What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure where a woman’s eggs are combined with a man’s sperm outside the body in a controlled laboratory environment. This process results in the creation of embryos, which are carefully monitored for development. Once the embryos reach an optimal stage, one or more are selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus to facilitate implantation and pregnancy. IVF is a widely used assisted reproductive technology (ART), offering hope to individuals and couples facing fertility challenges by increasing their chances of conception.
IVF Process:
- Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal injections stimulate egg production (8-14 days).
- Egg Retrieval: Surgical procedure under sedation or light anesthesia (30 minutes).
- Sperm Collection: Semen sample provided by the male partner.
- Fertilization: Eggs mixed with sperm in a laboratory dish.
- Embryo Culture: Fertilized eggs (embryos) grow and develop (3-5 days).
- Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos transferred to the uterus.
- Pregnancy Test: Two weeks after embryo transfer.
IVF Benefits
- High success rates: Compared to other fertility treatments.
- Treatment for various fertility issues: Male factor, female factor, unexplained infertility.
- Control over number of embryos transferred: Reduces multiple pregnancy risk.
- Flexibility: Embryo freezing and storage options.
IVF Process:
- Conventional IVF: Using own eggs and sperm.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): Single sperm injected into each egg.
- Donor Egg IVF: Using donated eggs.
- Donor Sperm IVF: Using donated sperm.
- Surrogacy: Another woman carries and delivers the baby.