IVF is a procedure of in vitro fertilization (or artificial insemination), which takes place outside a woman’s body under the close supervision of a specialist. This important procedure is a fairly effective method of treating infertility and belongs to the group of assisted reproductive methods.
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Cases in which IVF is recommended?
IVF is performed when infertility of varying degrees of complexity is detected in a woman or when other diagnoses are established, including those related to the health of the man, the role of hormones in IVF also refers to cases in which it is recommended to carry out IVF. This involves the fusion of sperm and eggs in the laboratory. The nuances of this procedure are determined in advance based on the state of health of the partners and a preliminary examination. Therefore, artificial insemination is a technically complex medical micromanipulation that requires the participation of a doctor and the preliminary implementation of important recommendations from reproductive specialists. Other factors include:
- Â Â Â Â Tubal infertility – diagnosis of fallopian tube blockage or absence of fallopian tubes;
- Â Â Â Â Endometriosis – when the diagnosis is confirmed after treatment or a successful operation;
- Â Â Â Â Age changes – shortening of ovulation cycles due to ovarian dysfunction;
- Â Â Â Â Infertility, which cannot be explained by modern diagnostics – if you did not become pregnant, despite good health indicators;
- Â Â Â Â Immunological properties of the body – the presence of anti-sperm bodies in the female body. The male factor is low sperm activity.
It should be noted that even after a year of unsuccessful attempts, experts do not recommend IVF. Before resorting to auxiliary methods, a detailed examination and intensive treatment of infertility is carried out.
Heed all the recommendations from the reproductive specialist
A reproductive specialist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of health problems in both men and women, as well as in identifying the causes of infertility. A qualified reproductive doctor will collect information about your lifestyle and health in advance to determine how to treat infertility – a complete medical history will be collected. Reproductive medicine specialists usually process the following information:
- Â Â Â Â Menstrual function: age of onset of menstruation, frequency, and duration;
- Â Â Â Â Diseases transferred from childhood;
- Â Â Â Â Postoperative interventions in the area of the small pelvis can lead to the development of pathologies;
- Â Â Â Â The number of abortions, miscarriages, and pregnancies.
Information about specific treatments, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or antibiotic therapy, should be provided. The accuracy of the data you provide is extremely important, as it is the starting point for developing the subsequent tactics of the IVF protocol.
The process of conducting an examination and passing all the necessary tests for IVF
Men and women must undergo the examination in the same way. Women must pass:
Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. Early completion of the procedure is allowed based on the results of the reproductive specialist. He should evaluate the work of the uterus and ovaries; Their size, the presence of cysts, nodules, and polyps are taken into account; Evaluate egg reserve, and follicular ovulation in the current menstrual cycle; Gynecological examination. The state of the cervix is evaluated and a swab is taken for microflora. One month before IVF, it is important to take a smear.
Ultrasound gives completely different information on different days of the menstrual cycle. The endometrium is examined in the middle of the cycle, as it is at this time that the follicle matures. Assessment is allowed in the second phase when ovulation occurs. It is necessary to assess how ready the endometrium is to meet the embryo.
A man needs to pass a sperm test – it is possible to determine the exact number and activity of spermatozoa. The specialist will assess whether there is an inflammatory process and how suitable the man’s spermatozoa are for fertilizing the egg during sexual intercourse. If the sperm has a high level of white blood cells, a test for infection will be carried out. Your doctor should rule out or confirm the presence of infections. If any disease is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe additional examinations and medication for treatment, and the IVF protocol will continue until the man’s full recovery.
What are the chances of pregnancy with IVF?
When diagnosing infertility, it is very important to choose the right tactics. Successful fertilization depends on this. Among other things, it is necessary to take into account the following key factors that play the most important role:
- Â Â Â Â Female hormonal background;
- Â Â Â Â Characteristics of the partner’s health;
- Â Â Â Â Age of the woman;
- Â Â Â Â The number of plantings – the more, the more chances of success.
A large number of reproductive specialists call age a decisive, key factor, and representatives of the International Fertility Group provide detailed statistics on this matter. In women under 25, the probability of embryo implantation is 48-50%.
About 35% are people aged 26 to 35.
About 25% are people aged 36-40.
About 10% are people aged 41 to 45 years.
About 3% are people over the age of 45.
In the case when fertilization is successful, usually not one, but several embryos take root.
What affects the result of the procedure?
A woman should carefully monitor her health. When planning IVF, special attention should be paid to past and chronic diseases of the reproductive system. In the case when a common inflammatory disease of the pelvic organs has already been observed, then in most cases the probability of successful implantation of the embryo is very small.
