Crucial Information Regarding IVF Fertility Treatment

By Catherine Stone


Inability to sire children is one of the biggest problems couples have to face in a marriage. In vitro fertilization (IVF) has emerged as one of the solutions for couples unable to conceive naturally. IVF fertility treatment is a scientific procedure of creating an embryo outside the human body. It involves putting an egg and sperm in a container and allowing them to fuse under controlled laboratory conditions.

Common problems that cause women to resort to IVF include defective fallopian tubes. Damage to the tubes happens due to a number of reasons such as recurrent pelvic infections, recurrent trauma and ectopic pregnancy. Men that consider this form of treatment usually have inadequate number of sperms or abnormal motility.

IVF is usually done in a stepwise manner. The first step involves administration of drugs to stimulate production of eggs from the ovary of the woman. Multiple ova (eggs) are needed to increase the chances of fertilization in vitro. At this stage, ultrasound examination of the ovaries is done as well monitoring of reproductive hormone levels through blood tests. Next, the ova are obtained using ultrasound guidance. The male partner is then requested to provide a sperm sample.

Semen samples are routinely obtained through masturbation and pouring the ejaculate into a correctly labelled container. It is advised that you avoid sexual intercourse for at least two days prior to sperm collection to boost motility and count. The man should ensure his hands are clean before proceeding with the act. Also, avoid using lubricants or any product that could potentially kill sperms. If the sperm count in the ejaculate is too low, harvesting can be done directly through testicular surgical aspiration.

The next step is to facilitate union of the sperms and eggs in an in vitro. This can be done by simply mixing up the two and giving the process some time to cause fertilization. Better still, newer technology has given room for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, a process that increases chances of fertilization. The resulting embryo is then introduced into the uterus through catheterization.

IVF comes with its own challenges and one of the common ones include multiple pregnancies which are associated with premature births and underdeveloped babies. Additional adverse effects include abdominal cramping, vomiting, nausea and constipation. To top it, this fertility treatment very expensive and the low social economic class may not be able to afford it.

Success rate of fertility treatment varies depending on maternal age, obstetric and gynaecological history, lifestyle and the reason for the infertility. Failure on initial attempt may cause psychological stress on the couple and may discourage them from trying again. The fertilized egg may also implant ectopically, greatly affecting viability of the embryo.

Four to six weeks is the approximate period of time for a complete cycle IVF. It is an option that couples facing infertility should strongly consider despite the risks as research has shown that babies are just as healthy as those conceived naturally with no medical issues directly linked to it.




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