IVF is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which sperm fertilize eggs outside of the body in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo or embryos are then placed in the uterus. Surrogacy, genetic screening, and infertility treatment are among its frequent uses.
IVF is advised when?
You might think about IVF for:
- Female infertility (ovulation problems, endometriosis, obstructed tubes).
- Low sperm count and poor motility are signs of male infertility.
- Unknown infertility (testing yields no obvious cause).
- Genetic problems (testing for PGT to prevent disease transmission).
- Couples of the same sex or single parents who use donor eggs or sperm.
- Maintaining fertility (prior to cancer prevention).
IVF Procedure in Detail
1. The Stimulation of Ovaries
- Injections of the hormones FSH and LH to promote the creation of several eggs.
- Surveillance by blood tests and ultrasounds.
2. Egg Retrieval (Minor surgical procedure under sedation)
- A needle retrieves eggs from follicles (ultrasound-guided).
3. Sperm Collection
- Fresh sample or frozen/thawed sperm is prepared.
4. Fertilization (Lab Process)
- Conventional IVF (sperm + egg in a dish).
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – Single sperm injected into egg (for male infertility).
5. Embryo Development (3–6 days)
- Embryos monitored for growth; some may undergo PGT (genetic testing).
6. Embryo Transfer
- Best embryo(s) transferred into the uterus via catheter (no anesthesia needed).
7. Pregnancy Test (~10–14 days later)
- Blood test (hCG levels) to confirm implantation.
Common Symptoms During IVF
During Ovarian Stimulation
- Bloating & abdominal discomfort (enlarged ovaries).
- Mood swings (hormonal fluctuations).
- Mild pelvic pain (ovary enlargement).
- Bruising at injection sites.
After Egg Retrieval
- Cramping & spotting (normal for 1–2 days).
- Bloating or mild OHSS symptoms (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, in severe cases).
After Embryo Transfer
- Mild cramping (similar to menstrual cramps).
- Spotting (implantation bleeding possible).
- Breast tenderness (due to progesterone support).
