In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Phases, Risks and Side Effects

Infertility is now a growing concern among humans, and in response, scientists have developed various means to treat it. One of the most well-known treatments is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), an Assistive Reproductive Technology (ART) that addresses infertility. During the IVF procedure, a woman typically receives hormone injections to stimulate egg production.

Definition

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) involves collecting eggs from a woman's ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then either transferred to the woman's womb within 3 to 5 days for implantation or frozen for future use.

Why IVF?

In Vitro Fertilization is often the preferred form of infertility treatment, particularly for women over 40 years old or those with specific health conditions that prevent natural conception.

Common reasons for choosing IVF include:

• Damage to the fallopian tube: When the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, fertilization cannot occur, and the embryo cannot travel to the uterus. IVF provides an alternative path to conception.
• Infrequent or absence of ovulation: A lack of sufficient eggs for fertilization makes conception difficult. IVF can stimulate egg production and facilitate fertilization.
• Tubal ligation: This is a permanent method of birth control where the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked. For women who wish to conceive after this procedure, IVF offers an alternative.
• Genetic disorders: Couples diagnosed with genetic conditions may risk passing these disorders to their children. IVF, combined with genetic screening, can help prevent this by selecting embryos free of genetic impairments for implantation.
• Endometriosis: This condition involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, affecting the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. IVF can bypass these complications.
• Low sperm production or function: Issues such as poor sperm movement, low production, or abnormal sperm size and shape can cause infertility. IVF can use healthy donor sperm or other methods to facilitate fertilization.

In Vitro Fertilization Phases

IVF involves several key phases:

1. Stimulation Phase: The woman takes fertility medications to increase egg production. Regular ultrasounds monitor the ovaries and hormone levels.
2. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are retrieved from the woman's ovaries using a thin needle guided by ultrasound. This procedure, though not painless, is essential for collecting viable eggs.
3. Sperm Retrieval: The male partner provides semen, either through masturbation or a procedure called "Testicular Aspiration." The sperm is then separated from the semen fluid in the lab.
4. Insemination and Fertilization Phase: The retrieved sperm and eggs are mixed in a laboratory tube. Fertilization typically occurs a few hours later. If fertilization chances are low, a technique called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be used to inject sperm directly into the egg.
5. Embryo Culture Phase: After fertilization, the embryo begins to divide and grow. If the couple is at risk of passing on a genetic disorder, a preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may be performed 3 to 5 days after fertilization to screen the embryo for genetic conditions.
6. Embryo Transfer Phase: The doctor transfers the embryo into the woman's uterus 3 to 5 days after fertilization. The embryo is implanted in the uterine wall, and pregnancy begins. A blood test a few weeks later confirms the pregnancy.

Risks

Despite its success, IVF carries certain risks, including:

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pregnancy loss
• Multiple births
• Excess fluid in the chest and abdomen
• Birth disabilities
• Premature delivery

Side Effects

Possible side effects of IVF include:

• Breast tenderness
• Cramps
• Bleeding
• Reactions to medications

In conclusion, the success of IVF depends on several factors. Furthermore, it includes the cause of infertility, your age, and whether the eggs are healthy. Likewise, the doctor performs the procedure, and if the eggs are your own or gotten from a donor.