IVF or in vitro fertilization has come up as one of the most widely used
artificial reproduction techniques in the modern times. The technique
involves combining of egg and sperm in laboratory conditions. The embryo
so formed is placed in the uterus of the women for the progression of
normal pregnancy. It is a complicated process, which begins with control
of ovulation with the help of medicines and injections. After this, the
woman is monitored regularly till the harvesting of eggs is done. Next
comes the most complicated part of the process, the incubation of eggs
with the sperm in controlled temperature and other conditions. Finally,
the fertilized process is placed in the uterus of the woman with the
help of a tube. IVF is done on outpatient basis, with the woman advised
to rest and relax for some time after the process.
How suitable is IVF for a couple?
A variety of fertility treatments have been devised and one of the available options is chosen depending upon the condition of the patient. IVF is feasible in case of these couples which have the following issues:
• There is a blockage in a woman’s fallopian tubes or they are missing
• She is suffering from endometriosis
• The male partner has very low sperm count
• The couple has tried for a long time but has been unsuccessful in conceiving, for reasons which are unknown
• IUI has been tried but has failed to yield results
• The woman has undergone an unsuccessful tubal ligation reversal surgery
IVF is either done with the woman’s own eggs or with donor eggs if she cannot produce healthy eggs or eggs at all.
Will it work?
The success rate of IVF is limited and it depends on certain factors. Some of these are mentioned are mentioned below:
Age of the woman
Whether IVF will work or not depends upon the age of the woman, with the success rate declining steadily as the age increases. In fact, even in case of normal pregnancy, the chances of conceiving and delivering a healthy baby fall as the woman goes past mid thirties and reaches her forties.
History of Successful Pregnancy
A woman, who has already had a successful pregnancy before, stands better chances of conceiving with IVF and also bearing a healthy baby.
Use of donor eggs
When a woman who has stepped into her forties opts for IVF treatment, she should better go for donor eggs to increase her chances of getting pregnant. It is so because the eggs of a younger woman are healthier than those of an aged one.
Use of frozen embryo
A previously frozen embryo has lesser chances of yielding a successful IVF result as compared to a fresh embryo. Some women have embryos from previous cycles preserved to save on expense of egg retrieval, but using such an embryo may not work to their benefit.
Additionally, there are some risks associated with IVF, such as multiple pregnancy, ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome and birth defects. Therefore, one should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure before undergoing it.
How suitable is IVF for a couple?
A variety of fertility treatments have been devised and one of the available options is chosen depending upon the condition of the patient. IVF is feasible in case of these couples which have the following issues:
• There is a blockage in a woman’s fallopian tubes or they are missing
• She is suffering from endometriosis
• The male partner has very low sperm count
• The couple has tried for a long time but has been unsuccessful in conceiving, for reasons which are unknown
• IUI has been tried but has failed to yield results
• The woman has undergone an unsuccessful tubal ligation reversal surgery
IVF is either done with the woman’s own eggs or with donor eggs if she cannot produce healthy eggs or eggs at all.
Will it work?
The success rate of IVF is limited and it depends on certain factors. Some of these are mentioned are mentioned below:
Age of the woman
Whether IVF will work or not depends upon the age of the woman, with the success rate declining steadily as the age increases. In fact, even in case of normal pregnancy, the chances of conceiving and delivering a healthy baby fall as the woman goes past mid thirties and reaches her forties.
History of Successful Pregnancy
A woman, who has already had a successful pregnancy before, stands better chances of conceiving with IVF and also bearing a healthy baby.
Use of donor eggs
When a woman who has stepped into her forties opts for IVF treatment, she should better go for donor eggs to increase her chances of getting pregnant. It is so because the eggs of a younger woman are healthier than those of an aged one.
Use of frozen embryo
A previously frozen embryo has lesser chances of yielding a successful IVF result as compared to a fresh embryo. Some women have embryos from previous cycles preserved to save on expense of egg retrieval, but using such an embryo may not work to their benefit.
Additionally, there are some risks associated with IVF, such as multiple pregnancy, ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome and birth defects. Therefore, one should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure before undergoing it.
