IVF – In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an advanced medical process aimed at helping individuals with fertility issues, avoiding genetic disease, and bringing children into the world. The procedure consists of extracting mature eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory setting, and then placing the resulting embryo(s) within the uterus. The entire IVF process generally takes about three weeks to complete, although some stages may be spread over a period of weeks.
IVF is the most successful type of assisted reproductive technology (ART). It can be done with a couple's own reproductive cells or with the help of donor eggs, semen, or embryos—known or anonymous donors. In rare instances, a gestational carrier can be used to bear the child.
The success of an IVF pregnancy is related to a variety of factors such as the age of the mother and the reason for infertility. The procedure is also time-consuming, expensive, and can be physically intrusive. In cases where more than one embryo is implanted, there are greater chances of multiple pregnancy. Visiting a fertility specialist gives one an idea about the process, risks involved, and if IVF is the right option.
Use of IVF
IVF is mainly used to treat infertility or genetic issues. When infertile, patients or couples can go for less invasive treatments like fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation or intrauterine insemination (IUI) before resorting to IVF. However, IVF can be prescribed as the main treatment in women aged over 40 years or individuals with particular reproductive health issues.
Illnesses That Can Use IVF
IVF can be applied in the following situations:
- Damaged or Blocked Fallopian Tubes: When a fallopian tube is damaged, it can prevent fertilization or cause an embryo to fail to move to the uterus.
- Ovulation Disorders: Irregular ovulation or the absence of ovulation means there are fewer eggs available for fertilization.
- Premature Ovarian Failure: A condition when the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40 years, resulting in low estrogen production and a shortage of eggs.
- Endometriosis: The occurrence of uterine tissue outside the uterus can compromise ovarian, uterine, and fallopian tube function, thus impacting fertility.
- Previous Tubal Sterilization or Removal: For patients who have had tubal ligation as a means of permanent contraception, IVF becomes a substitute for surgical reversal.
- Male Factor Infertility: Deviations in sperm count, motility, or morphology can prevent natural fertilization. A reproductive expert can evaluate and remedy any underlying issues.
- Unexplained Infertility: When a thorough examination cannot pinpoint the cause of infertility, IVF can be a possibility.
- Genetic Disorders: Couples who are at risk for passing on genetic disorders can have preimplantation genetic testing. This testing screens embryos for certain genetic abnormalities prior to implantation, although it does not remove all risks of genetic factors.
- Medical Fertility Preservation: Patients who are undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation that can affect fertility can opt to freeze eggs or embryos for later use. Also, patients with medical conditions that render pregnancy risky can use a gestational carrier to carry the pregnancy.
IVF is a highly technical process that provides hope to those with reproductive issues. An appointment with a fertility specialist will assist in ascertaining the best course of action depending on personal medical history and reproductive needs.
When to Opt for IVF?
IVF is suggested in situations where regular fertility treatments have failed or are not possible. It can be opted for in the following situations:
- Advanced Maternal Age: Women above 35 years of age who are facing trouble getting pregnant can be helped with IVF.
- Blocked or Defective Fallopian Tubes: IVF circumvents the use of fallopian tubes, so it can be an appropriate choice for women with tubal problems.
- Severe Male Factor Infertility: Impotence, low count of sperm, low motility, or abnormal sperm morphology can be treated using IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
- Endometriosis: IVF can treat moderate to severe endometriosis by taking eggs directly from the ovaries in women.
- Unexplained Infertility: When there is no obvious reason for infertility, IVF can prove to be an effective solution.
- Genetic Issues: Couples with a family history of genetic disorders can choose preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to test embryos prior to implantation.
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: For those who have had repeated miscarriages, IVF with genetic testing can enhance the possibility of a healthy pregnancy.
Advantages of IVF
IVF has various benefits for couples with infertility issues:
- Higher Success Rates: IVF offers better success rates in comparison to other treatments for fertility issues, particularly for those women suffering from underlying reproductive conditions.
- Donor Eggs or Sperm: For couples who cannot achieve pregnancy through their own reproductive cells, donor prospects open up the door to potential parenthood.
- Genetic Disorder Screening: PGT makes it possible to detect possible genetic disorders prior to embryo transfer, minimizing the chances of genetic conditions being passed on.
- Flexible Treatment Plans: IVF can be adapted to suit individual requirements, such as the use of frozen embryos, gestational carriers, or fertility preservation methods.
- Timing Control: Couples have the ability to time their pregnancy by freezing embryos and having IVF at a time of convenience for them.
Our IVF Packages
We have various IVF treatment packages that are formulated to cater to the varied needs of our clients:
- Standard IVF Package: Suitable for initial IVF patients, comprising ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer.
- Premium IVF Package: Offers extra services like ICSI, embryo freezing, and preimplantation genetic testing.
- Donor IVF Package: Offers exposure to high-quality donor eggs, sperm, or embryos for couples in need of third-party reproduction support.
- Fertility Preservation Package: Ideal for patients undergoing medical procedures impacting fertility, providing egg or embryo preservation for future use.
- Comprehensive IVF Package: A complete package for couples who need several cycles, genetic testing, and individualized fertility treatment plans.
Our specialist fertility team are dedicated to working with you from start to finish through the IVF process. Get in touch with us now to find out more about our packages and arrange the one best suited to your individual needs.
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