IVF :

WHO MIGHT NEED IVF TREATMENT?

IVF can be used to treat a variety of infertility issues, including: 

• Couples experiencing infertility due to medical conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, pelvic diseases, uterine fibroids, and poor egg quality and quantity.
• Infertility due to medical conditions in the male partner, such as poor sperm quality or low sperm count
• Couples with unexplained infertility.
• Cervical mucus problems or other problems with the cervix.
• Erectile dysfunction, where one of the partners is not able to get or sustain an erection or ejaculate.
• Genetic conditions or issues.
• Couples who wish to have children at the age of 40.
• A desire to preserve fertility due to cancer or other health conditions.
• Semen allergy, which is a rare condition where the individual is allergic to their partner's semen, leading to burning sensation, redness, and swelling in the vagina.

PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS

Before undergoing an IVF procedure, the couple must undergo specific investigations to determine their fertility status. Women will have to take particular blood tests to determine their Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level and undergo an ultrasound to examine the uterus. On the other hand, men will have to undergo sperm testing to analyze the quality and quantity of sperm.

IVF PROCEDURE

The primary goal of the IVF procedure is to help couples with infertility conditions to have children. The IVF process is explained as a five-step process, including Stimulation, Egg Retrieval, Insemination, Embryo Culture, and Transfer.

1. STIMULATION : During a woman's menstrual cycle, she typically produces one egg, but multiple eggs are required for the IVF process. As a result, the female is put on fertility medications to enhance the quality and quantity of the eggs. The specialist monitors the production of eggs through an ultrasound and decides on the appropriate time for egg retrieval.
2. EGG RETRIEVAL: Egg retrieval is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia. The specialist uses ultrasound as a guide and inserts a thin needle with a suction attached to it through the vagina into the ovary and egg-containing follicle to retrieve the eggs. The eggs are then secured in a sterile environment. The female may experience mild cramping during this procedure, but medications and anesthesia are administered to reduce the discomfort.
3. INSEMINATION: The male partner is asked to provide semen samples, which are then combined with the egg retrieved in an optimal environment. If this fails to produce an embryo, the medical specialist may decide to perform ICSI. During ICSI, the doctor injects the sperm directly into the egg. ICSI is a part of the IVF process.
4. EMBRYO CULTURE: After the fusion process, the specialist carefully monitors the development of embryos in the laboratory and decides on the right time to transfer them.
5. TRANSFER: When the embryo is fully developed (which may take up to 3 to 5 days after the fusion of egg and sperm), the specialist transfers it into the uterus using a thin long tube called a catheter, which is inserted through the vagina, past the cervix and into the uterus. This process is simple and safe and does not require any anesthesia.

Pregnancy may occur after the embryo implants itself into the uterus, which typically takes 6 to 10 days. A blood test is performed to confirm the pregnancy.

POST-OPERATIVE SYMPTOMS/ AFTER THE PROCEDURE

IVF is a safe procedure and does not hold any potential complications. The majority of women return to their regular activities within 24 hours. However, there are specific mild symptoms that one can experience after the procedure or transfer. These symptoms include:

• Headache
• Spotting
• Constipation
• Mild bloating and cramping
• Breast tenderness due to high estrogen levels.

COMPLICATIONS/RISKS OF IVF

IVF is generally safe, but there are some rare complications that may occur, including:

• Infection: There is a rare chance of infection.
• Multiple pregnancy: There is a chance of the patient conceiving with twins or triplets.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): This is a rare side effect seen along with IVF, caused by taking too much fertility medication. This condition may lead to swollen and painful ovaries.
• Ectopic pregnancy: This is a condition where the embryo implants outside the uterus.
• Bleeding, infection, or damage to the bowels or bladder is a rare complication.
• Premature delivery: There is a slightly higher risk of early delivery and a baby with a low birth rate.

ADVANTAGES OF IVF

• Ability to select healthier embryos for implantation 
• Reduced chance of miscarriage compared to other fertility procedures
• Option to use donated eggs or sperm
• Ability to observe embryonic development
• High success rate of pregnancy
• Increased chance of pregnancy for men and women with underlying medical conditions
• Ability for older couples to conceive
• Ability for individuals to preserve their embryos due to health conditions.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SURGEON AND HOSPITAL FOR IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION

Several factors should be considered when selecting a surgeon for In-Vitro Fertilization. These include the specialist's experience, training, certification, positive reviews, and references. It is also advisable to choose a hospital that is well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is easily accessible to minimize travel time. Considering the experiences of individuals who have undergone treatment for a particular condition can also help in making decisions about treatment or surgery options and can lead to better outcomes.

Skedoc can assist you in finding information on the best fertility specialists and hospitals/clinics. It can also make it easier to select the right doctor for the right advice.