After many unsuccessful assisted reproductive treatments, do not give up just yet. Consider the process of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).
Fertility doctors don't immediately recommend in vitro fertilization or IVF procedure to conceive a baby. They will let you try other fertility methods and if these methods still fail then IVF is considered. IVF is primarily designed for those who have unexplained infertility, lower sperm count in men and damaged fallopian tubes in women. Subjecting yourself to the different process of IVF will leave you emotionally and physically drained. One way to help you manage your stress during IVF procedure is to have a full understanding of the entire process of IVF.
The whole process of IVF primarily consists of ovarian stimulation, retrieval of mature eggs, insemination and fertilization and transferring of embryo to the uterus.
Process of IVF: Ovarian Stimulation
A woman is given natural hormones and fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries in producing adequate number of follicles that will ripen the eggs. Follicular development will be closely monitored by your fertility doctor by ultrasound and hormone examination. The doctor will decide the appropriate dose of your fertility drugs and tell you the benefits, risks and side effects of these drugs.
Process of IVF: Retrieval of Mature Eggs
Once the follicle reaches maturity, you will then be given a single shot of human chorionic gonadotopin which will stimulate oocyte to ovulate. After which, egg retrieval will take place after 36 hours from the time HCG is given. You will be given intravenous sedation which will make you drowsy and the doctor will insert a needle on the top of the vaginal area and get the mature eggs through a follicle aspirator. The entire procedure will last around 30 minutes or more depending on the number of mature eggs you have.
Process of IVF: Insemination and Fertilization
This process of IVF immediately follows after the retrieval of mature eggs from the female's ovary. The doctors will examine the retrieved eggs and combine them with your partner's sperm cells in a Petri dish allowing them to inseminate the eggs. The eggs will be closely monitored to determine if fertilization occurred.
Process of IVF: Transferring of Embryo to the Uterus
Embryo transfer will follow several days after the retrieval of eggs. Your fertility doctor will inform you the number of embryos to be transferred to your uterus. Oftentimes, two to four embryos may be transferred which highly depends on the state of your uterus, your age, quality of embryos and many more. The embryo transfer is usually performed by inserting a catheter into your cervix. This process of IVF will only last several minutes and do not require any anesthesia.
How to increase the success rate of IVF?
Success rate of the entire process of IVF depends on several factors such as your characteristics and chosen fertility center. There's nothing that could be done to warrant success but steps can be taken to enhance the chances of success. These include proper weight management, eating nutritious food and avoiding stress. Your overall health has a great impact on the effectiveness of your IVF treatment.
True, the whole process of IVF treatment is hardly easy but the chance of having a child is worth the sacrifice.