The Procedure Of Ivf (in Vitro Fertilisation) & How It Works
Becoming a parent is a special adventure and a dream for many. However, it happens at times that you are not able to conceive naturally. In such instances, you can look for other options, such as IVF, adoption, surrogacy, and more. Among these, IVF is becoming increasingly popular among the masses because of its multiple benefits, including higher efficiency. This blog intends to explore the procedure in detail and provides you with all the information you need to know regarding it.
What Is IVF Treatment?
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation. As the name suggests, fertilisation is artificially instigated outside the body. This means that the procedure of fertilisation takes place in a lab, whereas the embryo thus formed is transferred into the mother’s uterus thereafter. Considered one of the most efficacious methods of assisted reproduction, IVF has become an in-demand procedure across the globe. Of course, there are many factors that influence your pregnancy chances with IVF, like age and infertility. But since you also have the alternative to using healthy eggs or sperm from a donor, the success rate with IVF is generally high.
What Are the Disadvantages Of IVF?
Some of the disadvantages of getting an IVF treatment for conception include possibilities of premature delivery, low birth weight, multiple births, ectopic pregnancy, and complications during egg retrieval or embryo transfer.
Does IVF Get You Pregnant?
IVF is among the most effective artificial methods of getting pregnant. Since the success rate is high, its popularity is rising across the world. Additionally, it is also relatively safer than any procedures since the possibility of miscarriage is low, and the likelihood of a healthy baby is higher. Furthermore, in IVF, preimplantation genetic testing is done before the embryo transfer. This helps to detect specific genetic disorders.
How Long Does IVF Take to Get Pregnant?
A cycle takes between two to three weeks to get done. However, in some cases, the steps are further split into smaller steps to ensure the health of the mother and the baby. In such cases, it takes more time to complete a cycle. It typically takes between one to three cycles to get pregnant.
How Does IVF Get You Pregnant?
The procedure of IVF involves multiple steps, and it takes a span of about three weeks for one cycle. For successful implantation of the embryo, more than one cycle might be required depending on various factors. The major steps of IVF are:
Ovulation Induction
To begin with the procedure, first, the ovaries of the potential mother are induced for the production of multiple eggs. This is in contradiction with the natural cycle of single egg production. This is done so because the fertilisation potency of every egg might not be high. Hence, to be on the safer side, ovulation is induced to produce multiple eggs. It takes around one to two weeks for this step to get completed and to move on to the next step.
Egg Retrieval
After the first step, the doctor decides when it is an appropriate time for the retrieval of the eggs. Next, the eggs are removed from the ovarian follicles using a needle connected to a suction device. The process is entirely safe and can be done in the doctor’s clinic. The mother is given pain medications and sedated for the process.
Sperm Retrieval
Sperm retrieval is conducted on the same day as egg retrieval. Whether the father’s sperm is used for fertilisation, or you plan on receiving a donor’s sperm, the semen sample is required at the doctor’s office by the time eggs are removed from the mother’s body.
Fertilisation
Some common fertilisation methods include conventional insemination and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The doctor determines either of these, depending on sperm health and other factors. Following fertilisation, the embryo thus formed (with assisted hatching if needed) is ready for implantation into the mother’s uterus. Preimplantation genetic testing is conducted before embryo transfer to test for certain genetic diseases.
Embryo Transfer
Subsequently, the embryo is transferred into the mother’s uterus. This is done in a medical procedure where the embryos suspended in a fluid are attached to a catheter, and this instrument is inserted into the uterus via the vagina. In general cases, embryo transfer takes place about eight to ten days after the retrieval of eggs.
How Many Injections for IVF Treatment?
The number of injections varies according to factors such as the mother’s health condition. Typically, in a single cycle, one to two injections are given. However, in some cases, these may also vary from one to two injections in a day.
How Many Rounds of IVF Does It Take to Get Pregnant?
A single cycle takes around two to three weeks to get complete. According to statistics, it takes between one to three rounds of IVF for a successful pregnancy. The numbers suggest that for a potential mother who seeks treatment around the age of 35, the likelihood of getting pregnant is 40% after the first cycle, 54% after two cycles and 61% after three cycles.
How Much Does IVF Cost?
IVF involves several steps, which is why it is a relatively expensive procedure than other conception methods. The cost may vary depending on the medical institution you choose your requirements and whether or not you receive the egg or sperm from a donor.
Conclusion
In Vitro Fertilisation is one of the safest artificial conception procedures available, with a high success rate. Make sure to approach a trustworthy medical institution for the procedure so that you are ensured quality care. If you are someone in Oman, you can always choose Al-Bushra Medical Specialty Complex for getting a safe and quality IVF procedure. One of the pioneers in optimum healthcare services, the institution is revered for its expert medical professionals. With extensive experience, incredible research initiative and high-quality care facilities, Al-Bushra Medical Specialty Complex is the best choice for IVF treatments.