One of the most common ARTs is in-vitro fertilization (IVF), which has given hope to thousands of couples struggling with fertility issues worldwide. IVF was created in an effort to help couples who were unable to conceive naturally. The procedure entails the union of an egg and sperm outside the human body. Nevertheless, this procedure is a complicated and intricate means of treating infertility, and several aspects influence its efficacy. In this post, you will be given a general overview of how IVF is done, the different phases involved in the process and the rates of success.
What is IVF?
IVF is an acronym for ‘in vitro fertilization.’ This involves the process of mixing sperm with eggs in the test tube so that the sperm can penetrate through the eggs to produce an embryo which in turn is put in the uterus to start a pregnancy. This procedure was developed in the late 1970s and has since undergone improvements over the years to become one of the most popular assisted reproductive technologies.
Who is IVF Recommended For?
IVF is typically recommended for individuals or couples who face specific fertility challenges, including:
1. This could be due to blocked or damaged fallopian
tubes.
2. Ovulation disorders like PCOS Polycystic ovary
syndrome cause hormonal imbalance which results in ovulation irregularities.
3. Endometriosis
4. Conditions affecting men such as low sperm
concentration or motility normally contribute to this category.
5. Infertility of unknown origin where no etiology can be
found
6. Conditions that parents wish to avoid in their offspring for instance through preimplantation genetic diagnosis
The IVF Procedure: Step-by-Step
IVF is a complex process that takes several weeks and encompasses multiple phases:
1. Ovarian Stimulation
The first step in IV is ovarian stimulation where the ovaries are induced to release several eggs. Usually, one egg comes out at a time in the menstrual cycle but for IVF treatment, more eggs are required to enhance the probability of conception. Further fertility treatments involve administering hormonal treatments like FSH and LH to encourage egg production.
In this stage, the hormonal status is evaluated through
blood analyses and the progress of follicular growth is assessed using
ultrasounds. When the follicles are grown, a ‘trigger shot’ (comprising of hCG
hormone) is given to develop the eggs for retrieval.
2. Egg Retrieval
Follicular aspiration procedure is less invasive and is usually performed endoscopically where the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries. With the help of ultrasound, a thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to aspirate the mature eggs from the follicles in each ovary. This procedure is carried out under light anesthesia and usually lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Fertilization
Upon harvesting, the eggs are incubated with sperm (from a partner or a donor) in the embryology laboratory. There are two common methods for fertilization:
i. Conventional fertilization: The eggs and sperms are
simply placed together and left in an incubator to allow for natural
fertilization
ii. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): In this, a
single sperm is directly injected into an egg, especially where there might be
problems with the male partner.
Once the seeds are fertilized, the embryos that are produced are tested in a controlled environment to determine their viability. Embryos are sorted according to the growth rates and overall quality of the conception to the mother.
4. Embryo Culture and Selection
During this stage, embryos are kept in the laboratory for a period of three to five days to enable them to hatch into blastocysts. In this stage, the embryos are scrutinized, and only the best embryos are transferred to the potential mother. Infertile couples may undergo PGT if they have a history of chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders in their families to ensure that potential embryos do not possess such disorders that can lead to miscarriage during pregnancy or have low implantation potential.
5. Embryo Transfer
The selected embryo(s) are then inserted into the woman’s uterus with the help of a thin tube also known as the catheter. The number of embryos to be transferred also depends on some factors which include the age of the woman and quality of the embryos among others. More embryos can be transferred if the probabilities of conception are lower; however, this increases the risks of multiple gestation.
This is followed by the transfer of the embryos into the
uterus, and most patients are instructed not to engage in any physical
activities for two weeks and then a blood test is taken to confirm pregnancy.
Success Rates of IVF
IVF treatment has some success rates that depend on factors such as age, medical history, and fertility levels. According to data, IVF success rates for live births are approximately:
1. Under 35 years old: Around 41-43%
2. 35 to 37 years old: Approximately 33-36%
3. 38 to 40 years old: About 23-27%
4. 41 to 42 years old: Roughly 13-18%
5. Over 42 years old: Less than 10%
However, it is crucial to understand that these percentages imply the averages and say nothing about individual patients or clients. It also requires the expertise of the clinic, as newer techniques such as time-lapse imaging and PGT can enhance the chances of success by identifying the best embryos for transfer.
Conclusion
IVF has become one of the most prominent treatments for
infertility and has changed the face of reproductive medicine for the better.
Although it is a scientific process consisting of strict methodologies, this
procedure brings hope to families who have been barren for many years. It is
greatly influenced by age, health status, lifestyle, and the proficiency of the
chosen clinic. Although IVF does not guarantee pregnancy, it is still possible
for couples to make informed decisions by having a clearer understanding of the
IVF process and success rates. In people with fertility issues, IVF can be one
of the best available treatments with the advanced technologies being developed
constantly in order to enhance the opportunities of having a baby.
