What is IVF? Everything you desire to know about IVF.

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (also known as IVF) is the process of removing eggs and sperm and uniting them in a particular laboratory. If the process is successful, the fertilized embryo is implanted in the uterus of the aspiring parent (or a gestational surrogate). It is a viable option for those struggling with infertility due to medical issues or who need to use donor eggs or sperm to conceive. It can also be useful for people who have genetic disorders or want to freeze and store their embryos for a future pregnancy.. This method of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has been around since 1978.

How the IVF Treatment Process works?

Here’s what you can expect when undergoing IVF at an IVF fertility center in Jharkhand:

Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation: To stimulate the production of mature eggs by your ovaries, fertility medicines will be given to you. It is also possible to prescribe other hormones such progesterone, estrogen, and/or DHEA.

Step 2: Patient Monitoring: A transvaginal ultrasound will be done to evaluate your ovaries, and blood samples will be collected to determine your hormone levels.

Step 3: Growing The egg: To stimulate the maturation of your eggs, an HCG hormone injection is given two days prior egg collection.

Step 4: Egg retrieval: To extract your eggs, you will undergo a minor surgical operation. This procedure takes about 30 minutes and involves retrieving the eggs from the follicles with the use of ultrasound imaging and a specific needle.

Step 5: Sperm collection: Sperm from the male partner or a prearranged sperm donor is collected and processed.

Step 6: Egg Fertilization To promote fertilization, the sperm and retrieved eggs are mixed together in a procedure known as insemination. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI, may be utilized in certain situations. To help in fertilization, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg in this procedure. To make sure that fertilization and cell division continue until the eggs develop into embryos, the eggs are closely monitored.

Step 7: Embryo Transfer Three to five days after fertilization, one or two embryos are ready for implantation in your uterus (or that of a pre-arranged surrogate).

Step 8: Pregnancy Test A blood test will be done about two weeks following the embryo transfer to identify whether or not you are pregnant. If your pregnancy test is positive, you will see an ultrasound two weeks later. If your test is negative, you can discuss your options with your medical team; you may want to try IVF again because repeat attempts improve the likelihood of success.

Does IVF include any risks or harmful effects?

Similar to the majority of medical procedures, there is a slight chance of risk. Most side effects are mild and disappear quickly following the treatment and stopping further hormone prescription. Below is a summary of the most frequent problems that may occur:

Immediately following the procedure

IVF rarely causes much difficulty, with the exception of slight cramps. Additional negative consequences could be:

• Passing a little amount of liquid

• Mild bloating.

• Mild cramps

• Breast tenderness and constipation

• Common side effects of fertility medicine.

• Mood swings

• Hot flashes.

• Headaches

• Abdominal Bloating

• Abdominal Pain

Rare challenges associated with IVF.

A severe type of a syndrome known as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is rare, occurring in only 1-2

percent of individuals. Any risk is significantly reduced by the medical team's careful observation and a

personalized treatment of fertility medications.

Among the symptoms are:

Reduced frequency of urination

vomiting or feeling queasy

severe bloating and stomach pains

Breathlessness and faintness

Unexpected water weight gain of more than 7 pounds in 3–5 days

See your doctor as soon as possible if you encounter any of these side effects.

How successful is IVF?

IVF success rates are determined by a variety of factors, including age, reproductive history, lifestyle, and the cause of infertility. Success rates vary depending on the scientific approaches used and the experience of the medical personnel involved.

How to Get Help with Infertility?

The first step is to chat with your family doctor and request a referral to a reproductive clinic in your area. For individuals in Jharkhand, consider speaking with an IVF fertility center for customized and local assistance