IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), is a medical treatment that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside of the body, in a laboratory dish. The fertilized egg, or embryo, is then transferred to the woman’s uterus where it can implant and grow into a pregnancy.
The IVF process typically involves several steps, including ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, egg retrieval, fertilization of the eggs with sperm, monitoring the development of the embryos in the lab, and finally, transferring one or more embryos to the uterus.
IVF is often used to treat infertility caused by a variety of factors, including blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count or motility, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility. It can also be used in cases where the intended parent or surrogate has a medical condition that makes pregnancy difficult or impossible.
Types of IVF Treatment
There are several types of IVF treatments that may be recommended depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the patient. Here are some common types of IVF treatment:
Traditional IVF: This is the most common type of IVF treatment, where the woman’s eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory dish. After a few days, one or more embryos are transferred to the uterus.
ICSI:Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a variation of traditional IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. This technique is often used when the male partner has a low sperm count or poor sperm motility.
PGT: Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) involves testing the embryos for genetic abnormalities before they are transferred to the uterus. This technique is often used when the couple has a known genetic disorder or a history of recurrent miscarriage.
FET: Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) involves thawing and transferring previously frozen embryos to the uterus. This may be recommended if the woman’s body is not ready for embryo transfer during the initial IVF cycle or if the couple wants to try for another pregnancy using embryos from a previous cycle.
Donor Eggs or Sperm: If the woman’s own eggs or the male partner’s sperm is not viable, donor eggs or sperm may be used for the IVF fertility treatment.
The specific type of IVF treatment recommended will depend on the individual patient’s needs and circumstances, and will be determined in consultation with a fertility specialist.
Process of IVF Treatment Step by Step
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The IVF Treatment procedure typically involves several steps. Here is a general overview of the IVF Treatment process step by step:
Ovarian stimulation: The first step in the IVF Treatment process is ovarian stimulation. The woman will receive fertility medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. The medication may be given in the form of injections for around 10-14 days, and regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasound may be necessary.
Egg retrieval: When the eggs are mature, the doctor will perform an egg retrieval procedure. The doctor will use a transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle to remove the eggs from the ovaries. The procedure usually takes around 20-30 minutes and is done under sedation.
Fertilization: After the eggs have been retrieved, they are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. The sperm may be from the male partner or from a donor. In some cases, a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
Embryo development: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are monitored for several days to ensure they are developing normally. The embryos may be screened for genetic abnormalities before they are transferred to the uterus.
Embryo transfer: After the embryos have developed for a few days, they are transferred to the uterus. The doctor will insert a catheter through the cervix and into the uterus to deposit the embryos.
Pregnancy test: About two weeks after the embryo transfer, the woman will take a pregnancy test to determine if the treatment was successful.
The entire process of IVF can take several weeks, and the exact details may vary depending on the specific treatment plan and the individual patient’s needs.
How many injections for IVF Treatment?
The number of injections required for IVF treatment can vary depending on the specific treatment protocol recommended by your fertility specialist. However, in general, most IVF treatment protocols involve a series of daily injections of fertility medications over several weeks.
The injections are typically used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved for fertilization in the laboratory. The number of injections required can depend on factors such as your age, ovarian reserve, and response to the medications.
Some common medications used in IVF treatment include:
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or antagonists: These medications are used to suppress the natural menstrual cycle and prevent premature ovulation.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) injections: These medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection: This medication triggers ovulation, so the eggs can be retrieved for fertilization.
Overall, most IVF treatment protocols involve several weeks of daily injections, with the number of injections ranging from around 10 to 30 or more depending on the individual treatment plan. It’s essential to work closely with your fertility specialist and follow their instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome for your IVF treatment.
Side Effects of IVF Treatment
Like any medical procedure, IVF treatment may have side effects. Here are some common IVF treatment side effects that patients may experience during or after IVF fertility treatment:
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can occur when the ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs. This can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort, and in severe cases can lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen and chest, and blood clots.
Mood Changes: Some women may experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression during or after IVF fertility treatment. This may be due to the hormonal changes that occur during the treatment.
Pain and Discomfort: Some women may experience cramping, bloating, and breast tenderness after egg retrieval or embryo transfer.
Bleeding: Light spotting or bleeding may occur after the egg retrieval procedure or embryo transfer.
Multiple Pregnancy: IVF treatment increases the chances of multiple pregnancies, which can pose a risk to both the mother and the babies.
Ectopic Pregnancy: In rare cases, the embryo may implant outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes, which can be a life-threatening condition.
It is important to discuss any potential side effects with a fertility specialist before starting IVF fertility treatment. Most side effects of IVF are mild and temporary and can be managed with medication or other supportive measures.
What is success rate of IVF Treatment?
The IVF treatment success rate can vary depending on several factors, including the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, and the specific IVF technique used. Here are some general success rates for IVF treatment:
For women under 35 years of age, the success rate of IVF treatment is typically around 40-50% per cycle.
For women between 35-37 years of age, the success rate of IVF treatment is typically around 30-40% per cycle.
For women between 38-40 years of age, the success rate of IVF treatment is typically around 20-30% per cycle.
For women over 40 years of age, the success rate of IVF treatment is typically around 10-15% per cycle.
It is important to note that these are general IVF treatment success rates, and individual success rates may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the patient. Additionally, some patients may require multiple IVF cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy. It is recommended to discuss the expected success rates with a fertility specialist before starting IVF treatment.
What is IVF Treatment Cost in Gurgaon?
The cost of IVF treatment in Gurgaon, India can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of IVF treatment, the location of the IVF Centre in Gurgaon, and the individual patient’s needs. Here is a general idea of the cost of IVF treatment in Gurgaon:
Traditional IVF: The cost of a single cycle of traditional IVF in Gurgaon, India can range from approximately INR 90,000 to INR 200,000.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): The cost of a single cycle of ICSI in Gurgaon, India can range from approximately INR 100,000 to INR 250,000.
Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT): The cost of PGT in Gurgaon, India can range from approximately INR 20,000 to INR 80,000 per embryo.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): The cost of a single cycle of FET in Gurgaon, India can range from approximately INR 60,000 to INR 120,000.
It is important to note that these costs are approximate and may vary depending on the IVF Clinic in gurgaon and the individual patient’s needs. Additionally, there may be additional costs for medications, consultations, and other services. It is recommended to discuss the specific costs with a fertility clinic before starting IVF fertility treatment. So it’s best to consult with a Dr. Shalu Gupta for a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate.
