What is IVF?
IVF stands for In vitro fertilization which is used to Infertility Treatment. In this process the woman’s egg is joined with man’s sperm in the laboratory.
Under normal circumstances, the fertilization takes place inside the woman’s body. The egg once fertilized it starts growing and attaches to the lining of the womb. This process is completed in 9 months. However, if there are complications in the fertilization process then the assisted methods are used which will help the woman to get pregnant. One of such method is in vitro fertilization. Fertility specialist examines the eggs from the ovaries using a needle and then in the lab the fertilization takes place. When the egg is attached with the sperm, the eggs develop inside the embryos. The embryos are then re-implanted into the uterus.
Step by Step Procedure of In vitro Fertilization
The in vitro fertilization process consists of the following steps
1) Super Ovulation
In this phase the fertility doctor will analyze the ovaries that whether the eggs are released on time and the ovaries are producing the eggs without any complications. Moreover, the hormones levels are also checked. If there is some problem in this procedure then the medication is provided to stimulate the ovaries to increase the number of released eggs. The more the released eggs are, the easier the process of IVF will be. If even after medication, the eggs are not produced then fertility specialist will suggest you for donor eggs for in vitro fertilization.
2) Egg Ovulation
In this phase the eggs are removed from the woman’s body through a thin needle. A surgery is carried out and the eggs and fluid of follicle is pulled out. In case when the required eggs are not produced naturally then the donor eggs are used.
3) Fertilization
The eggs are then given in the laboratory and then separated from the follicle using a specific microscope. Then the eggs are fertilized by a sperm and the process takes place in the same way as in the body.
4) Embryo Transfer and Implantation
After fertilization of eggs with sperm, embryo development takes place. The eggs when get fertilizes with the sperm becomes the embryo. Embryo provides room for the growth and development of the fertilized eggs. The conditions for the growth and development are provided using some specific acids. The cells in the embryo keeps growing and when it has been developed fully it is placed in the uterus.
Some complications might occur during the phase that the sperm is not strong enough or the not any egg has reached the maturity phase. However, the fertility specialist will keep you update about the progress.
What are chance of getting pregnant with IVF?
It really depends on many factors. The age also matters as the age goes down the success rate of IVF decreases. Some other factors can be the reason of the infertility, whether the donor eggs are used or not. If the age is under 35 then the success rate of the IVF is high along with combination f donor eggs. The chances of IVF success rate decreases below the age of 35 but still there are chances of becoming pregnant.
Is IVF treatment painful?
The process is not much painful but cramping might occur during some phases. However, it can be uncomfortable and can enhance anxiety as the menstrual cycle starts. If the first cycle fails then feeling of loss might arises and continued reassurance and comfort might be needed. Some does not consider it a loss and get ready for the next IVF cycle but some might leave the treatment after the first unsuccessful cycle.
Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center first IVF Clinic was established in March, 1998 in Karachi. In fact, this was the first time in the IVF history of Pakistan that Consultants, Embryologists and Nursing staff were flown overseas to acquire state of the art and the most advanced hands on assisted reproductive training and quality assurance techniques. Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center "ACIMC" is proudly Pakistan’s 1st ISO 9001:2015 Certified IVF Clinic with the largest presences having clinics in all major cities of Pakistan.
Everything has some pros and cons including the IVF treatment. Any of the infertility treatment have chances of being successful and there is some failure rate too. It depends on the conditions based on which treatment is carried. Ask for any questions if you still have doubts.