In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF, is a series of medical procedures designed to help couples achieve pregnancy. It involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body, creating an embryo which is then transferred back into the uterus for implantation. This process bypasses potential issues with ovulation, fallopian tubes, or semen quality that might hinder natural conception.
Although the desire to have children is a deeply ingrained human instinct, one in six people in the world suffers from infertility problems as of today. In these situations, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) offers a path and a chance to build the family they’ve always dreamed of. This blog will help you understand the process of IVF, specifically for couples who are seeking clarity and understanding of this potential solution.
What is In Vitro Fertilization or IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF, is a series of medical procedures designed to help couples achieve pregnancy. It involves fertilizing an egg outside the body, creating an embryo which is then transferred back into the uterus for implantation. This process bypasses potential issues with ovulation, fallopian tubes, or sperm quality that might hinder natural conception.
Who Might Choose IVF?
For the best result, women may get IVF if they’ve been trying to get pregnant naturally for years. They may also get it if they’ve tried different fertility treatments.
- Women over the age of 40: Women who have fewer eggs and the quality of their eggs may decrease as they are older.
- Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes: If sperm can’t reach eggs due to blocked or damage of fallopian tubes
- Reduced Ovarian Function: If your ovaries aren’t producing enough eggs or hormones for pregnancy
- Endometriosis: If tissue grows outside the uterus and interferes in pregnancy.
- Uterine Fibroids: If tumors grow in the uterus and block implantation.
- Male infertility: Such as low sperm count or abnormalities in sperm shape
- Unexplained Infertility: Even after evaluation, no clear cause is found for the infertility.
- Genetic disease prevention: IVF can be used to screen embryos for genetic disorders, allowing parents to only implant healthy embryos.
The step by step IVF Process
IVF PROCESS
In vitro fertilization is the most effective type of fertility treatment that involves the handling of eggs or embryos and sperm. Together, this group of treatments is called assisted reproductive technology.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Fertility medications kickstart the process by encouraging the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, significantly increasing the chances of successful fertilization.
- Egg Retrieval: A minimally invasive outpatient procedure where mature eggs are carefully collected from the ovaries using a guided needle.
- Semen Preparation: The male partner provides a semen sample, which is then analyzed and prepared to optimize semen quality and motility for fertilization.
- CO – Incubation: After collecting eggs are from ovaries and fertilized by semen in a lab, fertilized eggs (now called embryos) are nurtured in a controlled environment that mimics the fallopian tubes, allowing for optimal development.
- Embrio Transfer: Once healthy embryos reach a specific stage, they are carefully transferred back into the woman’s uterus for potential implantation and pregnancy.
- Pregnancy: A period of anticipation follows the embryo transfer. A pregnancy test is typically conducted to determine if implantation has been successful.
IVF Success Rate
IVF success rates usually get lower as the age of the person whose eggs are being used increases. In preliminary data for 2021, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) reported the following numbers of live births per intended egg retrieval across age groups spanning from under 35 to over 42 years of age
| Age |
Live Births Per Egg Retrieval (All Embryo Transfers) |
|---|---|
|
Under age 35 |
44.5% |
|
Ages 35-37 |
32.4% |
|
Ages 38-40 |
20.2% |
|
Ages 41-42 |
9.6% |
|
Over age 42 |
2.9% |
Source: Forbes Health. IVF success rates using donor eggs are usually higher compared to older patients using their own eggs, assuming the donor eggs were from a younger woman. It’s also important to remember that the risks to both the mother and the baby are higher when the mother is older at the time of pregnancy.
IVF Success Rate
IVF Risks and Complications
IVF carries some risks, mainly due to the medications and procedures used to stimulate and retrieve eggs. These include:
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This is when your ovaries become overstimulated by fertility drugs, causing them to swell and leak fluid. In rare cases (less than 1%), OHSS can be life-threatening.
- Blood Clots: There’s a slightly increased risk of blood clots after egg retrieval.
- Infection: Infection is a possible complication of any medical procedure.
- Bleeding: There’s a small chance of abdominal bleeding after egg retrieval.
- Ovarian Torsion: This is a twisting of the ovary that can disrupt blood flow. It’s a rare complication.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to the medications used in IVF.
- Anesthesia Complications: As with any surgery using anesthesia, there are some small risks involved.
IVF pregnancies may also have a higher risk of certain complications:
- High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: Conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are more likely with IVF pregnancies.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Around 2% of IVF pregnancies implant outside the uterus, which is a serious condition.
- Heterotopic Pregnancy: This is very rare (1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000 IVF pregnancies) and occurs when one embryo implants in the uterus and another implants outside.
- Placenta Previa: The placenta can implant too close to the cervix, which can cause complications during delivery.
- Placental Abruption: This is when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall too early, which can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients.
- Low Birth Weight and Premature Birth: Babies conceived through IVF are slightly more likely to be born early or with a low birth weight.
IVF Treatment Cost
Although the science behind it is fascinating, the cost of IVF is not specified. This part of the blog will explain the different cost components of an IVF cycle, helping you make informed decisions about your fertility journey.
Understanding the Cost Structure
IVF involves more than just the procedure itself. The overall cost can be broken down into several parts, each with its variable factors:
- Facility Fees: These fees cover the expertise and resources provided by the fertility clinic, including monitoring appointments, lab work, and the use of their equipment.
- Medication Costs: Fertility medications are crucial for IVF, stimulating egg production and preparing the uterus for pregnancy. The specific medications and their dosages will depend on your individual needs, impacting the overall cost.
- Additional Procedures: Depending on your situation, additional procedures like Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be recommended. These add-ons will factor into the final cost.
Beyond the Basics
It’s important to remember that there can be unforeseen circumstances that may influence the cost. These can include:
- The Number of IVF Cycles: Unfortunately, success doesn’t always come with the first attempt. Be prepared for the possibility of needing multiple cycles to achieve pregnancy.
- Storage Fees: If you choose to freeze embryos for future use, there will be ongoing storage costs associated with them.
- Geographical Location: The cost of IVF can vary depending on the location of the clinic.
What do you do to prepare for IVF treatment
Before starting IVF, you and your partner will need some checkups and tests. This will involve:
- IVF Consultation: Meeting with doctors to discuss the IVF process.
- Your Health Check: This might include a uterine exam, Pap test (if over 40), mammogram (if over 40), and tests for your ovaries, blood, and urine.
- Tests for your Partner: This will likely include a semen analysis.
- Checking for Infections: This includes sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other illnesses.
- Genetic Testing (Optional): This can identify potential risks for your future children.
- Learning about Medication: You’ll be shown how to use fertility medication
- Signing Paperwork: You’ll need to give consent to proceed with treatment.
- Preparing Your Uterus: Your doctor might recommend a hysteroscopy or SIS to check the lining of your uterus.
- Taking Folic Acid: You’ll likely start taking this vitamin at least three months before embryo transfer.
How Troika Aid Can Help You?
We understand the complexities of IVF and the emotional weight it can carry. Troika Aid is here to simplify the process and provide the support you deserve.
Free Second Opinion: Get expert advice to ensure you’re on the right path.
Personalized Treatment Protocol: We tailor a plan to fit your unique needs.
In-House Doctor: We have an in-house doctor who assists us in finding the perfect clinic based on your medical history.
29 Years of Healthcare Experience: We leverage our deep industry knowledge for your success.
Start your IVF journey with confidence. Contact Troika Aid today!
