Modern medicine has managed to eliminate the barrier of infertility with a number of modern methods. In vitro fertilization is a technique of assisted reproduction and has brought smiles to couples who were facing the problem of infertility.
What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization, as its name suggests, is a method of assisted reproduction in which fertilization takes place outside the woman’s body. More specifically, the egg is fertilized with sperm in a laboratory by highly experienced scientists.
What factors lead to IVF?
When a couple has been trying to conceive naturally for over 12-18 months without success, then they should start investigating the possible underlying factors that could impair conception. In cases where the woman is older than 35 years, then the investigation should start earlier, within 6 months. In view of this, the couple must visit a gynecologist specialized in assisted reproduction techniques. Based on the couple’s medical history and the cause of infertility, the attending physician will suggest the appropriate method of assisted reproduction.
Infertility factors
Either the man or the woman can be responsible for the difficulty in normal conception. More specifically, causes of female infertility are:
- Poor egg quality
- Endocrinological problems
- Endometriosis
- Chronic or acute infections of gynaecological system
- Hormonal problems
- Early menopause
- Anatomical problems
- Unexplained infertility
- Age
On the other hand, there are also some factors that contribute to male infertility. More specifically:
- Chronic infections
- Presence of varicocele
- Obstruction or absence of the seminal ducts
- Low motility or low sperm count
What are the steps of IVF?
IVF consists of several steps. These steps must be followed precisely aiming to achieve conception. More specifically:
Step 1: Stimulation
Tailored protocol of stimulated drugs is prescribed to the woman, which are called fertility drugs. These drugs trigger the ovaries to produce more than one egg each month.
Step 2: Egg retrieval
Eggs are then retrieved from within the woman’s body in a minor procedure called egg retrieval. With a fine needle inserted into the vagina, the gynecologist retrieves the eggs from the woman’s ovaries under mild anesthesia.
Step 3: Fertilization
The sperm is combined with the mature eggs retrieved in a controlled chamber. Usually, a few hours later fertilization takes place.
Step 4: Embryo culture
After successful fertilization, the zygote ( embryo) divides into multiple cells and becomes an embryo. Specialist staff check if the embryos are developing properly for a few days.
Step 5: Embryo transfer
The physician inserts the embryo into the woman’s uterus through a thin catheter. If the embryo implants in the uterine area, then a successful pregnancy will be confirmed by a blood test a few days later.
Methods and Techniques of IVF
Depending on the circumstances, the obstetrician-gynecologist will recommend the most suitable treatment to the couple.
- Classic IVF: Classic IVF is applied in cases where the sperm is good, the number of eggs is high and it is the woman’s first IVF attempt.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is chosen in cases where we have limited number of eggs, the sperm is abnormal or there are previous failed attempts of classical in vitro fertilization.
In vitro fertilization: Success factors
The success rate of IVF depends on many factors. More specifically, the age of the woman plays a decisive role. The younger a woman is, the more likely the method is to succeed. In addition, the quality of the eggs and sperm used for fertilization plays a significant role.
The Obstetrician – Gynecologist Melina Stasinou, having extensive experience in assisted reproduction protocols and operations, will prepare a holistic personalized plan for a successful IVF journey.
Do not hesitate to contact the physician for any question or clarification regarding IVF.
