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IVF Treatment Service in Delhi

IVF

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to assist with fertility or prevent genetic problems and help with the conception of a child. Here’s a detailed overview of the IVF process:

IVF

Indications for IVF

IVF may be recommended for:

  • Tubal Factor Infertility: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
  • Male Factor Infertility: Low sperm count or motility.
  • Ovulatory Disorders: Such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus.
  • Unexplained Infertility: When no specific cause of infertility is identified.
  • Genetic Disorders: If one or both partners have a genetic disorder.
  • Fertility Preservation: For cancer patients undergoing treatment or women at risk of premature ovarian failure.

Steps of the IVF Process

  1. Ovarian Stimulation
    • Medications: Fertility drugs (e.g., gonadotropins, clomiphene citrate) are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
    • Monitoring: Regular blood tests and ultrasounds monitor ovarian response and egg development.
  2. Egg Retrieval
    • Trigger Shot: An injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or another medication is given to mature the eggs.
    • Procedure: Approximately 34-36 hours after the trigger shot, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries using a thin needle guided by ultrasound through the vaginal wall. This is done under sedation or anesthesia.
  3. Sperm Collection and Preparation
    • Sperm Sample: A sperm sample is collected from the male partner or a sperm donor.
    • Preparation: The sperm are washed and concentrated to select the best quality sperm.
  4. Fertilization
    • Conventional IVF: Eggs and sperm are mixed together in a lab dish to allow natural fertilization.
    • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg. This method is often used for severe male infertility or previous IVF failures.
  5. Embryo Culture
    • Incubation: Fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured in a controlled environment for 3-5 days.
    • Monitoring: Embryos are monitored for development and quality.
  6. Embryo Transfer
    • Selection: The best quality embryos are selected for transfer.
    • Procedure: A thin catheter is used to place the embryos into the uterus. This is usually done without anesthesia.
    • Number of Embryos: Typically, one or two embryos are transferred to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.
  7. Luteal Phase Support
    • Medications: Progesterone supplements are given to support the uterine lining and implantation.
  8. Pregnancy Test
    • Testing: About 10-14 days after embryo transfer, a blood test is done to check for pregnancy.

Additional Considerations

  1. Cryopreservation: Extra embryos of good quality can be frozen for future use.
  2. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Testing embryos for genetic abnormalities before transfer to prevent genetic disorders.
  3. Assisted Hatching: A lab technique that may improve implantation by making a small hole in the embryo’s outer layer.

Success Rates

  • Factors: Success rates depend on factors such as age, the cause of infertility, and specific clinic practices.
  • Average Rates: For women under 35, the success rate is around 40-50% per cycle. Rates decrease with age.

Risks and Considerations

  • Multiple Pregnancies: Higher risk if multiple embryos are transferred.
  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): A potential risk from fertility medications.
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: A rare complication where the embryo implants outside the uterus.
  • Emotional and Financial Stress: IVF can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding.

Summary

IVF is a multi-step procedure involving ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer. It is a widely used fertility treatment with varying success rates depending on individual circumstances. IVF can also include advanced techniques such as ICSI, PGT, and cryopreservation to enhance outcomes.