In vitro literally means outside the body of a living organism. The term in vitro fertilization refers to the fertilization of the human egg and sperm outside the human body (in a test-tube or controlled environment) to form an embryo. In vitro fertilization is a highly advanced, multi-step, well-timed procedure that requires experienced handling. The advent of in vitro fertilization has proved to be a miracle for those who cannot conceive a child due to certain physical and pathological problems. In vitro fertilization is the most common form of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) wherein medical knowledge and surgical skills are combined to yield a specialized procedure.
What is the principle of an In vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure ?
Under normal circumstances, an egg and a sperm fertilize to form an embryo in a woman’s womb (uterus). If the fertilization is successful the embryo attaches to the uterine wall, continues to grow and a baby is born after nine months. This is a natural form of conceiving a child.
Under certain circumstances if the egg and the sperm are not able to fertilize and attach to the wall of uterus, In vitro fertilization a form of assisted reproductive technology can be used to help in pregnancy. The principle behind in vitro fertilization is the fertilization of a sperm and an egg to form an embryo outside the human body, under controlled environment. This embryo is then transferred to the uterus via special techniques where it attaches to the wall of the uterus and leads to growth of the embryo.
Why is In vitro fertilization (IVF) done?
In vitro fertilization is an advanced procedure to help a woman get pregnant who is affected with infertility problems. In vitro fertilization is considered as a treatment under the presence of below mentioned conditions.
- Advancing age (maternal age)
- Disorders of ovulation ( fewer egg production or complete absence of eggs)
- Blockage of fallopian tubes
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Previous history of tubal ligation
- Ovarian pathology
- Cancer of the ovaries, uterus and cervix
- Genetic conditions
- Unexplained infertility
- Male infertility as reduced sperm count, motility and blockage
If you and your partner are affected with or experiencing any of the above mentioned problems and want to conceive a child, it is advised to consult with a obstetrician and a gynecologist, preferably a specialist who is trained in, in vitro fertilization to explain to you the risks, benefits and suitability of the procedure for you.
How do you know if In vitro fertilization (IVF) is suitable for you and your partner?
In vitro fertilization is a complex multi-step procedure which requires precision at each step. If you want to adopt in vitro fertilization as a method for assisted reproduction, the treating specialist will conduct a series of examination including physical, overall health, analysis of signs and symptoms guided by an ultrasonography to determine if the procedure is suitable for you.
How is In vitro fertilization (IVF) performed?
In vitro fertilization as mentioned earlier is a highly sophisticated which is done in the below mentioned steps at a specialists clinic or a hospital. If the doctor and you decide to go for an in vitro fertilization procedure the following steps are followed.
- Induction of ovulation: During this initial step the doctor will advise the woman to start with hormones like progesterone, also called as fertility medicines to boost the egg production by the ovaries. In women after every menstrual cycle one egg is produced per month normally. When fertility medicines are administered they increase the production of eggs per month. To monitor the ovulation routine blood investigations to check the hormone levels and vaginal ultrasound examinations are done.
- Egg retrieval: This is the second step where the eggs produced are retrieved from the woman body via a minor surgical procedure. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and sedatives so the patient does not feel any pain. Ultrasound imaging is used as a guide an a fine needle (specially designed for egg retrieval ) is inserted through the vagina into the ovarian sacs which contain the eggs. This needle is usually fitted with a suction device which helps in retrieval of the eggs from the follicles.
- Insemination: Your partner’s sperm or a sperm from selected donor is placed in a controlled environment with the best egg retrieved and analyzed during the egg retrieval procedure. If you have a family history of genetic disorders a genetic counseling and genetic analysis is advised before fertilization is done.
- Fertilization: A sperm usually inseminates the egg in a controlled environment after a few hours. Insemination of sperm into the egg leads to fertilization. If due to certain conditions the sperm cannot inseminate the egg, the doctors artificially inject the sperm into the egg during a procedure called as intra cytoplasmic sperm injection.
- Formation of embryo and culture: After fertilization of the egg division starts and it is now called an embryo. The cells in the embryo start dividing and in about five to six days appropriate numbers of cells are formed in an embryo. It is then ready for transfer to the woman’s uterus for further division and implantation.
- Transfer of the embryo: After adequate number of cell divisions in the embryo, the embryo is transferred into the uterus of the woman via the vagina. This step is done in a specialty clinic and usually does not require the administration of anesthesia. A catheter (a special tube) is used to transfer the embryo from the culture plate/tube to the womb via the vagina and the cervix. More than one embryo can be transferred at a time which can lead to birth of twins, triplets or more.
The final step is a successful implantation of the embryo in the wall of the uterus for it to grow further. If implantation does not take place due to certain conditions it can lead to miscarriage.
What happens after the In vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure is complete ?
After the completion of the above steps the woman bearing the embryo is asked to be on complete bed rest for a day to avoid any complications. The doctor will advise the patient to take daily dosage of certain hormones like progesterone as it is essential for the implantation of the embryo on the uterine wall. After two weeks of embryo transfer the patient is asked to get a pregnancy check up done, to confirm the successful implantation of the embryo in the uterine wall.
What are the potential complications of In vitro fertilization (IVF) ?
In vitro fertilization is a procedure which requires precision and close observation at each and every step. If during any of the steps you experience any of the below mentioned symptoms it is essential to consult with your treating doctor immediately.
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Fever above 100.5 degree fahrenheit (F)
- Heavy bleeding from vagina
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
What are the risks of In vitro fertilization (IVF) ?
Several risks associated with an in vitro fertilization include;
- Procedural complications
- Ovarian hyper stimulation
- Multiple births
- Preterm births
- Low birth weight
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy (fertilized egg is transplanted outside the uterus)
- Birth defects due to inappropriate genetic counseling
- Stress and depression
- Ovarian cancer due to excessive hormone administration
It is advised to ask the treating doctor the risks associated with the procedure before making the decision of going through the procedure based on individual assessment.
What is the outcome of In vitro fertilization (IVF) ?
The invention of in vitro fertilization is a hallmark in the field of medicine and surgery helping many women in conceiving a child when either their age, overall health or other issues are a hindrance in a normal pregnancy. In vitro fertilization is a specialized multi-step procedure which requires close monitoring and meticulousness at every step. The success rates are well documented in literature but are also dependent on the age of the woman and her overall health. The prognosis is better for woman under the age of 35 and gradually reduces as a woman approaches the menopausal age. It is essential to seek consultation with an In vitro fertilization expert/specialist to know the risks, benefits and the fitness of the procedure for you for the best possible outcome.
How to find fertility specialists for In vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure ?
Now you can find fertility specialists for In vitro fertilization (IVF) from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple fertility specialists, get cost estimates for In vitro fertilization (IVF) from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a fertility specialist for In vitro fertilization (IVF).
Find, reach and choose a fertility specialist for In vitro fertilization (IVF) on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
