What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which sperm and eggs are fertilized outside of the human body. IVF is a sophisticated procedure that involves extracting eggs from the ovaries and manually mixing them with sperm in a lab for conception. Several days after fertilization, the fertilized egg (now known as an embryo) is put in the uterus. Pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants into the uterine wall.
People choose IVF for a variety of reasons, including infertility or a partner's pre-existing health condition. Some people will try IVF if other reproductive treatments have failed or if they are of advanced maternal age. IVF is also a fertility treatment option for same-sex couples or persons who want to have a child without a spouse.
IVF is an option if you or your partner has:
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
Low sperm count or other sperm impairments.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other ovarian conditions.
Uterine fibroids.
Problems with your uterus.
Risk of passing on a genetic disease or disorder.
Unexplained infertility.
Are using an egg donor or a gestational surrogate.
IVF is a difficult procedure with numerous steps. On average, the process takes four to six weeks. This includes the time before egg retrieval, when a person takes fertility medicine and is screened for pregnancy.
Approximately 5% of infertile couples will undergo IVF. Since 1978, IVF has produced more than 8 million babies. It is among the most effective assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) available.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) differs from in vitro fertilization (IVF) in that fertilization occurs within a person's body. A sperm sample is collected and washed, leaving only high-quality sperm. During ovulation, this sample is put into your uterus using a catheter (a tiny tube). This approach allows the sperm to more readily reach the egg, increasing the likelihood of fertilization.
In IVF, the sperm and egg are fertilized outside of your uterus (in a lab) and then transferred to your uterus as an embryo.
IUI is less costly and invasive than IVF. IUI has a lower success rate every cycle.
Before beginning IVF therapy, you must have a full medical examination and fertility tests. Your companion will also undergo examination and testing. Some of the preparations you'll go through are:
IVF consultation (meet with healthcare providers to discuss the details of the IVF process).
A uterine exam, up-to-date Pap test and mammogram (if over 40).
A semen analysis.
Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other infectious diseases.
Ovarian reserve testing, and blood and urine tests.
Instructions on how to administer fertility medications.
Genetic carrier screening.
Sign consent forms.
Uterine cavity evaluation (hysteroscopy or saline-infused sonography (SIS)).
Your doctor will recommend that you start taking folic acid supplements at least three months before embryo transfer.
There are some mild symptoms that you can experience after embryo transfer:
Mild bloating and cramping.
Breast tenderness from high estrogen levels.
Constipation.
Many people will resume normal activities immediately following their egg retrieval surgery. However, you should not drive for 24 hours after undergoing anaesthesia. Around nine to 14 days after the embryos are transplanted, you will return to the clinic for a blood test to determine your pregnancy status.
During your IVF round, you'll take injectable hormone drugs to encourage all of the eggs to mature at the same time and fully. Your healthcare professional will establish the type of medication, frequency, and amounts required for your treatment. This is determined by your age, medical history, hormone levels, and response to previous IVF rounds, if appropriate. You might anticipate to inject fertility medication for about eight to fourteen days.
An IVF cycle in the UAE costs an average of 25,000 to 40,000 AED. This does not include the expense of medication, which can be around $5,000 every cycle. It's difficult to provide a precise cost because it relies on your health history and treatment plan, insurance status (certain states may pay therapy), and the treatment center itself.
There are several risks associated with IVF treatment:
Multiple births: A pregnancy with multiple babies carries a higher risk of premature labor.
Premature delivery: You may have a slightly higher risk of your baby being born early or at a lower birth weight.
Miscarriage: The rate of miscarriage is about the same as pregnancies from natural conception.
Ectopic pregnancy: This is a condition where your fertilized egg implants outside of your uterus.
Complications during egg retrieval: Bleeding, infection and damage to your bladder, bowel or reproductive organs during the egg retrieval process.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): A rare condition that causes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid weight gain, bloating, shortness of breath and inability to urinate.
Some experience side effects from the fertility medications used during the ovulation stimulation phase of IVF. These include:
Nausea and vomiting.
Hot flashes.
Headaches.
Enlargement of their ovaries.
Bruising from IVF injections.
You should be able to continue your routine activities following embryo transfer. Your ovaries will expand, which may cause discomfort. Common side effects of embryo transfer are:
Constipation.
Bloating.
Breast tenderness (from high estrogen).
Spotting.
IVF can be taxing, both physically and emotionally. Many patients undergoing IVF therapy deal with despair and anxiety. People who are experiencing infertility or going through IVF may feel frustrated or overwhelmed. Tell your healthcare professional how you're feeling so they can help you through the process.
An IVF pregnancy is not necessarily considered high risk. An IVF pregnancy is deemed high-risk if the birthing parent has a medical condition that puts them at danger. Examples include advanced maternal age, pregnancy with multiples, and high blood pressure.
