IN VITRO FERTILIZATION

Edited by, SNEHA MAVIS

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that is generally referred to as IVF. The fusion of egg and a sperm outside of the woman's body, i.e. in the laboratory, is referred to as IVF. The fertilised ovum or egg is then allowed grow for a period of time in a special culture medium before being placed in the womb of the woman who is to undergo the pregnancy. When other less expensive methods of assisting a couple to conceive have failed, IVF  is usually performed.

PROCEDURE:

Step 1: Medication 

Hormone injections are administered to the woman in order to stimulate good egg growth. The ovaries are hyperstimulated to allow the release of more than one ovum. This is also known as superovulation.

Step 2: Harvest the Eggs

The eggs are then collected from the ovaries by a minor surgery in which the woman is anaesthetized and the eggs are retrieved trans-vaginally. If the woman is unable to produce eggs, donor oocytes may be used. The male partner's sperm is obtained the same day.

Step 3: Fertilization

The male partner's sperm is combined with the "best" of the retrieved eggs at this step to encourage fertilization under controlled conditions. This can often be done within a few hours. Various fertilization technologies, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), are used.

Step 4: Embryo Culture

Embryo culture is implemented in case the ovum is fertilized. This permits the embryo to divide into several cells, which takes around  five days. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may be performed during this time, especially if one of the partners has a high risk of passing a genetic condition on to the offspring.

Step 5: Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer into the womb takes place three to five days after fertilization. During an embryo transfer, a woman's uterus is monitored using ultrasound, and a small catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterine cavity. The embryo (s) are then implanted in the uterus. In most cases, multiple embryos will be implanted to increase the chances of successful pregnancy.

DISADVANTAGE:

IVF is an expensive procedure that may not be covered by all insurance policies. Many clinics have lower-than-average success rates. Associated risks of IVF treatment include Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy and Pregnancy-induced hypertension.