A Complete Guide to IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) & Its Process

What is IVF?

IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. It is one of the more well-known forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART), that helps in treating infertility and conceiving successfully. IVF works by combining medications and surgical techniques to help sperm fertilize an egg, in a lab and implant it in your uterus for conception.

Why is IVF Done?

Some of the infertility causes that may require IVF to conceive include:

Blocked or injured fallopian tubes: When the fallopian tubes become blocked or damaged, sperm cannot reach the egg, and the fertilized egg cannot reach the uterus.

Endometriosis: It is a disorder in which endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus.

Male factor infertility: It occurs when there is a low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or aberrant sperm shape.

Age-related fertility decline: As women age, the quality of their eggs declines.

Unexplained infertility: It occurs when there is no obvious explanation as to why a couple is having difficulty conceiving.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome: It is a hormonal disorder and this condition can impact a woman’s fertility.

Uterine fibroids: These are benign tumors that form in the uterus and interfere with embryo implantation.  

IVF can also help to prevent a child from inheriting genetic abnormalities.

How does IVF work?

First, you take medication to mature many of your eggs so that they are ready for fertilization. The doctor then removes the eggs from your body and combines them with sperm in a lab to help in the fertilization of the eggs. Then they implant one or more fertilized eggs (embryos) directly into your uterus. Pregnancy occurs when any of the embryos implant in the lining of your uterus.

IVF involves multiple steps and takes around 6 months to conclude. It occasionally works on the first try, but some individuals require more than one round of IVF to become pregnant. If you’re suffering from fertility issues, IVF will surely enhance your chances of getting pregnant.

What’s the IVF Process?

The step-by-step process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) consists of the following:

Consultation: A doctor reviews your medical history and recommends the IVF procedure.

Medication: You take medicine that blocks your menstrual cycle and encourages your ovaries to develop eggs.

Egg collection: The doctor uses a needle to extract eggs from your ovaries.

Sperm collection: The doctor then collects sperm from your partner.

Fertilization: Your medical professional then fertilizes the eggs using sperm.

Embryo development: Fertilized eggs are watched as they develop into embryos.

Embryo transfer: The doctor inserts these embryos into your uterus.

Pregnancy test: The doctor conducts a pregnancy test to know the results.  

Common Side Effects of IVF Treatment

IVF, like all medical treatments, contains risks and side effects. However, the side effects of IVF are minor and may include the following symptoms: 

• Bloating
• Cramps.
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Bruising from shots
• An allergic reaction to medications

Your doctor can address any questions or concerns you may have regarding IVF risks and side effects.

Apart from the above-mentioned symptoms, IVF can also be emotionally challenging. Many people who undergo IVF treatments suffer from despair and anxiety throughout the process. However, connecting with folks who have gone through reproductive issues and IVF can be really beneficial if you are feeling overwhelmed or disappointed. Both online and in-person communities are a wonderful way to meet individuals who understand what you’re going through and can provide advice and support. Counselors and therapists can also provide comfort during this time.

How Much Does IVF cost?

The cost of IVF can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including:

Complicated procedures: IVF consists of several steps, including ovulation induction, egg removal, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer, all of which require specialized equipment and medical skills.

Medications: The high cost of fertility medicines used to boost egg production is a significant component of the IVF cost.

Laboratory expenditures: Lab expenses include specialized labs for handling eggs and sperm, as well as genetic testing, if required.

Medical monitoring: Several ultrasounds and blood tests are essential during the IVF cycle to track follicle development and hormone levels.

Doctors’ fees: Experienced fertility specialists have higher fees due to the depth of their expertise.

Donor costs: Additional charges may apply for donor eggs or sperm, including compensation and screening.  

Other factors like the clinic’s location, the patient’s age, the severity of their infertility issues, and the number of cycles required for success can also impact the overall cost of IVF.

What to Expect During IVF Treatment

An IVF cycle begins with the use of lab-made hormones to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs rather than waiting for the individual egg that normally matures each month. Multiple eggs are required because some eggs will not fertilize or develop properly once combined with sperm. Certain medications may be used to:

Stimulate the ovaries: Hormone shots may be administered to aid in the development of several eggs at a time. The shot could contain either follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), or both.

Help the eggs develop: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and other medications can assist the eggs ripen and prepare them to be released from their follicles in the ovaries.

Delay ovulation: These medications prevent the body from releasing the developing eggs prematurely.

Prepare the uterine lining: You may begin taking progesterone pills on the day of your egg collection process. Alternatively, you could take these vitamins around the time an embryo is put in the uterus. They increase the likelihood that a fertilized egg will attach to the lining of your uterus.

Your doctor selects which medications to use and when to provide them. Typically, you’ll need 1 to 2 weeks of ovarian stimulation before your eggs are ready to be retrieved using the egg retrieval process. To find out when the eggs are ready, you might need:

Vaginal ultrasonography: It is an imaging evaluation of the ovaries that detects growing follicles. These are the fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that contain mature eggs.

Blood testing: This is done to determine how you respond to ovarian stimulation medications. Estrogen levels typically rise as follicles grow. Progesterone levels stay low until after ovulation. 

Sometimes IVF cycles must be canceled before the eggs are collected. This happens when not enough follicles are formed or when ovulation occurs too soon. If too many follicles grow, it increases the likelihood of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

If your period is canceled, your care team may recommend that you change your medications or the quantity you take, known as dosages. This could lead to a better response throughout subsequent IVF treatments. Alternatively, you may be advised that you seek an egg donor. 

When is the Right Time to Consult for IVF?

The best time to consult for IVF is usually after you’ve been actively trying to conceive for at least 12 months if you’re under 35, or 6 months if you’re 35 or older, with no success. This is because fertility naturally drops with age, so advanced-aged women should seek advice sooner. Other reasons include being diagnosed with fertility issues such as blocked fallopian tubes or low sperm count, as well as having a history of miscarriage or other reproductive health problems.

FAQs on IVF(In Vitro Fertilization)