IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is an advanced medical process of fertility that has become very popular and effective. It is a ray of hope for several couples who are unable to conceive due to different medical or unexplained reasons. These couples consult an IVF centre in Hyderabad to get reliable fertility help, where they are guided by professional counselling, the latest technology, and treatment plans tailored to their needs. Knowing what IVF means and the details of every phase can help one get ready for travel with a lot of confidence.
The Meaning of IVF
IVF is a kind of assisted reproductive technology wherein eggs and sperm are combined outside the body in a clinic under controlled conditions. Out of the embryos created, only the best ones are chosen and then implanted into the uterus to ensure pregnancy. IVF is capable of bypassing problems like blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, ovulation disorders, or unexplained infertility, to a great extent.
Commendable results become likely when this method of treatment is used after ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination has failed to give the desired outcome.
The First Step in IVF: Ovarian Stimulation
Ovarian stimulation is the first step of the IVF procedure, during which the ovaries are helped to generate several eggs through medical intervention instead of the natural release of one egg. To stimulate the growth of follicles, the woman is given fertility medicines for about 10–12 days. To make sure that the growth of follicles is on track, ultrasound scans and blood tests are done. The purpose of this step is that the chances of fertilisation and embryo development will be higher if more eggs are collected.
The Second Step: Egg Retrieval
When a mature size of follicles is obtained, a trigger injection is given to hatch the eggs. In around 34–36 hours, the eggs are retrieved, which marks the egg retrieval step. This is a minor operation that is performed under light anaesthesia. The doctor uses a thin needle that is ultrasound-guided to get the eggs from the ovaries. The eggs taken out are then sent to the lab for fertilisation. Those couples who seek fertility treatment at an IVF centre in Hyderabad will definitely admire the proficiency of the experts here.
The Third Step: Sperm Collection and Fertilisation
Sperm is collected on the day of egg retrieval as well. Healthy and active ones are selected via a special preparation of sperm. Traditional IVF, where sperm and eggs are placed together in a dish for fertilisation, or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, are the two methods of fertilisation. The decision is based on the couple’s fertility problems. Embryos are formed once fertilisation is completed, and they are looked at closely for the next…
The Fourth Step: Embryo Culture and Selection
The development of embryos is continued for 3-5 days in the clinic, after which they either reach the cleavage stage or the more advanced blastocyst stage. They are observed, and the healthiest embryos with the greatest chance of conception are chosen. Some couples may also go for genetic screening to make sure that the embryos are genetically normal before transferring them. This step greatly contributes to the success rate of the treatment process.
The Fifth Step: Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is a short and painless procedure where one or more selected embryos are placed into the uterus by a soft catheter. This step does not require anesthesia and usually takes only a few minutes. The purpose is that the embryo gets naturally implanted in the uterine lining, and the pregnancy process starts. After the transfer, the doctor prescribes some medications to strengthen the uterine lining and increase the chance of embryo implantation.
Waiting Period of Two Weeks and Pregnancy Check
The couple started seeing a phase of two weeks without any contact with the embryo after the embryo transfer, which is often termed as the two-week wait. A blood test is done after this period to confirm pregnancy. It is difficult to go through this period smoothly without any mixed feelings, and that is why some people get help from therapy and encouragement.
Wrapping Up
IVF is a full-scale and scientifically guided fertility treatment that is meant to assist couples in dealing with most of the reproductive problems. By gaining knowledge about each step of the procedure, such as stimulation and embryo transfer, couples would be able to go through the fertility journey with much clarity and confidence.
