Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today!
On July 25, 1978, the world was introduced to its first test-tube baby when Louise Brown was born through In vitro fertilization (IVF) technique at Bourn Hall in England. This day was declared the World IVF Day and since then it has been observed each year. In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment is now extremely common, and statistics show that worldwide more than 8 million babies have been born through various "Assisted Reproductive Techniques" including IVF since the birth of Louise Brown. Although IVF has been in the medical field for a very long time now and this practice has been upgrading and improving, it is rather surprising to see that some people still hold reservations against this. They feel that it is an extremely complex and complicated procedure that will take forever and are doubtful about the outcomes from it. If you also think so, read this.
"In vitro fertilization is one of the most advanced techniques in medical sciences and is being evaluated and enhanced with every step," says Dr. Chandana Narayana, Consultant Gynecologist and Infertility, Motherhood Hospitals, Sarjapur, Bengaluru.
She explains - For patients who undergo In vitro fertilization, gonadotropins (hormones that stimulate the ovaries) are administered to cause a controlled stimulation of the ovaries so that they produce more than one egg. The doctors then retrieve the egg just before ovulation as an ultrasound guided procedure. The eggs are then prepared for fertilization in the lab. The sperm can either be injected into the retrieved eggs (intracytoplasmic sperm injection, ICSI) or the doctors can wait for sperm to enter the eggs themselves (IVF).
Dr. Narayana shares some more facts couples should know about In vitro fertilization treatment. She says:
IVF is not a very long procedure that consumes time: Many people who first look at IVF feel that it must be a time-consuming activity and will take up months to even retrieve the egg. This however is not true. In vitro fertilization is not a time taking activity. What basically happens is that the couple or the patient visit the doctor and after a green signal confirming no other abnormalities the patient must take self-administered (generally) fertility shots for at least 11 to 12 days. After this when the eggs are retrieved and fused with the sperm which is then inserted back into the patient's uterus after 3 or 5 days (fresh transfer). The whole procedure is complete within 2 weeks' time in case of fresh transfer and 2 to 3 months approximately in frozen embryo transfer.
A health check-up should be done: Before diving into the In vitro fertilization process, one should always get their medical check-up to eliminate the chances of any other medical abnormalities or underlying health conditions. For example, if a person is overweight the IVF process might not work too well, hence reducing weight before starting the hormone medications and the IVF is an important for a successful outcome.
Side effects are minimal: During or after the In vitro fertilization process it is typical to feel emotional. Changes in the body like tender breasts, bloating, delicate pelvic area are very standard but not alarming during the process.
In vitro fertilization is not a sure-shot procedure: Even though In vitro fertilization does increase the chances of a couple getting pregnant who otherwise are not able to conceive, it is not a 100% guarantee that the procedure will be a success. There are chances that the body just does not accept the fertilized egg and rejects it.
In vitro fertilization can impact your mental health: One thing that the patient should do is relax and not take too much stress. A lot of patience is required throughout this procedure. In vitro fertilization can take a toll on your mental health as it can be a long road before one conceives and apart from that not all couples are financially stable to have an IVF 2 or 3 times before they get pregnant. So, staying positive is very important.
IVF affects the dad as well: We focus on how it has an impact on the mother and how the procedure takes a toll on their mental health as well as on their bodies, but dads get affected too. Men also undergo the same stress of whether the procedure will be successful or not. So, do not leave men out and be there for them.