In–Vitro–Fertilization

In today’s time In Vitro Fertilization is one of the most common and effective techniques that can help in improving your chances of getting pregnant.

In–Vitro–Fertilization - Overview

In today’s time In Vitro Fertilization is one of the most common and effective techniques that can help in improving your chances of getting pregnant. The process involves fertilizing an egg outside your body, in a laboratory, and then implanting it in your uterus. In order to make IVF successful, your participation and the participation of your physician, nurses and embryologists require close coordination. The timing of medication is critical, and close monitoring with ultrasound is required.

In–Vitro–Fertilization - Symptoms

Some symptoms of IVF are :-

Mild Cramping
Mild Bloating
Constipation
Breast Tenderness

In–Vitro–Fertilization - Pre-Procedure

After you decide you go for the process of IVF, you will meet with a nurse and you will receive a medication log and a calendar outlining the treatment. In many cases, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) will be prescribed to you in the cycle, prior to the treatment. The purpose of the OCP is to reduce the chances that an ovarian cyst will be present at the time of the treatment.

Before starting the cycle of IVF, you and your partner are likely to go for various screenings, including :-

Ovarian reserve testing:- it is done to determine the quality and quantity of your eggs, your doctor might test the concentration of FSH. Estradiol and anti-mullerian hormone in your blood during the first few days of your menstrual cycle. Test results that are often used together with an ultrasound of your ovaries, can help to predict how your ovaries will respond to the fertility medication.
Semen Analysis:- If this is not done as a part of your initial fertility evaluation, then your doctor will conduct a semen analysis before starting your IVF treatment cycle.
Infectious Disease Screening:– You and your partner both will be screened for infectious diseases, including HIV.
Mock Embryo Transfer:- Your doctor might conduct a mock embryo transfer to determine how deep your uterine cavity is and with the technique, they are most likely to place the embryos into your uterus.
Uterine Exam:- With this your doctor will examine the inside lining of the uterus before they start the IVF. It might include hysterography – where the fluid is injected through the cervix into your uterus. An ultrasound that creates the images of your uterine cavity and a hysteroscopy where a thin, flexible lighted telescope is inserted in your uterus through the vagina and cervix.

In–Vitro–Fertilization - During Procedure

There are 5 steps involved in IVF:-

STIMULATION:- Usually a woman produces one egg during each menstrual cycle. However, in IVF it requires multiple eggs. Multiple eggs increase the chances of developing a viable embryo. They’ll give you fertility drugs to increase the number of eggs produced by your body. During this, your doctor will perform regular blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the production of eggs and to know when you can retrieve them.
Egg Retrieval:– It is known as Follicular Aspiration. It’s a surgical process that is performed with anesthesia. Your doctor will use an ultrasound wand to guide a needle through your vagina, into your ovary, and into an egg-containing follicle. The needle will suction eggs and fluid out of each follicle.
Insemination:- Now in this process, the male partner is supposed to give a semen sample. A technician will mix the sperm with the eggs in a petri dish. If that doesn’t produce embryos, your doctor may decide to use ICSI.
Embryo Culture:– Here your doctor will monitor the fertilized eggs to ensure that they are dividing and developing.
Transfer:– So when the embryos are big enough, they can be planted. This normally occurs within three to five days after the process of fertilization. Implantation involves inserting a thin tube called a catheter which is inserted into your vagina, past your cervix, and into your uterus. Your doctor then releases the embryo into your uterus.

Pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants itself in the uterine wall. This can take 6 to 10 days. A blood test will confirm if you’re pregnant.

In–Vitro–Fertilization - Post-Procedure

After the embryo is transferred, you can resume your normal daily activities. However, your ovaries may still be enlarged. Consider avoiding vigorous activity, which can cause discomfort. If you develop moderate or severe pain after the embryo transfer, you should contact your doctor. He or she will evaluate you for complications such as infection, twisting of an ovary (ovarian torsion) and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.