IVF- In-vitro-fertilisation

IVF is a medical treatment whereby an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body. Basically, it is a five-step process:

Step 1: A blood sample is taken to check the hormone level of the female along with an ultrasound to examine the ovaries. If all favourable, fertility medications are given so as to increase the egg production in the female body. This is done so as to take out a good number of eggs as some might fertilise and some might not in the process of treatment.

Step 2:  The male is asked to produce a sample of sperms.

Step 3: Eggs are retrieved from the body through a minor surgery.

Step 4: Now the sperms and eggs are mixed together and stored in a laboratory dish for fertilisation. In some cases where the chances of fertilisation are low, ICSI is adopted. ICSI is a procedure through which a sperm is directly injected into the egg in order to achieve fertilisation. The eggs are continuously monitored to confirm fertilisation or cell division. Once the eggs are fertilised, they are called as embryos.

Step 5: The embryos are now transferred to woman’s uterus through a small tube or catheter. After this, the implantation occurs usually in 6-10 days.

Situations where IVF is looked for

When there is a blockage or damage in fallopian tubes

When the sperm count or sperm motility is low

Uterine fibroids

Ovulation disorders

Any genetic disorder

Unexplained infertility

What is the safest age limit for IVF?

For IVF treatment with women’s own egg, 42 is the maximum age limit. The egg quality decreases with age and it steeply declines after the age of 35. Therefore, a 40 years old woman has only 14% chance of successful pregnancy and delivery and 43 year old women has 5% chance. 

IVF risks/side effects

Reaction to fertility drugs

Headaches

Mood swings

Multiple Births

Chances of high blood pressure

Heavy bleeding

Nausea and diarrhoea

Anaemia owing to heavy bleeding

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in rare cases

Preterm delivery and low birth weight

Birth defects

Ovarian cancer

Miscarriage

Spontaneous abortion

Emotional, physical and financial stress

Precautions after IVF treatment

Avoid intercourse

Avoid lifting of heavyweights

Strictly no baths

No vigorous exercises

Take progesterone 

Take healthy diet

Rest well

No alcohol, drugs, smoking and caffeine

Avoid fizzy drinks, raw meats, raw egg, unpasteurised cheese and mercury-rich fish

“How much IVF cost?”, is a common question of couples considering this treatment.  Well, frankly, it depends on the clinic you both choose. Here at kayawell, we have listed down all IVF centres, IVF doctors, IVF government hospitals and IVF hospitals of your city as well as the city of your choice. We understand that undergoing IVF treatment to be parents is a life-defining moment and therefore, we want to provide our best in terms of education or information.