What is IVF?
IVF stands for In-Vitro Fertilization. It is a reproductive treatment given to couples having infertility issues. Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized by the sperm outside the body in a controlled laboratory environment during this scientific process.
The fertilized eggs or embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus by a procedure called embryo transfer (ET).
The IVF program involves ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, sperm preparation and insemination, cryopreservation of embryos and frozen embryo transfer.
Choosing the right fertility clinic and the right expert who can make your journey a painless and smoother one is very important.
Steps of the IVF Process
Stimulation of healthy egg development: The process is initiated by administering fertility medications. These selected fertility medications are specifically designed to control the maturity of eggs and maximize the number of eggs to be harvested within a single cycle. This process is most often referred to as ovulation induction.
Harvesting of eggs: The egg harvesting procedure uses ultrasound technology to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity. This process is generally referred to as follicular aspiration. The entire procedure is considered a minor surgery under local anesthetic and sedation.
Obtaining the sperm: Sperm is obtained from the male so that the fertilization of the egg can begin.
The egg is fertilized with sperm: Once the sperm has been obtained, it is then combined with the egg in a process known as insemination. This process occurs in the laboratory, and both the egg and sperm are incubated to ensure that the process occurs at optimum temperatures.
Embryos are transferred to the uterus: The embryos are now placed within the woman’s uterus, usually, after around three or four days after the eggs have been harvested and a fertilized egg has developed into either a two or four-cell embryo. Multiple embryos are then carefully transferred to the uterus.
Is it safe to do IVF?
Yes, IVF is a safe process. For all the newbies, IVF might seem like a painful and difficult procedure. But many fail to understand that it is indeed a benefit to mankind that such treatments have been discovered, and we have lots of experts in this field who have brought smiles to the faces of many hopeful parents.
IVF is nothing but a fertility treatment where the eggs are removed from the woman’s ovaries and met with the sperm outside in a laboratory. And then, the fertilized egg is put back into the woman’s uterus to help sustain the pregnancy.
Parenthood does not come easily for many. Well, simply put, the process requires a lot of hormonal jabs, albeit for about a few days and some other medication as well.
Therefore, the fertility treatments taken from the best fertility center and the right doctors comes really as a relief. Of course, the experts should be experts in this field who have plenty of knowledge and experience.
Are IVF Babies Healthy?
Yes, IVF babies are absolutely healthy and as normal as others. They have no less physical abilities and mental capacity than a normal baby. It is commonly misunderstood due to lack of knowledge. One can never find the difference between normal and IVF babies unless told.
But IVF babies tend to have more problems during the period that they are in the mother’s womb. All you have to do is take good care of yourself during the treatment. The main concern should be the success of your IVF.
Factors affecting the success of IVF are:
Age – While it is true that IVF treatments have been successful at most ages, after a certain age, it is important to get all the required tests done before proceeding.
Previous miscarriages- If you have suffered from multiple miscarriages before, it indicates fewer chances of success.
Lifestyle factors- Smoking, drinking and unhealthy food could lead to less success. Obesity is one of the major causes affecting success.
Quality of labs- If the fertility center is not equipped with the latest technology, its reliability is questionable. Oasis is the best IVF center in India with advanced technology, professional doctors, and the best laboratory environment.
Doctor- Make sure you do a little research before blindly trusting any doctor. Always go for a doctor who is highly experienced in ensuring success.
