A step-by-step guide to understanding the IVF procedure

In vitro fertilisation, or IVF is not a new technique. In reality, it’s a prevalent practise in Western countries, and while it’s still a long way from becoming commonplace in India, it’s come a long way. Simply said, IVF is the procedure of pairing male sperm and female egg or ovum outside of the body before implanting it in a healthy uterus.

Also, Read – Indian Celebrities Who Chose IVF

Though it appears to be a simple technique, it is rather intricate and necessitates a great deal of caution to be completed successfully. The fertility competence of the IVF centre in Bangalore is well renowned. We’ve put together a basic and straightforward guide to help you understand the IVF procedure:

1. Fertility testing– A fertility expert’s initial step is to confirm an infertile diagnosis. Even if the patients are fertile, they may have difficulty conceiving owing to external variables such as stress, food, environment, etc. As a result, before initiating any treatment, the doctor does extensive tests and inspections on both the couple’s male and female reproductive organs to ensure they truly require fertility treatment.
2. Creating a Treatment Plan– After the doctor has diagnosed infertility in one or both of the couple’s members, he will work with them to create a treatment plan that is the greatest fit for them, whether that means IUI, ICSI, or anything else. The doctor would next go over the treatment choices with the patient and explain the procedure and the hazards involved. With the widespread use of artificial reproductive techniques, the IVF treatment cost is no longer a concern, as many clinics offer fertility procedures at reasonable rates.
3. Increasing egg production through superovulation– At the start of the treatment, the specialist at the IVF centre gives the female patient fertility drugs to stimulate the production of Follicle Stimulating Hormones and the ovaries to release more than one mature ovum, increasing the patient’s chances of conceiving. The more eggs produced, the better the odds of a successful pregnancy. During this stage, the doctor does transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests regularly to monitor hormone levels and look for any issues.
4. Egg Removal – On the day before the ova are released, a final hormone injection is given to the patient to encourage their maturation. After that, the eggs are extracted using a simple surgical operation called follicular aspiration, performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia. The doctor uses an ultrasound to guide a small needle into the ovaries via the vaginal canal, sucking out the mature eggs one by one. To alleviate any discomfort, the patient is anaesthetized locally.
5. Sperm collection from male partner or donor – As the eggs are extracted, the male partner or donor supplies a sperm sample, which is speed-washed and spun to collect the healthiest sperms in the batch.
6. Fertilization or Unison of Sperm and Eggs – After this, the natural process of fertilisation takes place in a lab on a petri dish. Depending on the patient’s treatment plan, it can be done in a few different ways. In many circumstances, this can result in the production of many healthy embryos.
7. Embryo transfer into a healthy uterus – when the patient’s eggs are collected, she is given another dosage of fertility medicines, this time to prepare the uterus lining for the implantation of a healthy embryo. The procedure is usually performed three to five days following successful fertilization using a catheter as an outpatient procedure.

All of the fertilised embryos are transported to the uterus in the hopes that at least one of them will implant on the uterine wall. Multiple implantations are possible, which is why multiple children are typical in women who become pregnant through IVF treatment.

• Confirmation of the pregnancy – The final stage is the simplest and most enjoyable part of the process, namely, confirming the pregnancy, which may be done either through a blood test or a urine test.

Maintaining proper health is an essential part of the IVF process. A healthy lifestyle ensures greater chances of success and prevents complications in the mother’s body during the procedure. Caffeine, alcohol, trans fats, mercury-rich seafood, and processed meals are some beverages and food to avoid during IVF. They are harmful to your fertility and should be avoided in men’s and women’s IVF diets.

Infertility has crept upon the masses like a silent disease with the introduction of a sedentary lifestyle. Artificial reproductive procedures, such as IVF treatment, are a godsend for couples unable to conceive naturally in these circumstances. Every day, more fertility clinics open, offering the greatest options at accessible prices to the general public.Also, Read – Why couples should opt for IVF