In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most widely used assisted reproductive technology (ART) to help couples conceive a child in the event of fertility or genetic problems. The IVF procedure involves retrieving multiple mature eggs which are fertilized by sperm in the lab. Viable embryos are then transferred to the uterus for implantation and pregnancy. Typically one full cycle of IVF takes about 3 weeks.
Why is IVF Done?
IVT treatment is a chosen line of procedure in conditions such as:
● Fallopian tube damage or blockage
● Ovulation disorders
● Endometriosis
● Uterine fibroids
● Previous tubal sterilization or removal
● Sperm production impairment
● Unexpected infertility
● Genetic disorders
● Fertility preservation for a range of health condition
How is IVF done?
There are 5 basic steps to In vitro fertilization:
Step 1: Stimulation
The ovaries produce only one egg per menstrual cycle; however, in IVF, fertility drugs are given to the women to increase egg production. The procedure helps produce several eggs, and the woman visits the clinic for transvaginal ultrasounds as part of the ovarian scans. Blood tests are also performed to check for hormone levels.
Step 2: Egg retrieval
The eggs are collected from the woman through a minor surgery called follicular aspiration. The procedure involves general anaesthesia to reduce discomfort and pain. Using ultrasound scanners to guide, a thin needle is sent through the vagina into the ovaries to capture the eggs. Multiple eggs are extracted in one session, and the procedure is repeated for the other ovary. In rare cases, pelvic laparoscopy is performed to retrieve eggs.
Step 3: Insemination and fertilization
The best quality eggs and sperm from the man are placed together in a medium to allow them to mix. The inseminated eggs are stored in an environmentally controlled chamber to allow for fertilization to occur. Sometimes when the odds of fertilization are low, a technician directly injects the sperm into the egg in a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Step 4: Embryo culture
Since more than one egg is fertilized at once, multiple embryos are available for screening and implantation. In the case that the couple has a high risk of passing on a genetic disorder, they could consider a pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). In the procedure, a single cell is removed from each embryo and screened for genetic disorders. This could help with deciding the best embryo to implant. However, since the procedure is controversial, it is not available in all labs.
Step 5: Embryo transfer
Viable embryos are transferred 3 to 5 days after fertilization. The procedure is simpler and is done while the woman is awake. The embryos are placed into the uterus using a catheter sent through the vagina and cervix. If the embryo implants, the uterine wall thickens, and pregnancy will soon follow. To increase the chances of pregnancy, more than one embryo may be placed into the womb at a time.
Downsides of IVF
While the procedure is highly effective, the IVF cost tends to be quite high in all clinics. The procedure is charged per cycle and can vary from one clinic to the other. Some of the side effects include cramping, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, headache, and rare allergic reactions to medicines. Also, since more than one embryo is used to improve the chances of implantation, it can sometimes lead to twin, triples or quadruple birth.
Conclusion
In vitro fertilization is a highly effective assisted reproductive technology that involves the extraction of eggs and sperm from the couple. The eggs are then inseminated in the lab, and viable embryos are planted into the uterus of the woman.