In recent years, the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has become increasingly popular as a way for couples to overcome fertility issues and start a family. IVF is a complex and highly scientific process that involves combining eggs and sperm outside of the body and then transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. But how exactly does the IVF process work? Let's take a closer look.
The first step in the IVF process is to undergo a thorough evaluation at an IVF centre in Indore or any other city. This evaluation includes a series of tests to assess the overall health and fertility of both partners. The female partner will undergo a pelvic exam, blood tests, and ultrasound to check the health of her ovaries and uterus. The male partner will provide a semen sample for analysis.
Once the evaluation is complete and both partners are deemed suitable candidates for IVF, the next step is ovarian stimulation. This involves taking medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The goal is to produce more than one egg as the chances of success increase with the number of eggs retrieved.
During this time, the woman will be closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds to track the growth and development of the eggs. When the eggs are mature, a trigger shot is given to help them reach the final stage of maturation.
The eggs are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. This involves using a thin needle to collect the eggs from the ovaries. The procedure is usually done under sedation to minimize discomfort.
Next, the eggs are fertilized with the sperm in a laboratory setting. This can be done through traditional IVF, where the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish, or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. The fertilized eggs are then monitored for a few days to ensure proper development.
Once the embryos have reached a certain stage, they are ready to be transferred into the woman's uterus. This is a relatively simple procedure that involves placing a thin catheter through the cervix and into the uterus to deposit the embryos. The number of embryos transferred will depend on various factors, including the woman's age and the quality of the embryos.
After the transfer, the woman will undergo a two-week wait to see if the embryos have successfully implanted. If the implantation is successful, a pregnancy test will be done to confirm the pregnancy.