If you are among the huge number of couples worldwide having infertility problems, don't despair as in vitro fertilization or IVF is specially created to help you.
IVF process is comprised of different stages and IVF retrieval is one of them. This process is considered as one of the most crucial parts in IVF treatment because several mature eggs are taken from the female ovaries and combined with sperm cells to produce embryos which will them be implanted on the uterus by embryo transfer procedure. Taking multiple mature eggs to be inseminated and fertilized increases the possibility of pregnancy.
Let us know the basics of IVF retrieval procedure.
What is IVF Retrieval?
This part of the IVF treatment procedure involves retrieving or getting multiple mature eggs from the female ovaries. These eggs are then combined with the male's sperm to encourage fertilization in vitro.
For IVF retrieval to take place, a woman's follicle production is stimulated by the use of fertility hormones and medications. This effectively increases the number of eggs produced in the ovaries and fertility specialists will then remove them for laboratory fertilization. Once fertilization occurs, the embryos are then inserted back into the female uterus for implantation, and later on, pregnancy.
IVF Retrieval Procedure
The retrieval process is fairly simple and conducted either in a fertility clinic or hospital-affiliated fertility institution and only lasts for 30 minutes or less. During a typical menstrual cycle, only one egg will ripen. But in IVF treatment, multiple mature eggs will be aspirated from the ovaries. The retrieval procedure involves placing the hollow needle onto the top part of the vagina going to the ovaries and sucking the follicles out. A transvaginal ultrasound is used to help doctors direct the needle to the right spot where the ovaries are located. The IVF retrieval procedure is done under anesthetic sedative to make it painless for the patient. After which, the retrieved eggs will be assessed under the microscope and kept in an IVF incubator. The number of retrieved eggs differs from person to person depending on the age and effects of fertility hormones and medications.
Before your IVF Retrieval Procedure
You and your partner are hopeful that the IVF treatment will help you have your own offspring. That is why advance preparation is necessary. Consider these tips when preparing for IVF retrieval procedure.
- Eat right. This involves eating nutritious foods and a diet that is low in fat content. This is especially important because eggs are sometimes stored in the blood and work better if the blood has low levels of fat.
- Avoid detergents, soaps and even perfumed products and cosmetics on your retrieval day as well as implantation day. Moreover, remove your nail polish or varnish because they can impede readings on monitoring equipment especially when these are placed on the fingertips.
- Prepare for setbacks. Every couple is hopeful that pregnancy would occur during the first round of IVF treatment. However, this rarely happens and most likely you will have to undergo multiple cycles to have a successful pregnancy. Your whole being will have huge impact on the quality of your eggs so manage your stress properly to be able to produce viable eggs and increase your chances of getting pregnant.