In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body in a lab. The fertilized egg (embryo) is then transferred into the woman’s uterus to achieve pregnancy. IVF may be recommended for couples who have been unable to conceive through other means, such as infertility caused by blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, male infertility, or genetic disorders.
Related: Common Symptoms of Infertility That You Might Be Ignoring
The IVF process typically involves several steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo development, and embryo transfer. The success rate of IVF varies depending on a number of factors, such as the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and the quality of the embryos. IVF is a complex and costly procedure, and it is important to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and limitations with a doctor.
Why it’s done?
IVF treatment is done to help couples who are struggling with infertility to conceive.
A variety of factors can contribute to infertility, including:
Blocked fallopian tubes: If the fallopian tubes are blocked, it can prevent the egg from reaching the uterus for fertilization.
Endometriosis: This is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and making it difficult to conceive.
Male infertility: Issues with sperm count, motility, or quality can prevent natural conception.
Ovulatory disorders: Conditions that disrupt ovulation can make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant.
Unexplained infertility: In some cases, despite normal results from infertility tests, couples may still struggle to conceive.
IVF can be used to bypass these infertility issues by directly fertilizing the egg outside of the body in a laboratory. This can increase the chances of successful pregnancy and childbirth.
Be Prepared
To prepare for IVF, it is important to:
Consult with a specialist: Schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist to discuss your medical history, current health status, and the specific reasons for your infertility.
Follow a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and reducing stress can improve the chances of a successful IVF cycle.
Stop certain medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be stopped prior to the IVF cycle. Your doctor will advise you on which medications to stop and for how long.
Track menstrual cycle: Keeping track of your menstrual cycle and ovulation can help your doctor determine the best time for the embryo transfer.
Consider lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding exposure to toxins can also improve the chances of a successful IVF cycle.
Consider genetic testing: Your doctor may recommend genetic testing for you and your partner to identify any potential genetic issues that could affect the success of the IVF cycle.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and to keep all scheduled appointments during the IVF process. Good communication with your doctor and support from your loved ones can also help you feel more confident and prepared throughout the process.
Age matters
Age can play a significant role in the success of IVF. Women’s fertility naturally declines as they get older, and this decline accelerates after the age of 35. As a result, older women may have a lower chance of success with IVF and may need to use more cycles to achieve pregnancy. Additionally, older women are also more likely to have embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, which can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage.
That being said, every woman’s situation is unique, and some women may still be able to conceive naturally or through IVF even in their late 30s and early 40s. It’s important to discuss your individual situation and fertility goals with a specialist to determine the best course of action for you.
There are chances to have multiple pregnancies with IVF
Yes, there is a higher chance of having multiple pregnancies with IVF compared to natural conception. This is because during IVF, multiple embryos may be transferred into the uterus to increase the chances of pregnancy. If more than one embryo implants and develops, it can result in multiple pregnancies, such as twins, triplets, or more.
Multiple pregnancies carry a higher risk of complications for both the mother and the infants, including premature birth, low birth weight, and gestational diabetes. For this reason, most fertility clinics will aim to transfer a limited number of embryos, typically one or two, to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.
It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of multiple embryo transfer with your doctor, as well as your goals for the number of embryos to be transferred. Your doctor will take into consideration factors such as your age, medical history, and the quality of the embryos when making recommendations.
IVF results
The success of IVF can vary depending on a number of factors, including the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and the quality of the embryos. On average, the live birth rate for each IVF cycle is around 40% for women under the age of 35. This rate decreases as the woman’s age increases.
It’s also important to note that not all IVF cycles result in pregnancy, and some may require multiple cycles before a pregnancy is achieved. The success rate for each individual cycle may also be affected by factors such as the quality of the sperm and eggs, the timing of the embryo transfer, and the woman’s overall health.
Conclusion
It’s important to have realistic expectations for the outcome of IVF and to understand that there are no guarantees. Good communication with your doctor and support from loved ones can help you feel more confident and optimistic throughout the process. Your doctor can also provide more information on the success rates specific to your individual situation.
If you’re considering IVF treatment in Patiala, Punjab, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the best IVF hospital in Patiala, i.e., SRI IVF. We are recognized as the best IVF center in Patiala, with the experience of delivering the best results to thousands of patients. You can book your appointment with us by calling us at+91 78143-61714 or you can WhatsApp us at+91 78143-61714