In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Treatment Duration
45 - 60 Minutes
IVF Overview
Have you heard about IVF and are curious about the IVF full form and What IVF actually is? Don’t worry! You are at the right place.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Test-Tube Baby is a popular fertility treatment in India, which provides hope and options for couples who are struggling to conceive naturally. Unlike the natural birth process, IVF takes place under lab conditions, and the babies produced by this procedure are known as Test tube babies.
It provides encouragement to individuals who may face various fertility challenges, such as blocked fallopian tubes, male infertility, advanced maternal age, or unexplained infertility.
Keep reading to know more about IVF and how it can help in changing your life.
| Surgery Name | In-Vitro Fertilization |
|---|---|
| Alternative Name | Test Tube Baby |
| Conditions Treated | Infertility or Genetic problems faced by couples. |
| Benefits of the Surgery | Timings of your choice, Increased chances of having a healthy baby, Decreased chances of Miscarriage |
| Treated By | Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, IVF specialist (Reproductive endocrinologist) |
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What is IVF?
Fertilization is a remarkable and intricate process that marks the beginning of a new life. It brings together the genetic material from both parents, determining the unique traits and characteristics of the offspring.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of Assistive Reproductive Technology (ART). It is a complex process that involves retrieving eggs from ovaries and manually combining them with sperm in a lab for fertilization.
Several days after fertilization, the fertilized egg (now called an embryo) is placed inside a uterus. Pregnancy occurs when this embryo implants itself into the uterine wall inside the female body.
Anatomy and Physiology
Human fertilisation is the union of a human egg and sperm, which occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube.
Sperms are attracted to a naturally occurring hormone in a woman’s body, named progesterone.
The fertilisation of the male sperm and female egg results in the formation of the zygote, which then results in the formation of a human child.
Who needs IVF?
IVF is chosen by people for a variety of reasons, such as infertility problems or when one couple has a pre-existing medical condition. Some people try IVF if previous reproductive treatments haven’t worked or if they’re at an advanced maternal age.
Mainly, IVF is used for couples facing infertility-related problems like:
- Blockage of fallopian tubes due to the removal of an ectopic pregnancy or because of infection.
- IVF is done if a woman couldn’t conceive, even after there is a good development and timely rupture of follicles, even after 6-8 cycles of intrauterine insemination or other similar treatments.
- If you have grade 3 or 4 endometriosis during the first laparoscopy.
- Women with decreased ovarian reserve require test-tube baby procedures.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other ovarian conditions.
- If you are above 38 years of age and want to conceive, then this procedure is beneficial.
- If your partner’s sperm function degenerates or if there is abnormal semen.
Reasons for IVF Treatment
Male
Infertility
Fallopian tube
Blockage
Decreased Ovarian Reserve
Ageing
How is In Vitro Fertilization performed?
The procedure is divided into five stages, which involve:
1. Stimulation
- The female will be given fertility drugs to help the body increase the count of eggs.
- The doctor will perform regular tests and ultrasounds to check egg production and know when to retrieve them.
2. Egg Retrieval
- This is also known as follicular aspiration.
- It’s a surgical procedure performed under anaesthesia.
- An ultrasound wand will be used during the egg retrieval, which will help the doctor lead the needle through your vagina, into your ovary, and then into the egg-containing follicle.
- Suctioning of the eggs will be done by using a needle.
3. Sperm Retrieval
- In this step, your male partner will be asked to give a semen sample.
- Semen will be prepared for further process.
4. Embryo Culture
- The technician will mix the sperm and eggs in a petri-dish to form an embryo, and if the embryo is not formed, your doctor will decide to use an Intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
- The doctor will monitor the fertilised eggs to make sure that it is dividing and developing.
- The embryos may undergo testing for genetic conditions at the same time.
5. Transfer
- In this step, the doctor implants the embryos into the uterus through the vagina and cervix with the help of a catheter.
- This occurs three to five days after fertilisation.
- When the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall, the pregnancy may take 6-10 days. The blood test will determine if you are pregnant or not.
Egg Retrieval
Sperm Retrieval
Fertilisation
Embryo Transfer
Benefits of IVF Treatment
Comparing the risks to the benefits of IVF helps in making the decision much easier. With IVF, you don’t have to choose between job and family planning at the age of creating a career or making money. In vitro fertilization can help with
- In-Time Family Planning: You don’t have to worry about getting pregnant in your 20s with IVF. Even if you are suffering from any infertility problem you can always opt for IVF. You can plan your pregnancy whenever you want with the help of your healthcare provider.
- High Chance of Conception: With IVF there are high chances of conceiving as the fertilization is done outside the body then the embryo is transferred inside the mother’s womb which enhances the chances of conception.
- Ability to Select Healthier Embryos: Preimplantation genetic screening is done at the time of IVF which helps to check that the foetuses utilized in IVF are devoid of genetic markers that can cause any abnormality. With IVF, you have the capability to select healthier embryos.
Risks and Complications of In Vitro Fertilization
Like any other procedure, there are also potential risks and complications. The most common complications associated with IVF treatment are the failure of treatment. Other risks and complications of IVF are
- Multiple Pregnancies: With IVF, the risk of multiple pregnancies increases because more than one embryo is transferred to the mother’s womb (uterus).
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHS): It is an exaggerated response to hormones. Before and during the IVF procedure, injectable hormones are given to females to stimulate the development of eggs in the ovaries. But too many hormone injections can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
- Ectopic Pregnancyalso known as Extra-uterine pregnancy is a condition where the embryo is attached anywhere outside the uterus. During the IVF procedure, It can be hard to diagnose at the early stages of pregnancy and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated as soon as possible.
When to consult a doctor?
Seek medical care immediately if you have:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe pain during bowel movements
- Severe pelvic pain
- Moderate to severe cramping or bloating
- An infection, vaginal soreness, or severe pain in the ovaries
- Severe tenderness in your breast
- Feeling tiredness or fatigue
- High fever
FAQs for In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
What is IVF procedure?
IVF is the most successful procedure for couples who are unable to conceive naturally. IVF or In vitro fertilization is a complex and sensitive reproductive technique used for the fertilization of eggs and sperm outside the human body. Then the embryo is transferred inside the mother’s womb (Uterus).
Who is a candidate for IVF?
Candidates for IVF can be individuals suffering from various disorders related to reproductive organs like endometriosis, fallopian tube blockage, decreased ovarian reserve, uterine fibroids, impaired sperm production etc.
How does the IVF process work?
IVF is for those couples who are unable to conceive naturally. The process of IVF is as follows
- It involves retrieving mature eggs from the ovaries and fertilising them in a laboratory with sperm.
- The fertilised egg (embryo) or eggs are then moved into a uterus.It takes roughly three weeks to complete one full cycle. The procedure can take longer if these phases are occasionally divided into separate sections.
- It takes roughly three weeks to complete one full cycle. The procedure can take longer if these phases are occasionally divided into separate sections.
What are the success rates of IVF?
The success rate of IVF depends on multiple factors like age, health, lifestyle etc. Generally, the success rate of IVF is around 50 – 60 per cent. If everything goes well, the success rate can even be higher.
What are the risks and complications associated with IVF?
Like any other procedure, IVF also possesses a factor of risk and complications like the risk of multiple pregnancies or ectopic pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, egg-retrieval procedure complications etc.
How long does an IVF cycle typically take?
IVF can take roughly three weeks to complete one full cycle. The procedure can take longer if these phases are occasionally divided into separate sections.
What medications are used during an IVF cycle?
Some common fertility drugs used in IVF treatments include Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonists, GnRH antagonists, and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG).
Is there a limit to the number of embryos that can be transferred during IVF?
Most IVF doctors advise transferring up to three embryos at once to improve the likelihood of becoming pregnant. However, this might result in multiple pregnancies, which raises potential risks for both your health and the health of the unborn children.
What is the role of preimplantation genetic testing in IVF?
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an early form of prenatal genetic diagnosis. PGT in IVF is an early form of prenatal genetic diagnosis where abnormal embryos are identified, thereby allowing the transfer of genetically normal embryos.
Are there any lifestyle factors that can affect the success of IVF?
There are several lifestyle factors that can affect the success of IVF like age, weight and tobacco. Be sure to talk with your physician about your chances of IVF based on your age and other fertility factors.
Are there any age restrictions for IVF treatment?
For IVF, the highest age restriction for women is 50 years.
What are some Myths and Facts about In Vitro Fertilization?
- Myth: Test-tube babies born are weak.
Fact: Test-tube babies being born are as healthy as normal babies. - Myth: It works for young couples only.
Fact: It works well for older couples between 30-40 years of age, but is less efficient than for young couples. - Myth: Fertility drugs will cause cancer.
Fact: There are no such research findings showing that drugs used for IVF can cause cancer. - Myth: If the first IVF cycle fails, you can’t try again.
Fact: Based on your health condition and the fertility specialist’s recommendation, you can go for another round. - Myth: Babies born through IVF have various abnormalities.
Fact: Whether a baby is born through IVF or normally, there is no congenital difference in their abilities.
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Dr Jyothsna Madan
Obstetrics & Gynaecology 37 Years Experience
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Obstetrics & Gynaecology 35 Years Experience
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Gynecologist 25 Years Experience
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OBG & Gynaecology 13 Years Experience