - a procedure in which sperm are placed directly near the uterus. Placed.

Sometimes, IVF is offered as a primary treatment for infertility in women over 40 years of age. IVF is also done if you have certain health conditions. For example, IVF may be an option if you or your partner have:

• Fallopian tube damage or blockage Fallopian tube damage or blockage makes it difficult for the egg to fertilize or the embryo to move to the uterus.
• Ovulation disorders If ovulation is infrequent or absent, fewer eggs are available for fertilization.
• Endometriosis Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus implants and grows outside the uterus - often affecting the functioning of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.
• Uterine fibroids. Fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus. They are most common in women in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids can interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Sterilization or previous removal of tubes.Tubal ligation is a type of sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked to permanently prevent pregnancy. If you want to get pregnant after a tubal ligation, IVF may be an alternative to tubal reversal surgery
• Impaired sperm production or function. A lower-than-average sperm concentration, poor sperm motility (poor motility), or abnormalities in sperm size and shape can make it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg. If semen abnormalities are found, you may be referred to an infertility specialist to see if there are correctable problems or underlying health concerns.
• Infertility for no reason Unexplained infertility means that no reason for the infertility has been found despite evaluation for common causes.
• A genetic disorder If you or your partner are at risk of passing a genetic disorder to your child, you may be a candidate for preimplantation genetic testing—a procedure that involves IVF. After the eggs are harvested and fertilized, they are screened for specific genetic problems, although not all genetic problems can be found. Embryos that do not contain specific problems can be transferred to the uterus.
• Fertility preservation for cancer or other health conditions. IVF may be an option if you want to start cancer treatment — such as radiation or chemotherapy — that could harm your fertility. Women can have eggs removed from their ovaries and frozen in an unfertilized state for later use. Or the eggs can be fertilized and frozen for future use as embryos.

Women who do not have a functioning uterus or for whom pregnancy poses a serious health risk may choose IVF using someone else to carry the pregnancy (gestational carrier). In this case, the woman's eggs are fertilized with sperm, but the resulting embryos are placed in the uterus of the pregnant woman.

What is the IVF process?

The first step in IVF is to take fertility drugs for several months to help your ovaries produce several mature eggs ready for fertilization. This process is called ovulation induction. You may have regular ultrasounds or blood tests to measure your hormone levels and track your egg production.

Once your ovaries have produced enough mature eggs, your doctor will remove the eggs from your body (this is called egg retrieval). Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed in a doctor's office or at a fertility clinic.

You will receive medicine to help you stay calm and comfortable during the procedure. Using ultrasound to see the inside of your body, the doctor inserts a thin, hollow tube through your vagina into the ovary and the follicles that hold the egg. The needle is attached to a suction device that gently pulls the eggs from each follicle.

In the lab, your eggs are mixed with your partner's or donor's sperm cells, which is called insemination. Egg and sperm are stored together in a special container and fertilization occurs. For sperm that are less motile (also don't swim), they may be injected directly into the eggs to promote fertilization. As the cells from the fertilized eggs divide and develop into embryos, people working in the lab monitor the progress.

About 3-5 days after egg retrieval, 1 or more embryos are placed in your uterus (this is called embryo transfer). The doctor will insert a thin tube into the uterus through the cervix and insert the embryo directly through the tube into the uterus.

Pregnancy occurs when each embryo attaches to the lining of your uterus. Embryo transfer is done in a doctor's office or at a fertility clinic and is usually painless.

Plan to rest the rest of the day after the embryo transfer. You can return to your normal activities the next day. You may also take the pill or inject a hormone called progesterone daily for the first 8 to 10 weeks after the embryo transfer. Hormones make it easier for the fetus to survive in your womb.

What are the complications of IVF?

Like all medications and medical procedures, IVF has some risks and possible side effects. This includes:

• flatulence
• cramps
• breast tenderness
• mood swings
• headaches
• bruising from shots
• allergic reaction to medicines
• bleeding
• infection

Your doctor can discuss any questions or concerns about the risks and side effects of IVF with you.

IVF can also be emotionally difficult, both for the person undergoing the procedure and for their partner and/or family. Many people undergoing IVF treatments struggle with depression and anxiety during the process.

Talking to people who have been through fertility and IVF problems can be really helpful if you're feeling down or hopeless. Online and in-person forums are also great places to meet people who understand what you're going through and can offer advice and support. Counselors and therapists can also be a source of comfort.