IVF Treatment

In-Vitro Fertilization is an assisted reproductive technology to help those who are unable to reproduce through natural means. It is done by using a combination of medication and surgical procedures to help the sperm fertilize the egg and then implant it in the uterus. In this process, the fertilization of female eggs and male sperm is done artificially in a laboratory. The zygote is then placed inside the uterus for implantation. Patients may choose to use their own eggs or sperm or opt for a donor, post a thorough analysis.

Some of the reasons that compel you to opt for IVF:

Damaged or blocked fallopian tube stopping the embryo from reaching the uterus
Presence of fibroids inside the uterus, making it difficult for the implantation of the fertilized eggs
Affected uterus and ovaries due to uterine tissues growing outside of the uterus, known as endometriosis
Previous history of sterilization that has blocked or cut fallopian tubes to eliminate pregnancy.
Low sperm count, sperm mobility rate, or other sperm-related abnormalities
Lower frequency or absence of ovulation in the female
If either of the partners has a specific genetic condition that they do not wish to transfer to their offspring

With IVF, women who are past their reproductive years, have infertile male partners, have female fertility issues, or have reached menopause can still become pregnant. After the IVF treatment, some couples get pregnant without any fertility treatments.

The Process:

Simulation: The female is given medication to induce ovulation for the production of eggs that are viable for an embryo. Throughout the process, the egg count is monitored to ascertain the best time for extraction of eggs, for the fertilization process.
Egg retrieval: This is a minor surgical method called follicular aspiration. The purpose is to extract the eggs from the ovaries.
Insemination: The male gives a specimen of his sperm. The eggs and the sperm are fertilized in a test tube under favorable conditions inside a lab to produce embryos.
Testing or the Embryo Culture: After fertilization, the eggs are kept under observation to ensure proper growth and to rule out the possibility of any genetic conditions.
Transfer: After 2-5 days of fertilization, if ready, the embryos are implanted in the uterus through a thin tube called a catheter.

The implantation is complete when an embryo attaches itself to the lining of the uterus and the female gets pregnant. This can be confirmed with a blood test. The process requires the patient to wait for 7-10 days before testing.

Risks involved

Before opting for IVF, you must be prepared for the potential risks associated with the procedure:

Multiple births: To increase the chances of pregnancy, multiple embryos are inserted into the uterus which may result in twins or triplets.
Premature delivery: In some cases, the baby may be born prematurely and can have low weight at the time of birth.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation syndrome: The drugs given to the female to induce the ovulation process can lead to swollen ovaries.
Ectopic pregnancy: If the embryo gets implanted outside the uterus, i.e., in the fallopian tubes, it does not survive, and there are no chances of pregnancy.
Stress: The treatment process can be draining and stressful

Some side effects that you may experience

Cramping and bloating
Tenderness or other changes in the breasts
Bruises from the treatment

Unknown allergic reactions
Mood Swings and headaches
Infection or unexpected bleeding

However, these side effects are common in natural pregnancy as well. You may consult your doctor in case of any significant changes or abnormal side effects.

Treatment cost

Procedure	Price	Hospital Stay
IVF Treatment	3000 USD – 5000 USD	0 Day

Estimated time

It may take months to complete the process. It may work on the first try or need more than 1 round of IVF to get pregnant.
There is no hospitalization required for the treatment, men are required to stay for 7 days in India, while women need to stay for 4-6 weeks.

Precautions to take after an IVF treatment

It is essential that you keep your body well-rested. To create a conducive environment for embryo implantation, you should take the following precautions:

Avoid strenuous workouts and tiring exercises. Practice mild yoga and light exercise
Strictly avoid any intake of tobacco, alcohol or even passive smoke
Get sufficient rest and proper sleep during both day and night