What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) And What Are Its Benefits?

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) And What Are Its Benefits?

For couples who are unable to conceive naturally, IVF is one of the best options to increase their chances of becoming parents. IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is suggested in case of any reproductive issues like damaged fallopian tubes, a low sperm count or any other issue. After trying all possible options to conceive, IVF is recommended to help a couple have a baby.

Process of In Vitro Fertilization From Start To End

Usually, an issue is spotted when the couple has been trying to conceive for two years at least without any success. Once you know what is IVF, you need to also be prepared for what to expect. In case your doctor recommends IVF, these are the steps of the process that you need to be aware of:

  • The woman is given fertility medicines for many months to help the eggs become mature and to improve the production of the eggs. This process is known as ovulation induction.
  • Regular blood tests and ultrasounds are conducted to check the hormone levels.
    When enough eggs have been produced, they are removed from the body through a process called egg retrieval. This is a minor surgical process.
  • The surgery involves the insertion of a thin tube into the vagina into the follicles and ovary. Then, using a needle and a suction device, the eggs are retrieved.
  • The eggs and the sperm cells from a donor or from your partner are mixed in the lab and allowed to fertilize.
  • When the eggs fertilize and develop into embryos, they are transferred into the uterus. This usually happens after 3-5 days of retrieving the eggs.
  • The embryo transfer is made using a thin tube that is placed into the uterus and the embryo is inserted directly.
  • If one of the embryos attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, then the pregnancy occurs.
    The day after the embryo transfer, it is recommended that you rest completely.
    Progesterone shots may be provided along with medication for the first 8-10 days after the embryo transfer.

Also read: Gestational Diabetes: Symptoms & Signs During Pregnancy

Benefits of In Vitro Fertilization

IVF has become one of the most widely used options to conceive externally because there are several benefits of IVF:

  • It helps overcome infertility issues: One of the biggest benefits of IVF is that it can help couples who are unable to conceive naturally. This is a very common ART or assisted reproductive technology that has helped several couples across the world.
  • Hope for single parents: For women who want to have a child without a partner and even for single men, this is one of the best options available. For instance, in case of the demise of a partner, the other still has hope of having a child together through IVF that uses frozen eggs or sperms as well.
  • Prevents genetic disorders: If a couple has any genetic or chromosomal disorder in the family, IVF provides them with the option of choosing healthy embryos. This is done using a PGS or Pre-implantation Genetic Screening. This helps test the embryo and uses DNA sequencing to ensure that no abnormal chromosomes are present.
  • Higher rates of success: With IVF, you have the option of transferring one embryo and then adding another cycle with a frozen embryo transfer. This gives the highest rate of success with the lowest chances of multiple birth.

Cost Of In Vitro Fertilization

If you are sure of what is IVF and want to choose this procedure for yourself, then it is important to know that this is a rather expensive process. The average cost of each treatment cycle is between Rs.2,50,000 to Rs.4,50,000 for the basic treatment. In case of advanced treatment which includes ICSI or Frozen Embryo transfer, the cost can go up by Rs.1,20,000 to 1,50,000.

This also depends on the city that you choose to get your treatment in as the costs are different from one city to another, with Mumbai being the most expensive and Kolkata being one of the least expensive options.

Also read: How Do Fibroids Affect Pregnancy And Fertility

Pain During In Vitro Fertilization 

The pain level for each step varies. Usually,  it is more uncomfortable than painful. The pain levels for each step is as follows:

  • Preparation of the ovaries: This process is not painful as such. It requires a couple of injections that can be uncomfortable.
  • Monitoring and Ultrasound: On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain level is about 4. This is mostly because of the intravenous drugs and the possible side effects.
  • Egg retrieval: This process can be slightly painful. Normally, this process is conducted with anesthesia and the level of pain can vary.
  • Embryo transfer: This process is not painful. It just causes some discomfort.

Also read: The Best And The Most Accurate Ovulation Calculator For Pregnancy

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