What Is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive treatment that may be used for couples experiencing difficulty conceiving. The first successful birth following IVF occurred in 1978, and the technique has since become widely used around the world.
During IVF, eggs retrieved from the woman and sperm obtained from the man are brought together in the laboratory for fertilization. Following fertilization, developing embryos are monitored in the laboratory, and an embryo considered appropriate for transfer is placed into the uterus.
Stages of IVF Treatment
Ovarian Stimulation: Medication is used to support the development of multiple follicles in the ovaries.
Egg Retrieval: Eggs are retrieved using a thin needle under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is generally performed under sedation or anesthesia.
Fertilization in the Laboratory: Eggs and sperm are brought together in the laboratory for fertilization. ICSI may be used when clinically indicated.
Embryo Transfer: Following fertilization, developing embryos are monitored in the laboratory for several days. An embryo considered appropriate for transfer is placed into the uterus. The procedure generally does not require anesthesia.
Side Effects and Risks
Mild bruising or tenderness at injection sites
Headache, gastrointestinal discomfort or mood changes
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) resulting from an excessive ovarian response to treatment
Multiple pregnancy and, rarely, ectopic pregnancy
Rare complications associated with egg retrieval
The type and severity of side effects may vary between individuals. Appropriate clinical monitoring is performed during treatment.
Are Babies Born Following IVF Healthy?
The great majority of children born following IVF are healthy. Pregnancy and child health outcomes may also be influenced by factors including the underlying cause of infertility, parental age, multiple pregnancy and other individual factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need bed rest after embryo transfer?
No. Prolonged bed rest is generally not required, and most patients can continue their normal daily activities.
What happens if I have menstrual bleeding during treatment?
You should contact your doctor. The treatment process may need to be reassessed according to the clinical circumstances.
What is the success rate?
Treatment outcomes vary according to many factors, including female age, ovarian reserve, egg and sperm characteristics, embryo development and the underlying cause of infertility.
🌿 Patient-Friendly Summary
IVF is one of the assisted reproductive methods used in infertility treatment. Each couple's treatment process is individual, and the appropriate approach is determined according to clinical assessment.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a laboratory technique that may be used particularly in certain cases of male-factor infertility, including low sperm count or reduced sperm motility.
In this technique, a selected sperm is injected directly into an egg using a fine needle under microscopic guidance.
🌿 Patient-Friendly Summary
ICSI is a fertilization technique that may be used as part of IVF treatment in specific clinical circumstances, particularly in certain cases of male-factor infertility.
Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
Egg freezing allows eggs to be frozen and stored for possible future use. It may be considered particularly:
In certain cases involving diminished ovarian reserve at a younger age,
Before treatments such as cancer therapy that may affect reproductive function,
For suitable women who plan to postpone pregnancy until a later age.
Following retrieval, eggs can be frozen using appropriate laboratory techniques and stored for possible future use in assisted reproductive treatment.
🌿 Patient-Friendly Summary
Egg freezing is a fertility preservation method that allows eggs to be stored for potential future use in appropriate circumstances.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
PGT involves testing cells obtained from an embryo before embryo transfer for specific genetic or chromosomal characteristics.
It may be used:
For appropriate genetic assessment in couples at risk of certain inherited conditions,
To evaluate certain chromosomal abnormalities,
In appropriate clinical circumstances and according to relevant medical indications.
🌿 Patient-Friendly Summary
PGT refers to genetic testing methods that may be used as part of IVF treatment in suitable patients to evaluate specific genetic or chromosomal conditions.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI is an assisted reproductive treatment involving fewer procedural steps than IVF. During the procedure:
Ovulation is monitored.
A sperm sample is prepared in the laboratory.
The prepared sperm is placed into the uterus using a thin catheter.
IUI may be considered in selected couples with mildly abnormal sperm parameters, unexplained infertility or certain cervical factors.
🌿 Patient-Friendly Summary
IUI involves fewer procedural steps than IVF and may be considered as a first-line treatment option in appropriately selected patients.