People who are undergoing their first IVF cycle or yet to start their IVF journey may have several questions about the preparation, procedure, and as well as recovery. Understanding what exactly happens through different IVF stages and the entire egg retrieval process could help to set your mind at ease.
ETV Bharat Sukhibhava was in conversation with Dr.S. Vyjayanthi, MD, DGO, DNB, MRCOG, MSc (Embryology, UK), Sub Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery (RCOG, UK), Director, Mother to be Fertility”, Head of Department and Consultant Fertility Specialist, KIMS Fertility Centre.
What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
In IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), the fertility specialist removes eggs from the ovary and fertilizes them with the partner’s sperm, in the laboratory. The eggs and sperm unite and the resultant embryos (fertilized eggs) are then transferred to the uterus.
IUI involves placing the prepared sperm from the male partner, into the uterus by means of a small plastic catheter. This procedure of insemination is timed to coincide with the release of the egg so as to increase the chances of pregnancy. IUI treatment is most suitable for couples having unexplained infertility. Unexplained sub-fertility is confirmed if the couple is unsuccessful in achieving pregnancy and all the standard tests are normal.
Also Read: Challenges In Conception Due To Low Ovarian Reserve.
IVF treatment is recommended for those with:
- Blocked Fallopian tubes
- Unexplained infertility-where routine tests do not indicate any abnormality in the couple
- Male factor severe abnormalities in the sperm parameters including very low sperm count/ motility
- Moderate/severe Endometriosis
- Advanced female age
- Poor ovarian reserve
Process of IVF treatment
Step 1 - Ovarian stimulation- In an IVF cycle, we aim to stimulate the growth of several follicles so that many eggs are available for fertilization and this increases the chances of success. From the first or second day of periods, hormone injections are given daily till the follicles reach a particular size.
Step 2-Monitoring Follicle Growth-Monitoring the follicle growth is very important to adjust the dose of medication and also to identify excessive stimulation of ovaries which may result in potentially serious side effects
Step 3-Injections for Ovulation trigger are given once the follicles reach the desired size, which is necessary for the final maturation of the egg. This injection is given late in the evening 2 days before the day of egg retrieval.
Step 4-Egg collection procedure is performed under anesthesia. You are allowed to go home 2-3 hours after the procedure. There are no cuts or stitches needed and most women cope well without the need for painkillers.
Step 5-On the day of egg collection, the husband is required to produce a semen sample by masturbation. Though a fresh sample of semen is ideal, if the husband cannot be present at the scheduled time a semen sample can be collected in advance and the semen is frozen for use during the IVF treatment.
Step 6-A measured volume of the prepared sperm suspension is added to the dish containing the eggs 3-6 hours after egg collection. The following day the dish is checked for fertilized eggs. The doctor will advise you if you need this procedure in order to obtain fertilization of the egg.
Step 7-Embryo transfer (ET), Implantation, and Outcome are carried out on any day, between the 2nd day and 5th day after oocyte retrieval. It is a simple and straightforward procedure done under aseptic conditions.
Post-procedure follow up and care
-You do not need complete bed rest for the following two weeks and you can carry on with your routine activities and regular diet as usual.
-Advice on sexual intercourse and what to do if your test is negative or positive is also explained.
CHOICE OF IVF CLINIC
Proper research with regards to the expertise of the doctor performing IVF and their credentials and training matter most.
State-of-the-art facilities and expertise of scientists are also of utmost importance.
Evidence-based treatments along with quality control and witnessing procedures go a long way in making the difference in pregnancy rates between an average IVF clinic and the best one.
For your queries, contact svyjayanthi99@gmail.com.
