If you look at the past century and compare that to the present, we have a different definition for infertility. In the last hundred years, we have developed technologies that have changed what was earlier known knowledge of fertilization and childbirth. IVF or In-vitro fertilization techniques revolutionized the world of reproductive medicine by helping to achieve the process of fusion of the egg and sperm cell outside the female womb by creating an artificial feasible environment. There are many reasons that people nowadays opt for IVF technologies to get pregnant. Couples having difficulty in conceiving due to low sperm count or abnormalities in sperm shape and motility, unsuitable uterus environment, reduced fertility in women over the age of 40, or some other factors seek professional help. Even homosexual couples and single parents need clinical help to make a baby. This is where IVF comes into play. Parents may also opt for IVF if they are concerned about passing on a genetic disorder like sickle cell Anemia, thalassemia to their children. The embryos can be tested for genetic abnormalities in a medical lab. After that, a doctor only implants embryos that are free of genetic defects.
Procedure to carry out IVF :
- Stimulation
In normal circumstances, the pituitary gland which sits at the base of the brain secretes a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which ripens just one follicle present in the ovaries. For IVF, FSH is administered to the female for levels that are higher than the natural which then triggers the maturation of many follicles in the ovary so they ultimately produce a number of eggs. The chances of producing a viable embryo are increased when several eggs are used.
- Egg retrieval/ follicular aspiration
The multiple eggs are then retrieved just before ovulation would occur while the female is under anesthesia through aspirating needle that is guided by ultrasound. A needle will be guided through your vaginal canal, into your ovary, and into an egg-containing follicle using an ultrasound wand. The needle will suction the egg from the follicles for the further process.
- Insemination
Most sperm cells in a semen sample are given by the male partner in the lab. Thousands of sperm cells and the egg are now placed in a Petri dish for the fertilization to occur naturally over a few hours. But doctors also use CSI if there is a problem with the quality of the sperm and it cannot fertilize the egg. ICSI refers to Intracytoplasmic sperm injection where with the help of a needle a single sperm is placed inside the egg to carry out fertilization.
- Embryo Culture
After fertilization, the embryos are then verified and checked for genetic stability. Either they are frozen and stored for later attempted pregnancies or they are implanted into the uterus of the mother or a surrogate if the biological mother’s uterus is not apt to carry the baby for the next 40 weeks due to a history of miscarriages and still-births or because of the mother’s age is more than 40.
- Transfer
A common convention is to transfer the embryo after 3 days of fertilization when it is at an eight-celled stage or it can be transferred into the uterus after 5 days of fertilization when it is called a blastula and has hundreds of cells. A thin tube called a catheter is inserted into your vagina, through your cervix, and into your uterus during the procedure. The embryo is then implanted into your uterus by your doctor.
Infertility is a complex problem that affects up to 15% of couples who are attempting to start a family.
In India, the success rate of IVF is between 30 and 35 percent. In young women, the average IVF success rate is about 40% worldwide. Women under the age of 35 have a higher chance of success than older women. As the age increases, the chances of success go down. As a result, most women over the age of 40 depend on donor eggs. Other factors affecting IVF success rates are caused by the type of infertility for example diminished ovarian reserve where the ovary loses its reproductive potential, has been associated with lesser pregnancy rates following IVF treatment. Underweight or overweight women can also be associated with a negative effect on the IVF outcome. Along with this lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption or excessive smoking by either male or the female partner can significantly reduce the success of IVF treatment.
IVF labs including the doctors and technicians also play a crucial role in carrying out the complete process for the fertilization. This requires a containment-free environment in the laboratories and skilled personnel. Therefore choosing the right fertility clinic that offers IVF treatment with advanced technology and ensures that the best service is provided to the patients is the most important step of all to ensure the success of IVF treatment.
Every woman dreams of enjoying the joy of becoming a mother. Every couple should get to know the delight of parenthood. Put your hesitations aside to seek medical help for this. Dr. Kaushiki Dwivedee is a very well-known IVF high profile and qualified infertility specialist in Gurgaon with a global presence. One of the best ivf doctor in Gurgaon city and is known for her enviable record in in-vitro fertilization and implantation of embryos. She believes in helping the people rather than treating her patients. Her patient base expands as far and wide as India, Australia, and the UK. Her services are utilized by the Australian Government at regular intervals. She has 23 years of rich clinical experience in the field of fertility treatment, Gynaecology treatment, Advanced Laparoscopy including complicated hysterectomy and ovarian surgeries.
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