IVF Treatment
Technology has given us many benefits, one of which is the invention of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). The introduction of techniques like IUI, IVF, and ICSI has been a blessing to many infertile individuals and couples who could not get pregnant naturally.
Among these fertility treatments, IVF has a special significance as it has a higher success rate than others. It is the most popular and most preferred method for couples with moderate to major infertility issues.
In this article, we will look deeply into what IVF is, its procedure, its success rate, and many more important topics regarding IVF.
What Is IVF?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a type of assisted reproductive technology. Here, both the egg and sperm are collected from the female and male partners and fertilized in a laboratory.
After fertilization, the embryos are monitored for development, and the best one or two are transferred back into the uterus. Pregnancy occurs if the embryo is implanted and the baby starts developing normally in the uterus.
Why Is IVF Performed?
IVF is an effective fertility treatment that has helped several infertile couples achieve their dream of parenthood. It is usually chosen as a last resort when other fertility treatments like ovulation induction and IUI do not help the couple get pregnant.
Couples can choose to undergo IVF under these conditions:
- They are under 35 and were not able to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse.
- They are above 35 and were not able to conceive after six months of unprotected sexual intercourse.
- Either or both partners have infertility or other health conditions that prevent them from achieving pregnancy.
Below are some of the most common infertility problems that can be treated through IVF.
- Fallopian tube damage or blockages.
- Uterine issues like endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, adhesions, etc.
- Ovulation disorders like PCOS.
- Poor egg quality.
- Low sperm quality or quantity.
- Issues with sperm motility (movement) or morphology (shape).
- Previous surgical procedures that hinder pregnancy.
- Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
- Health conditions that prevent pregnancy.
- Unexplained infertility issues.
How Is IVF Pregnancy Done?
Before you decide to undergo IVF, it is important to understand the procedure and what you will go through to achieve pregnancy. Men usually don’t have much role to play her: they only need to provide sperm.
However, as the female partner, you will participate in three of the five IVF procedures. So, first, understand what happens during the procedure, and then decide if it will be the right choice for you.
The five steps of IVF are
- Ovulation induction
- Egg & sperm retrieval
- Fertilization
- Embryo culture
- Embryo transfer
Ovulation induction
This is the first step of the IVF procedure. You will be given hormonal injections that stimulate your ovaries to produce several mature eggs simultaneously. During these days, your fertility doctor will regularly assess the growth of your egg follicles.
Egg & sperm retrieval
When the eggs are about to ovulate, your doctor will collect the egg follicles from the ovaries. This procedure is called egg retrieval. It is minimally invasive and is done under anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain.
Simultaneously, the sperm will be collected from your partner. The sperm will be washed, and the healthy sperm will be separated from the unhealthy ones.
Fertilization
The eggs and sperm will be placed together in a lab dish overnight for fertilization. If this method does not work, doctors will choose ICSI (a single sperm is injected directly into the egg) for fertilization.
Embryo culture
The fertilized eggs will be kept in an embryo culture and monitored for development. The embryos will also be graded based on their quality and chances of resulting in a successful pregnancy.
Embryo transfer
This is the last step of IVF. Here, the best embryo will be collected in a catheter and inserted into the uterus. You will get pregnant if the embryo implants into the uterine wall and starts developing.
How You Can Prepare
Before starting your IVF procedure, you need to prepare yourself physically and mentally. IVF is a complex procedure, and you need to be in your condition to get through the procedure and become pregnant.
Here are some tips you can follow to prepare for your IVF treatments.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with all essential nutrients.
- Include fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods in your diet.
- Avoid junk, fried, or processed foods.
- Take multivitamin supplements (if prescribed by your doctor).
- Maintain a healthy BMI.
- Limit caffeine intake.
- Quit unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, drugs, etc.
- Do mild exercises regularly ( avoid high-intensity workouts)
How Long Does IVF Take To Get Pregnant?
An average IVF cycle takes around 6–8 weeks to complete, starting from your fertility consultation to the time of your pregnancy test. However, know that the duration of your IVF cycle can differ from others based on your fertility condition.
If you have no serious fertility issues and can start your IVF soon after a fertility consultation, you can complete the process and know your pregnancy results within six weeks.
What Are The Success Rates For IVF?
The success rate of your IVF treatment depends on various factors: your age, fertility, embryo quality, type of embryo transfer, etc. It is not possible to give a definite success rate for your treatment.
However, if you are under 35 with no major infertility issue, you can expect an average success rate of 50–55% in your first cycle. Your success rate will gradually increase during every cycle.
So, don’t lose hope if you lose one cycle. Consult your infertility doctor and try again after some time.
How Much Does IVF Cost?
The total cost of an IVF cycle differs for each hospital. Your fertility doctor will consider your condition, the procedure, and any additional treatments you need to undergo before deciding the cost.
On average, an IVF cycle will cost around INR 80,000 to INR 1,50,000. Consult with your fertility doctor and decide on the treatment plan to get an estimate of your IVF treatment cost.
What Are The Side Effects Of IVF?
IVF is a safe procedure and has very minimal complications. However, like any medical procedure, IVF also has its share of side effects. Most of these side effects are temporary and will disappear after a few days.
Below are some of the most common side effects of IVF.
- Abdominal or pelvic cramps
- Bloating
- Tender breasts
- Mood swings
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Headache
- Slight bleeding
- Chances of infections
You might experience these symptoms anytime during and after your IVF procedure. If you have any of these side effects, don’t delay. Immediately consult your fertility doctor and get the necessary treatments.
How To Choose a Hospital For IVF Treatment?
Are you looking for the best fertility hospital for fertility treatment? Consider these factors before choosing a hospital.
- Choose an accredited hospital with international standards
- Analyze the hospitals’ overall success rate in IVF treatments
- Analyze the treatment cost
- Look into the facilities and infrastructure of the hospital
- Check the location of the hospital and how easily accessible it is from your location
- Look into past patient reviews and testimonials
- Check if the hospital has a reliable support group
How We Care for Our Patients At PFRC?
We try to provide our patients with the best IVF treatment in chennai . With the latest technology equipment and expert fertility specialists, we thoroughly analyze your fertility condition and provide tailored fertility treatments.
We also follow some advanced hi-tech IVF methods that can increase your average IVF success rate to 70–80%. So, don’t search anywhere for your IVF treatments. Contact our hospital and take your first step tp parenthood.
Conclusion
IVF is an effective fertility treatment that can help you achieve pregnancy. Before deciding to undergo the procedure, understand it thoroughly. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of the procedure and decide whether it is the right option for you.
You can also consult your fertility doctor, diagnose the cause of infertility, and decide the next course of action. Whatever choice you make, ensure you are thoroughly informed.
FAQs
An average IVF cycle takes around 6–8 weeks to complete, starting from your fertility consultation to the time of your pregnancy test. However, know that the duration of your IVF cycle can differ from others based on your fertility condition.
You can choose to undergo IVF if you have the following conditions.
Fallopian tube damage or blockages.
Uterine issues like endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, adhesions, etc.
Ovulation disorders like PCOS.
Poor egg or sperm quality.
Issues with sperm volume (count), motility (movement), or morphology (shape).
Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
Unexplained infertility issues.
On average, an IVF cycle will cost around INR 80,000 to INR 1,50,000. Consult with your fertility doctor and decide on the treatment plan to get an estimate of your IVF treatment cost.
Some of the complications associated with IVF treatments are
Premature delivery,
Possibilities of miscarriage,
Ectopic pregnancy (where the egg implants outside the uterus),
Multiple births,
Bleeding,
OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome),
Chromosomal or congenital disabilities, and
Placenta abruption.