IVF is a medical procedure designed to assist individuals or couples experiencing infertility issues in conceiving a child. IVF is successful for individuals or couples who face challenges with fertility, including issues like tubal factor infertility, male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, advanced maternal age, genetic disorders, and previous unsuccessful fertility treatments.

Who can benefit from IVF treatments?

IVF can benefit individuals or couples dealing with these fertility challenges, providing them with a chance to achieve pregnancy when other methods have been unsuccessful. Consulting a fertility specialist is essential to determine if IVF is the right option for your unique situation.

Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation at an IVF clinic, you can expect a thorough assessment of your medical history, a discussion of your fertility concerns, and a physical examination in some cases. The doctor may recommend a panel of tests for both the partners to identify potential issues. If IVF is a suitable option, you'll receive an outline of treatment choices. This first visit sets the stage for personalized treatment and support tailored to your needs and goals.

How fertility specialists create a personalized treatment plan

Fertility specialists craft personalized treatment plans by first conducting a comprehensive evaluation of an individual or couple's medical history, fertility test results, and specific challenges. Based on this assessment, they tailor a treatment plan that may include various fertility techniques, such as ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF. The plan considers the unique needs and goals of the patient, aiming to optimize the chances of successful conception.

Ovarian Stimulation

Ovarian stimulation is essential in many fertility treatments, including IVF. It uses hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to release multiple eggs instead of one during a natural menstrual cycle, ultrasounds and blood tests are done periodically to monitor the egg development.

Egg Retrieval

Egg retrieval is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. It's a critical step in IVF. During egg retrieval, mature eggs are collected from the ovaries using a thin needle guided by ultrasound. The procedure is typically performed under sedationor a short General anaesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort. Once retrieved, these eggs are then used for fertilization in the laboratory, usually with sperm from a partner or donor. Egg retrieval is a carefully orchestrated process, and the collected eggs play a crucial role in the subsequent stages of IVF treatment.

Sperm Collection

Sperm collection involves providing a semen sample, either at the clinic or in some cases at home. The semen is then processed in the IVF lab and the sperms are separated, to be need for inseminating the eggs

Fertilization Process

The fertilization process in IVF takes place in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature eggs collected from the woman are combined with sperm, either from the partner or a donor, in a culture dish. Fertilization occurs when a sperm successfully penetrates an egg, resulting in the formation of embryos. This critical step is closely monitored by embryologists, and once successful fertilization is confirmed, the resulting embryos are nurtured and prepared for the subsequent embryo transfer into the woman's uterus.

Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer involves carefully placing one or more healthy embryos into the woman's uterus to facilitate pregnancy. This minimally invasive procedure is typically painless and requires no anesthesia. The number of embryos transferred is determined based on various factors, including the patient's age and medical history. After the embryo transfer, the woman is advised to rest for a short period before resuming normal activities. This step marks the transition from the IVF treatment process to the anticipation of a successful pregnancy.

When and how pregnancy is confirmed after the embryo transfer

Pregnancy is typically confirmed 14 days after the embryo transfer in IVF. This confirmation is done through a blood test to measure the level of beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone in the woman's bloodstream. The results are typically shared with the patient, and if the test is positive, it's an exciting step toward a successful pregnancy. This blood test is an eagerly awaited moment in the IVF journey, marking the early stages of pregnancy.