Not being able to conceive can be a very difficult time. But with all the progress science has made, IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is a procedure that helps couples have children. Used for patients who cannot conceive the traditional way, this method can be quite complex and the outcomes can vary from patient to patient. IVF is a viable solution for most couples.
In Vitro Fertilization is a method of assisted reproduction that involves manual fertilization of the male and female gametes in a laboratory setup.
When should a couple opt for IVF treatment?
You know it is time to seek the help of a fertility specialist when:
· You are younger than 35 yrs of age who has been unable to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse
· You are a woman over 35 or 35-years-old, and are unable to conceive after 6 months of intercourse
· You are suffering from irregular menstrual cycles, PCOD etc. and are planning to conceive
· You have been monitoring ovulation without any positive result
· You have had previous failed attempts at ovulation induction with drugs and/or IUI
· You have known risk factors for sub fertility such as fibroid, endometriosis or have a previous history of TB
· You have had recurrent pregnancy losses or miscarriages
· This procedure is also used in cases where the eggs or sperms of a patient have to preserved. This is done in cases of cancer and can be done for both male and female patients, prior to starting cancer treatment
Before the IVF process: It involves a series of visits to your doctor who will check the quality of the egg. Also, your hormonal levels and the ability of the endometrium to hold the embryo is assessed. In most cases, hormonal injections are given to improve the productivity of the eggs.
IVF process: During the process, the eggs are removed from the ovary and fertilized with the sperm in a controlled environment. The fertilized egg is then transferred into the woman’s womb (uterus). As the chances of getting pregnant are low in these cases, IVF specialists transfer more than one embryo with the aim of establishing a successful pregnancy.
After the IVF process: You need to regularly follow up with the doctor to rule out any possible complications that might result. In most cases, a couple has to undergo 2 – 3 IVF process to get pregnant. As three embryos are inserted into the uterus, the patients might conceive twins or triplets.
According to the laws, women after 45 cannot adopt a child. And in such cases, IVF becomes the most effective measure to get pregnant.
A woman’s age, her overall health and BMI or body mass index, along with her weight, contribute towards her pregnancy goals. Being overweight or obese influences one’s ability to conceive in many ways. Here’s how:
It affects ovulation: Being overweight affects a woman’s fertility and ovulation as it alters normal hormonal activities and hence lowers one’s chances to get pregnant.
It leads to PCOD: PCOD or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a medical condition wherein a woman’s insulin levels become elevated, it decreased or ceased ovulation, irregular menstruation, obesity and an increase of male hormones in the body. There is a direct link between PCOD, obesity and infertility.
It increases risk of miscarriage and lowers chances of a successful IVF treatment: Being overweight significantly increases a woman’s chances of miscarriage and still birth.
A timely IVF treatment and a detailed consultation with our Doctor can help you deal with the issues of conception and help you sail smoothly through your pregnancy.