In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures that result in fertilization of an egg with a sperm outside the human body. This is one of the most effective forms of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and is generally a treatment of infertility or genetic problems.
IVF is generally advised under the following conditions:
- Infertility in women over 40
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tube
- Infrequent or absent ovulation
- Premature ovarian failure before the age of 40
- Endometriosis, wherein the uterine tissue grows outside the uterus
- Fibroids or non-malignant tumors in the uterine wall
- Tubal ligation in which fallopian tubes are cut or blocked as way of contraception
- Below average sperm production
- Unexplained infertility
- Genetic disorder that runs in the family
- Preserving the fertility before starting cancer treatment
The success rate of IVF depends on various factors including:
- Age of the parents
- Cause of infertility
- Medical issues
- Treatment approach of the clinic
The IVF procedure includes:
- Ovulation induction by using fertility drugs
- Retrieval of egg
- Retrieval of sperm
- Fertilization using techniques like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI )
- Transfer of embryo
Verification of pregnancy after 12 days -2 weeks
