In vitro fertilization (IVF)
The in vitro fertilization (IVF) method was first used in medical practice in 1978. Ever since then, it gives the joys of parenthood to couples who could not conceive due to fallopian tube, ovulation, or sperm disorders, as well as to women past 45.
The IVF procedure involves fertilizing the embryo outside the women’s body and then placing it into the uterine cavity.
What does the IVF method involve? When is IVF recommended?
The in vitro fertilization (IVF) method involves fertilizing the embryo outside the woman’s body.
An absolute medical indication for using IVF on the woman’s side is the absence of fallopian tubes or their defects. On the man’s side, it is insufficient number or absence of spermatozoa in the seminal fluid. There are also numerous relative (ambiguous) medical indications that can be determined during an individual examination.
How does IVF treatment take place? What kind of preparation is necessary?
There are various protocols for conducting the IVF program. Most often we use the so-called long protocol. Between the 19th and 23rd days of the cycle, we administer a drug that prepares the woman’s body for hormonal stimulation. After some time we stimulate follicles using drugs that promote their growth. This takes place under ultrasonic and hormonal monitoring. Once follicles have growth to a certain size, they are punctured. This procedure takes a few hours and does not require inpatient hospitalization. Fertilization takes place immediately after follicle puncture. Several days after fertilization, the embryo is placed in the uterine cavity. It is a painless, ultrasound-guided procedure. After two weeks the woman does a pregnancy test.
What risks are involved?
Before resorting to the IVF program, we perform comprehensive tests to rule out or minimize possible risks.
The risks involved in using IVF include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, allergic reactions, multifetal or extrauterine pregnancy. We do our best to minimize these risks.
What to do if no conception occurred after IVF?
This is not a verdict! The woman must necessarily keep trying. Stimulation produces over five eggs, which means more embryos. We still have embryos left after placing fertilized embryos in the uterine cavity. We cryopreserve the remaining embryos and can repeat fertilization attempts while subjecting the woman’s body to less stress.