In vitro fertilisation

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to help individuals and couples with fertility issues conceive a child. The term "in vitro" means "in glass," referring to the laboratory setting where fertilization occurs, as opposed to "in vivo" fertilization that occurs naturally within the body. IVF involves the extraction of eggs from a woman's ovaries, fertilization of these eggs with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryos back into the woman's uterus.

In Vitro Fertilization

IVF Process

The IVF process typically consists of several stages:

• Ovarian stimulation: The woman receives fertility medications, usually in the form of hormone injections, to stimulate the development of multiple eggs within her ovaries. This process is carefully monitored through blood tests and ultrasound scans to determine the optimal time for egg retrieval.
• Egg retrieval: The eggs are collected from the woman's ovaries through a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration. This is usually performed under sedation or anesthesia, and involves using a thin needle, guided by ultrasound, to remove the eggs from the ovarian follicles.
• Sperm collection: The male partner or sperm donor provides a semen sample, which is processed in the laboratory to separate the sperm from the seminal fluid.
• Fertilization: The eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish, allowing fertilization to occur. In some cases, a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization.
• Embryo culture: The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are cultured in the laboratory for several days. During this time, their development is closely monitored, and the most viable embryos are selected for transfer.
• Embryo transfer: One or more embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus through a thin catheter inserted through the cervix. If successful, one of the embryos will implant into the uterine lining, resulting in pregnancy.

Success Rates and Factors

The success rate of IVF depends on various factors, including the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, the quality of the eggs and sperm, and the expertise of the fertility clinic. In general, younger women have higher success rates, with the likelihood of successful pregnancy decreasing as age increases.

Risks and Side Effects

While IVF has helped many people conceive, it is not without risks and potential side effects:

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): In some cases, fertility medications used for ovarian stimulation can cause OHSS, a condition characterized by swollen, painful ovaries, abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea.
• Multiple pregnancies: Transferring multiple embryos increases the chances of a successful pregnancy, but it also increases the risk of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.), which can lead to complications for both the mother and the babies.
• Ectopic pregnancy: Although rare, there is a slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.
• Birth defects: There may be a slightly increased risk of birth defects in children conceived through IVF, although the overall risk remains low.
• Emotional and psychological stress: The IVF process can be emotionally and psychologically challenging for individuals and couples, particularly if multiple cycles are required or if the treatment is unsuccessful.
• Despite these risks, IVF remains an important option for many people struggling with infertility, offering them the opportunity to achieve their dream of parenthood.

Summary

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a process of fertilisation where an egg is combined with sperm in vitro (in glass). The process involves monitoring and stimulating a person's ovulatory process, removing an ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from their ovaries and letting sperm fertilise them in a culture medium in a laboratory. After the fertilised egg (zygote) undergoes embryo culture for 2–6 days, it is implanted in the same or another person's uterus, with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy.

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