IVF, IUI & Fertility Treatments

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of fertility treatment that helps people have a baby when they’re having trouble getting pregnant naturally. It involves collecting mature eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a lab. Once the eggs are fertilized, one or more of them (now called embryos) are placed into the uterus, where pregnancy can begin.

Why is IVF done?

IVF is often used when other fertility treatments haven’t worked. It can also be used to avoid passing on certain genetic disorders. Some common reasons to use IVF include:

  • Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes

  • Ovulation issues

  • Endometriosis

  • Uterine fibroids

  • Low sperm count or poor sperm quality

  • Previous surgeries like tubal ligation

  • Unexplained infertility

  • Wanting to preserve fertility before cancer treatments

  • Using donor eggs, sperm, or a gestational carrier

Risks of IVF

IVF isn’t without its challenges. It can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. Possible risks include:

  • Emotional stress and anxiety

  • Bleeding or infection from the egg retrieval procedure

  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (painful swollen ovaries)

  • Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy

  • Pregnancy with twins or more, which carries added health risks

  • Slightly increased risk of birth defects or early delivery

  • Rare concerns about cancer from fertility drugs (though not strongly supported by research)

 

Getting ready for IVF

Before IVF starts, you and your partner will need some tests like:

  • Blood tests to check your egg supply

  • A semen analysis for your partner

  • Screening for infections

  • An exam to look inside your uterus

  • A “practice” embryo transfer to test the best approach

You’ll also need to make some decisions, such as:

  • How many embryos you want to transfer

  • What to do with any extra embryos (freeze, donate, or discard)

  • How you would handle a multiple pregnancy

  • Whether you’re using donors or a gestational carrier and understanding the legal and emotional aspects

The IVF Process

  1. Stimulating the Ovaries
    You’ll take hormone injections for 1–2 weeks to help your ovaries produce multiple eggs. Ultrasounds and blood tests help track your response.

  2. Retrieving the Eggs
    About 34–36 hours after your final hormone shot, the eggs are collected using a thin needle guided by ultrasound. You’ll be given medication to stay comfortable.

  3. Sperm Collection
    Sperm is either collected from your partner or a donor, often on the same day. It’s prepared in the lab to be used for fertilization.

  4. Fertilization
    There are two main ways to fertilize the eggs:

  • Mixing sperm and eggs together (conventional method)

  • Injecting a single sperm into each egg (ICSI), especially when sperm issues are present

  1. Embryo Development
    The fertilized eggs are monitored. After 5–6 days, healthy embryos become blastocysts — balls of dividing cells that are ready for transfer.

  2. Optional Genetic Testing
    Some embryos may be tested for genetic conditions before being placed in the uterus.

  3. Embryo Transfer
    One or more embryos are placed into the uterus through a thin tube. If the embryo attaches successfully, pregnancy begins.

After the Embryo Transfer

Once the embryo transfer is done, you can mostly go back to your usual routine. However, your ovaries might still be swollen, so it’s best to avoid heavy exercise or sex until your doctor gives the go-ahead.

Common side effects include:

  • A little clear or bloody discharge (normal after the cervix is swabbed)

  • Sore breasts (due to high hormone levels)

  • Bloating or mild cramps

  • Constipation

Call your doctor if you experience:

  • Moderate to severe pain

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding
    These could be signs of problems like an infection, twisted ovary, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Waiting for Results

Around 12 days after the egg retrieval, you’ll have a blood test to check if you’re pregnant.

  • If you’re pregnant: You’ll be referred to a specialist to start prenatal care.

  • If you’re not pregnant: You’ll stop taking hormone medications, and your period will likely start within a week. If it doesn’t, or if your bleeding seems unusual, let your care team know. You can discuss what to do next and how to improve your chances for another IVF cycle.

What affects IVF success?

Several factors can influence whether IVF leads to a healthy pregnancy:

  • Age: Younger women generally have better chances of success with IVF. Women over 40 are often advised to consider using donor eggs.

  • Embryo quality: More developed embryos (like blastocysts) usually lead to higher success rates. But not all embryos make it to this stage.

  • Your history: If you’ve had a baby before, your chances of IVF working are higher. If you’ve had several unsuccessful IVF cycles, it may be harder.

  • The reason for infertility: Some causes (like a low egg supply or severe endometriosis) can reduce the chances of IVF success.

  • Lifestyle choices: Smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and being overweight can all lower the chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby. Even things like too much caffeine and certain medications can affect the outcome.

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