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What Is IVF and How Does It Work?

UPDATED ON 23 SEPT. 2024

Are you trying to understand IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and how it works? You’re in the right place. As a leading specialist at Shree IVF Clinic Mumbai, We frequently encounter questions about this topic. So we thought, why not create a detailed blog that might help people understand this complex procedure quickly and easily?

This blog will explain the process of IVF in simple terms, addressing common concerns and misconceptions.

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Dr Jay Mehta

Scientific Director & IVF Specialist with 10+ years of experience

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IVF

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What Is IVF?

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. It is a process where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body in a laboratory dish to create an embryo. The term “in vitro” means “in glass,” referring to the glass dishes used in the lab. This technique helps couples who face challenges in conceiving naturally.

How Does the IVF Process Start?

The IVF process begins with stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Normally, a woman releases one egg per menstrual cycle. However, IVF requires several eggs to increase the chances of success.

Fertility medications are prescribed to achieve this. These medications include hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which encourage the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.

During the stimulation phase, the woman takes these medications daily, usually for about 10-14 days. The response to these medications is monitored through regular blood tests and ultrasounds. Blood tests measure hormone levels, while ultrasounds check the development and size of the follicles, which contain the eggs.

The goal is to develop multiple follicles without causing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition where the ovaries become swollen and painful.

Throughout this phase, the fertility specialist adjusts medication dosages based on the monitoring results. This careful monitoring helps ensure the optimal number of mature eggs. When the follicles reach the desired size, typically around 18-20 millimeters, a trigger shot of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is given. This shot triggers the final maturation of the eggs and prepares them for retrieval.

Timing is crucial in IVF. The egg retrieval procedure is scheduled 34-36 hours after the trigger shot. This timing ensures that the eggs are mature but not yet released from the follicles, allowing for successful retrieval.

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How Are Eggs Retrieved?

Once the eggs are ready, they are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called egg retrieval. This procedure is done under sedation to ensure the woman is comfortable and pain-free.

The egg retrieval involves inserting a thin needle into each ovary through the vaginal wall. This is guided by ultrasound to accurately reach the follicles. The eggs are gently aspirated (suctioned) from the follicles into the needle. The procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the number of follicles.

After the retrieval, the woman rests for a short period in the recovery room before going home. Some women may experience mild cramping or spotting, which usually resolves within a day or two. The collected eggs are immediately taken to the laboratory for fertilization.

What Happens During Fertilization?

In the lab, the retrieved eggs are combined with sperm from the male partner. Fertilization can occur through conventional fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

In conventional fertilization, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish. The sperm naturally swim towards and penetrate the eggs, leading to fertilization. This method relies on the sperm’s ability to fertilize the egg on its own.

ICSI is used when there are concerns about the sperm’s ability to fertilize the egg. In ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected into each egg using a fine needle. This increases the chances of fertilization, especially in cases of male infertility. The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are monitored for growth and development over the next few days.

How Are Embryos Cultured and Selected?

After fertilization, the embryos are cultured in the lab for several days. During this time, they are closely monitored for growth and development.

The embryos are kept in an incubator that mimics the natural environment of the fallopian tubes. They are provided with the necessary nutrients to support their growth. The embryologist observes the embryos daily, checking for cell division and overall health.

The embryologist selects the best quality embryos for transfer. This selection is based on criteria such as the rate of cell division, symmetry of cells, and overall appearance. The healthiest embryos are chosen to maximize the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.

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What Is Embryo Transfer?

Embryo transfer is the final step in the IVF process. A selected embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus in a simple and painless procedure.

The transfer procedure resembles a pap smear. The woman lies on an examination table, and the doctor inserts a thin catheter through the cervix into the uterus. The selected embryo is loaded into the catheter and gently placed into the uterine cavity. The entire process takes about 10-15 minutes and does not require anaesthesia.

After the transfer, the woman may rest for a short period before resuming normal activities. The next two weeks are crucial as the embryo implants itself into the uterine lining. During this waiting period, known as the “two-week wait,” the woman may experience mild symptoms similar to early pregnancy.

What Happens After Embryo Transfer?

After the embryo transfer, the waiting period begins. This period, often called the “two-week wait,” is when the embryo implants itself into the uterine lining. During this time, the woman may experience mild symptoms similar to early pregnancy. A blood test is performed after two weeks to check for pregnancy.

What Are the Success Rates of IVF?

The success rates of IVF vary depending on several factors, including the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and the clinic’s expertise. On average, the success rate for women under 35 is around 40%. As age increases, the success rate tends to decrease. But what is the legal age limit for IVF treatment? It’s crucial to talk to your fertility specialist about your individual chances of success.

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What Are the Risks and Complications of IVF?

Like any medical procedure, IVF carries some risks and potential complications. Common risks include:

  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This occurs when the ovaries respond too well to fertility medications, causing swelling and pain.
  • Multiple Pregnancies: Transferring multiple embryos increases the chance of twins or triplets, which carries higher risks for both mother and babies.
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: This occurs when an embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
  • Stress and Emotional Impact: The IVF process can be emotionally and physically demanding.

How Can Couples Prepare for IVF?

Preparation for IVF involves several steps:

  • Medical Evaluation: Both partners undergo a thorough medical evaluation to identify any underlying issues.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can improve the chances of success.
  • Financial Planning: IVF can be expensive, so understanding the IVF procedure costs and exploring insurance coverage or financing options is essential.
  • Emotional Support: Seeking support from counseling or support groups can help manage the emotional challenges of IVF.

Wrapping Up

IVF is a complex but effective treatment for couples struggling with infertility. By understanding the process, you can make informed decisions and prepare for each step. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us. We are here to support you throughout your fertility journey.

AUTHOR

Dr Jay Mehta

Scientific Director & IVF Specialist with 10+ years of experience

TREATMENT

IVF

CALL US 24/7 FOR ANY HELP

GET IN TOUCH ON

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