Infertility is a sensitive issue burdening millions of couples across the globe. But with advancement in medical science, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has indeed come as a ray of hope for the infertile lot. This process involves fertilizing an egg outside the body and then implanting the embryo into the uterus, thus resulting in a probable pregnancy.
What is IVF?
IVF is a method of intricate chain of procedures that can assist and aid infertility to conceive a child. The process is done by stimulating the ovaries for the production of eggs, retrieval, and then fertilizing them in the lab with sperm. When the embryo reaches maturity, it will be transferred to the uterus. When the implantation occurs successfully in the uterine lining, then pregnancy occurs.
Who Can Benefit from IVF?
When the causes of infertility are related to couples, under the following conditions, doctors usually recommend IVF:
- Blocked or destroyed fallopian tubes
- Causes associated with the male partner, for example, low sperm count or motility
- Ovulation-related issues
- Failed attempts to conceive following several years
- Women with uterine fibroids
- Individuals who suffer from a genetic disease that they do not wish to pass down to their children
The IVF Process
- Stimulation of Ovaries: Drugs are administered to stimulate the ovaries to release more than one egg.
- Egg Retrieval: When the eggs have matured, they are retrieved through minimally invasive surgery.
- Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are mixed with sperms in the laboratory. These combine to result in the formation of embryos.
- Embryo Transfer: After 3-5 days, the healthy embryo(s) is transferred to the uterus.
- Pregnancy Test: After a couple of weeks, a pregnancy test is conducted to confirm if the procedure has been successful.
Why IVF?
IVF gives true hope for successful conception for couples even in conditions where all other treatments have failed. With the developing technology, a successful pregnancy becomes possible if genetic testing is done. Additionally, IVF can be emotional and pricey but gives the chance to couples who are so ambitious that they are willing to attempt for a child.
If you also are one of those who are concerned about infertility issues, call Dr. Sonu Balhara to know whether IVF is appropriate for you.