Infertility afflicts a lot of couples around the world. The problem of infertility even leads to frustration for many. Unfortunately, there are about 15 to 20 percent of married couples in India alone suffer from infertility issues. However, with the latest advancements in medical science, better management of infertility issues can now be ensured. Couples can now fulfill their dream of having a child with more reliability. In India, the IVF treatment options are quite popular.
IVF or In vitro fertilization is a method wherein the sperms and eggs (gametes) are fertilized outside the body. Nowadays, IVF has turned out to be the most effective and successful treatment option in infertility when many other ART or Assisted Reproductive Technologies fail to provide results.
The IVF treatment options in India especially involve hormonal stimulation of ovulatory procedures, the removal of eggs from ovaries, and then letting the sperm fertilize the eggs out of the body. The fertilized eggs will then be grown in the laboratory for about three days and the embryo resulting from this process is then transferred into the uterus of the woman.
Different Processes of IVF
Sperm Collection
This is one of the IVF treatment options in India where sperm are gathered from the male partner. The sperm are usually collected through the method of masturbation. If sperms cannot be produced manually, then surgical removal of the sperms is carried out from the testis. Then the sperm collected are used for the process of IVF.
Ovarian Stimulation
Every menstrual cycle observes the release of the mature egg. During IVF, the process is further enhanced with hormones in order to retrieve a large number of eggs to increase the chances of pregnancy. Once the eggs attain the level of maturity they are then removed surgically from ovaries through a method of Ovum Pick Up or OPU.
Oocyte Collection
The oocyte collection is a method of collecting the eggs by guiding a needle into every follicle in the ovaries. The Ovum Pick Up or OPU is carried out under common anesthesia. The retrieved eggs are used for the IVF.
Fertilization
After oocytes are collected they are then combined with the sperms. An embryologist places both the sperm and the eggs in the solution containing the nutrients in the Petri dish placed in the incubator. The fertilization usually takes place when the sperm enters the egg.
Embryo Development
Zygote develops on successful fertilization. The zygote develops within the embryo when it’s nurtured with the needed nutrients. The embryos can even be frozen for use at the later stages or for the fresh transfer.
Embryo Transfer
After 2 to 3 days, the embryo is transmitted into the uterus of the woman with the use of one fine catheter. This catheter is passed gently through the cervix. The excess embryos can also be frozen for use in the future.
Luteal Phase Support
Luteal support is required so as to maintain the lining of the uterine for successful embryo implantation as well as pregnancy. Progesterone is considered the natural hormone which supports the lining of the uterus. Hence progesterone by vaginal suppository gel or injection is given in order to support as well as increase the possibility of pregnancy.
Pregnancy
The pregnancy is usually confirmed with ultrasound which is scheduled four to five weeks after the retrieval of the egg. An ultrasound is performed again within two weeks later six to seven weeks from the retrieval. After the egg retrieval, the progesterone is usually continued for eight to ten weeks time.
