IVF Treatment

Introduction

In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment is comprehensive step-wise procedure that helps a couple or a woman who have a difficult time trying to conceive a child due to genetic problems or issues to do with fertility. The procedure entails harvesting mature eggs from the woman’s ovaries.

The retrieved eggs are thereafter fertilized by sperm. All of this takes place in a laboratory set up. After the fertilization process in a lab, the eggs(now known as embryos) will be implanted in the woman’s uterus.

It takes about three full weeks to complete a single cycle of IVF. At times, it may be necessary to split the aforementioned steps further. Consequently, the procedure might take more than three weeks.

Why IVF

IVF has proven to be a very reliable and effective technique in as far as assisted reproductive technology is concerned. A couple may decide to use their own sperm and eggs to facilitate in the IVF procedure. Alternatively, the sperm or eggs can be procured from an anonymous or known donor.

The couple may further decide to enlist the services of a gestational carrier. This is a woman whom the couple identifies as their preferred choice for carrying the embryo to full term. In this case, the embryo is implanted into the uterus of the gestational carrier.

IVF results in the delivery of a healthy baby. However, the probability of having a healthy baby through this procedure is determined by various factors, including the causes of infertility and age of the couple. The procedure tends to be quite invasive, unlike the other methods of conception. It is also out of reach for many people due to the costs involved, not to mention the duration of time it takes to complete an IVF. There is also the risk for multiple pregnancy in case there is the transfer of more than one embryo. Talk to your doctors about what IVF entails, the benefits and risk factors associated with this procedure.

Types of IVF treatment

IVFs are categorized into the following types:

• Frozen embryo transfer: This type of IVF can be used in case you are interested in gender selection or genetic testing of the embryos. The method allows a woman to freeze embryos for use with the frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle at a later time. The procedures tends to be cheaper in comparison with the full IVF cycle, has a higher rate of success and is also less time consuming.
• IVF + egg donor: In this type of IVF, a woman may decide to receive eggs from a donor because age, illness and other factors may have resulted in a diminished ovarian reserve. Others may opt for an egg donor since the quality of their egg is so poor such that they would have a hard time getting it fertilized on delivering a healthy baby
• IVF + sperm donor: Sometimes when the male partner is not in a position to produce sperms that are viable enough to attain fertilization, the couple can decide to look for a sperm donor. The sperm will  help in fertilizing the partner’s egg. The sperm donor can be known to the couple or an anonymous donor.
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): Prior to the male sperm fertilizing an egg, it needs to adhere to the outside. Thereafter, the sperm requires to push through the egg into the cytoplasm. Or the center of the egg. This is the site for fertilization. At times, the sperm cannot pierce through the outer layer. This could be as a result of weak sperms, a hard or thick outer layer of the egg. In the ICSI procedure, the doctor often injects a single sperm using a micro pipette to pierce through the hard or thick walls and therefore allow the sperm to implant in the cytoplasm.

Treatment options for IVF

Home remedies

There are various natural remedies available for treating fertility problems. They include:

• Raspberry leaves: Raspberry leaves are useful to women who have fertility issues. The leaves promote the normal growth of an embryo. Additionally, raspberry leaves helps to restore hormone levels
• Stinging nettle: This plant improves fertility in addition to also curing uterine malfunctions. Stinging nettle assists with the retention of an embryo in the womb. The herb is popular as a beverage. Women who are trying to conceive can consume 2-3 cups of  stinging nettle tea.  
• Ashwagandha: Also known as Indian ginseng, this herb is a useful remedy to infertility issues in women and men. Specifically, the herb boosts the endocrine system and improves its functioning. Additionally, ashwagandha helps improve immunity.

Homeopathy

The following homeopathic medicines may be useful in assisting with fertility issues

• Borax: This is an infertility medication for use by females. The medicine is ideal in case there is copious white discharge from the vagina. Borax promotes easier conception
• Natrum Phos: This homeopathic medication aims to assist women facing problems with infertility. Also, such women experience a creamy and honey-colored discharge from their vagina
• Calcarea Carb: This medicine is essential in restoring infertility in women as a result of prolonged or profuse periods  
• Natrum Carb: This homeopathic remedy helps to cure infertility in females. It is especially useful in women who have a problem in retaining sperms
• Argentum Nitricum: This homeopathic remedy helps to treat weakness and anxiety in men that may result in infertility. It can also relieve stress and dizziness problems

Allopathy

The following drugs are also useful in IVF treatment:

• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): This is a fertility drug that aids in the stimulation of eggs production
• Clomiphene: This fertility medication helps to block estrogen. Clomiphene further promotes the release of other hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. The production of these hormones act as a signal for the ovaries to begin producing eggs
• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: The drug is popular as it triggers the ovaries to release viable eggs

When to go for an IVF

The above named fertility treatment may not work under the following conditions:

• In case of uterine  fibroids as they will hinder an embryo from implanting in the walls of the uterus successfully
• Women who have undergone tubal ligation will often experience challenges in conceiving
• Damage or blocks in the fallopian tubes disrupts the embryo path to the uterus
• Genetic disorders
• Poor quality sperms

Under those conditions, an IVF would be the ideal option 

IVF Procedure

The IVF procedure entails five main steps:

Stimulation:

Also referred to as super ovulation, this step involves administering fertility drugs to a woman. The objective is to boost egg production. Under normal circumstances a woman is meant to produce a single egg each month.  By administering the fertility drug, the ovaries are tricked into producing several eggs. At this step, the doctor conducts several trans-vaginal ultrasound. The goal is to examine the state of ovaries. Also, the doctor will order blood tests with a view to changing hormone levels.

Retrieving the egg:

This step entails a minor surgery known as follicular aspiration. The procedure is administered to obtain the egg from a woman’s ovaries. The procedure can be administered at your doctor’s office under local anesthesia. Ultrasound images guide the doctor in this procedure. The doctor pulls the eggs from the ovary using a thin needle attached to a suction device. The needle penetrates the vagina and finds its way into the ovaries. The doctor will then repeat this procedure with the other ovary. The doctor can also decide to conduct a pelvic laparoscopy to assist with collecting the eggs. However, this procedure is rarely done. In case the woman fails to produce any eggs, the  donated eggs are used.

Insemination and fertilization:

This is the step that helps in egg fertilization using the male sperm. After insemination, the sperm and eggs are stored in a chamber under environmental control. Fertilization often takes place several hours following insemination. In case of low probability of fertilization, the doctor will conduct an ICSI procedure to assist with the fertilization

Embryo culture:

Once a fertilized egg divides it transforms into an embryo. The embryo is observed closely in the lab settings to ensure proper growth. Active division occurs within about 5 days

Embryo transfer:

This takes place about 5 days following the successful retrieval and fertilization of a female egg. Embryo transfer is administered in your doctor’s office. During the procedure, your doctor inserts a catheter that contains embryos  into your vagina. The catheter goes through the cervix and into the womb. In case the embryo implants in the womb lining, it leads to a pregnancy.

IVF treatment options

There are various healthcare facilities in India that offers IVF treatment. You can choose to have the procedure at your doctor’s office or a larger hospital. The decision where to have an IVF treatment will be dependent on the cost of the procedure, the level of expertise of your doctor, and convenience, among others

Small clinic

Small clinics are ideal for an IVF procedure because you are likely to enjoy the personalized care and attention  from your doctor. This is helpful in terms of giving you an assurance that the procedure will be a success. It also helps to allay any fears that you may have regarding the procedure.  Another benefit of having an IVF procedure at a small clinic is that there are fewer delays involved. However, some of the small clinics may not have enough equipment to successfully conduct an IVF procedure. In addition, a number of doctors who operate certain small clinics may lack the expertise needed to successfully conduct an IVF procedure

Large hospitals

You can also have an IVF treatment at a large private or public hospital. One of the advantages of this choice is that you are likely to be attended by more than one expert. This may result in a safer and more effective procedure. Besides, large hospitals are well equipped to handle the various steps of IVFs. However, you could get delayed due to the high number of related procedures or other emergency cases at large hospitals. Moreover, you may not experience the personalized care in a large hospital as you would in a small clinic.

Cost of IVFs in different setups

The cost of IVF in India varies from different healthcare facilities. However, the cost is highly discounted when you compare with such other markets as Europe and the United States. A single cycle of VIF in India ranges between Rs. 1,00,000 and Rs. 3,50,000. This cost excludes testing, medication and other procedures that your doctor may deem necessary. If you include other procedure like ICSI this could rise to Rs. 80, 00,000. You will also have to cater for the travel cost. The cost of IVF also differs in the different cities across India. For example, in Mumbai, the cost of IVF ranges between INR 1,60,000 and 3,50,000. In Kolkata, you can have an IVF treatment for as low as INR 1,00,000 while in Hyderabad the least amount for an IVF is INR 1,60,000.

Post op care

Doctors advice patients to take enough rest after an IVF procedure. This will also help you to recover from the trauma of undergoing an IVF procedure. Your doctor may prescribe progesterone after an IVF as it boosts the chances of getting pregnant. Ensure you take the medication as prescribed. A heathy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, vitamins and calcium is also ideal. Avoid intercourse after implantation. This will allow for proper implantation.

At goficure, we can help you to get IVF appointment at a huge discount. Some of the leading IVF experts in India will evaluate you. We will also help you to identify the most suitable facilities for you to undertake the procedure.

The staff at goficure will help in filling any paperwork that you might need. This also includes making your insurance claim. We will also organize your transport to and from the hospital.

References