Infertility is a condition that affects many people throughout their lives. However, with the developing technology, many solutions have been produced for this problem. One of these solutions, IVF (in vitro fertilization), was developed for women with blocked or damaged ovarian ducts.
What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
The Latin term “in vitro” literally means in glass. It means in a test tube outside the body or in a controlled external environment. With IVF, a woman’s egg is taken and fertilized in an external environment. The egg is then placed in the uterus where it will continue to grow normally.
Who is Suitable for IVF?
Many factors are taken into account to determine whether you are suitable for IVF. Women under 35 are usually in good health and are ideal for IVF. It is also imperative that the man produces healthy sperm.
What is the procedure?
Before the procedure, the woman is given medication to increase egg production. These eggs are then removed from the ovaries laparoscopically or with a fine needle. These eggs are then combined with the sperm of the woman’s partner in the laboratory. The process of combining eggs and sperm in the laboratory is called IVF. After fertilization, the newly formed embryos are kept in a test tube for 2-3 days. Many embryos are then implanted into the woman’s uterus through a catheter. After this implantation, the woman is given hormone therapy to facilitate attachment. If everything goes well, the pregnancy test will be positive.
What is the Success Rate in IVF?
For women under 35 years of age, the rate of conception with IVF is the same as the rate of conception naturally. The risk of miscarriage is also equal. The chances of a normal pregnancy after conception with IVF are the same as with natural conception. All over the world, the success rate of conception by IVF varies from country to country, depending on age and infertility status. In the U.S., women under the age of 35 have a 37% chance of having a healthy baby through IVF.
What are the Options Other Than IVF
Only your doctor can tell you whether in vitro fertilization is suitable for you. There are also other options for artificial insemination. Intrauterine insemination, zygote or gamete transfer into the oviduct, embryo freezing. Of course, you should discuss with your doctor whether you are suitable for these. In intrauterine insemination, sperm are inserted into the woman’s uterus with the help of a device. It is mostly used in cases of unexplained infertility and when the man has few or weak sperm. It is easier and less laborious than IVF. However, it is not a suitable method for those with obstruction or damage to the ovarian canal. During ovulation, the sperm is injected directly into the woman’s uterus. Before being injected, the sperm are washed and made ready for injection.
During ovulation, a soft catheter is inserted through the cervix and injected into the uterus. The woman may also be given medication to increase ovulation. The success rate of these procedures depends on many factors. Factors such as age, cause and duration of infertility affect this.