A type of assisted reproductive method, In-Vitro Fertilisation, involves extracting eggs from your ovaries and fertilising them with sperm. The possibility of achieving a successful pregnancy is increased by allowing the fertilised egg to mature in a safe environment for a few days before injecting it into the woman’s uterus. The best infertility clinic in Bangalorecollects mature eggs and fertilises them using sperm in a lab.
The fertilised embryo gets transferred to the uterus, and pregnancy is achieved. One full IVF cycle takes at least three weeks with minimal side effects. However, these steps are divided into several procedures that might take longer.
Why is it performed?
IVF helps with a range of infertility conditions. Women who have blocked, damaged, or missing fallopian tubes or men with sperm abnormalities can consider this treatment. It also includes cases like unexplained infertility and those who could not conceive with other treatments. The process typically involves initial assessments, medication to stimulate egg development, egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.
You may also opt for specialised services like pre-implantation genetic testing and cryopreservation.
Process in brief
Before starting with the IVF treatment, blood work and other tests are done. The best fertility specialist in Bangalore puts the female on appropriate medication to manipulate the natural menstrual cycle. The treatment starts at the beginning of her period. A transvaginal scan allows the doctor to determine the size of the ovaries and identify any cysts that may be present. The following is the process:
1. Ovulation
In the first step, you are prescribed fertility drugs to stimulate the production of eggs. The process requires multiple eggs, which are extracted from your ovaries. The specialists take your blood samples to monitor your hormone levels and perform a transvaginal ultrasound to check the ovaries.
2. Egg collection
It is a small surgery where the doctor uses a thin needle through the vagina to extract eggs from the follicles. Before this ultrasound procedure, you are given medications to make you comfortable. After the extraction, you experience cramping, which typically subsides within a day.
3. Sperm retrieval
The male produces a sperm sample prepared for fusing with the eggs.
4. Insemination
The collected sperm and eggs are placed in a laboratory dish in a lab. The embryologist places a single viable egg with approximately 10,000 healthy sperm in each culture dish in special incubators for up to 24 hours to facilitate fertilisation. In severe male infertility cases, the embryologist inseminates the egg with a healthy sperm using a special needle. You may also opt for Intrauterine Insemination, where the sperm is washed and implanted in the uterus via a catheter.
Fertility specialists often elect IUI treatment before they consider alternative invasive or expensive fertility treatments. You may require fertility drugs to ensure the release of eggs during ovulation.
5. Embryo implantation
Embryo transfer usually occurs a few days after egg retrieval. You may receive a mild sedative. The procedure is usually painless. However, you might feel some mild cramping. During the transfer, the doctor inserts a catheter through your vagina up to your uterus. The catheter’s end has a syringe which contains one or more embryos suspended in a small amount of fluid. The doctor places them into your uterus as part of the IVF process.
You are advised to rest for the remainder of the day. Women who undergo IVF treatment for pregnancy may need to take daily shots or pills of the progesterone hormone for eight to 12 weeks to prevent miscarriage after seven to nine weeks of the embryo transfer. The doctor performs a pregnancy test roughly 12 to 14 days after embryo transfer. If it is positive, you can rest assured and share your happiness with your family.
Conclusion
It is best to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and other activities that involve or may involve jarring motions. To increase the chances of success, follow the doctor’s instructions for taking prescribed medicines and avoid alcohol consumption and smoking. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who ensure that you are supported through each step of your fertility journey, as it can have ups and downs. A negative test does not bring it to an end.
The doctor gives you an honest assessment of whether to undergo further fertility treatments. Together, you can decide on your next steps, whether it is pursuing other fertility options or another IVF treatment cycle.
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