What is IVF (in-Vitro Fertilization)

One of the assisted reproductive therapy methods, in vitro fertilization, begins with the collection of eggs from the pregnant mother and the collection of sperm cells from the father-to-be. Following fertilization in a laboratory setting, the resultant embryo is implanted in the uterus of the expectant mother. The pregnancy continues as a naturally acquired pregnancy beyond this stage. There are two approaches to IVF treatment.
One of these is known as traditional IVF treatment, in which the egg and sperm are left in the same environment and natural fertilization is expected. The second option is the use of microinjections. The sperm is injected directly into the egg cell in this kind of treatment. Although both treatment procedures are effective, the physician chooses which strategy to utilize based on the health and reproductive capacities of the spouses. The goal of IVF is to create a healthy pregnancy.

What is IVF?

If a couple is unable to conceive after a year of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse, it is advised that they seek medical attention. The waiting time is 6 months if the expecting mother is beyond the age of 35. To achieve pregnancy naturally, the hormonal system and many various organs, as well as the female reproductive system, must all work together and in harmony. To begin with, the hypothalamus region of the brain stimulates the pituitary gland, which is also found in the brain. LH and FSH hormones are secreted by the pituitary gland. Hormones that travel through the circulatory system to the ovaries stimulate the egg follicles in the ovarian reserve. As a result, some of the eggs begin to mature. The most healthy egg is cracked and deposited into the fallopian tubes, which are a form of route between the ovary and the uterus. The egg that will be fertilized here has a lifespan of roughly 24 hours. Sperm, a male reproductive cell, can, on the other hand, survive in the female body for 4-5 days. As a result, fertilization can occur in the case of sexual intercourse before or on the day of ovulation.

The follicle in which the egg is situated secretes estrogen during this phase, causing the uterine membrane to thicken. When the fertilized egg enters the uterus, pregnancy begins when the embryo connects to the thicker uterine wall. Various reproductive issues in men and women may arise during this entire process. After the examinations and tests, the couple may contemplate the possibility of in vitro fertilization, which is one of the assisted reproductive therapy procedures. In IVF treatment, eggs from the mother-to-be and sperm cells from the father-to-be are fertilized in a laboratory environment, and the resulting embryo is implanted in the mother-to-uterus be's by embryo transfer. A blood test is performed around 2 weeks later to determine the expectant mother's Beta HCG level. The pregnancy process begins once the test results confirm that the pregnancy was successfully achieved. Pregnancies obtained by IVF are no different than pregnancies gained spontaneously. The pregnancy proceeds in its typical course.

When is the Best Time to Start IVF Treatment?

The cause of infertility should be investigated before deciding on IVF treatment. For individuals who are unable to be treated with surgery or medicine, IVF treatment is initiated. Couples with a low sperm count and clogged tubes, for example, should begin IVF treatment right away.

Is IVF Treatment the First Choice for Infertility?

IVF treatment is not always the first choice for those with infertility problems. The first option is medication and, if appropriate, surgical treatments. However, in vitro fertilization may be the first treatment option in cases where there is no other treatment option, such as azoospermia (very low sperm count), or completely closed tubes.

Is Infertility Caused by Genetic Diseases?

A healthy pregnancy may be impossible to achieve in some situations due to a genetic issue in one or both partners. In such circumstances, pre-implantation genetic testing (PGD) is undertaken to avoid genetic issues in the developing embryo, and only healthy embryo transfers are performed to obtain offspring who do not have genetic problems.

Is it Possible for Non-Menstruating Women to Become Pregnant?

Women who do not menstruate are unable to conceive. If there is no pregnancy, menstruation begins two weeks following ovulation. Pregnancy does not occur if ovulation does not result in the production of an egg. It is possible to become pregnant without menstruation if pregnancy happens with the first ovulation after a previous pregnancy, such as births or miscarriage. Lactating women are the ones who are most likely to have this illness.

What is the Definition of IVF Success?

To be successful, you must first become pregnant, then give birth to a healthy child.

If we look at statistics from throughout the world on the likelihood of producing live children in proportion to age), we can see that:

Under the age of 35: 39% of 35-37-year-olds: 23 percent of 38-39-year-olds: 15 percent of those in their 40s and 42s: 9 percent of those between the ages of 43 and 44: 3 percent of those aged 45 and up: 2 percentage points

These are childbearing rates based on age. The rate of conception with in vitro fertilization, on the other hand, varies between 50-55 percent and 10%.

How Long Does the Egg Collection Process Take?

Depending on the quantity of eggs to be collected, it can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Because it is a general anesthetic operation, the patient will need to rest for 20-30 minutes thereafter.