In vitro fertilisation, often simply referred to as IVF, is a series of procedures used for the treatment of fertility or genetic problems and helps with the conception of a child. The process involves the fertilisation of an egg outside the body in a laboratory dish and then transferring the embryo to the woman’s uterus. At First Fertility, this revolutionary process has presented hope for numerous individuals and couples looking to start a family. This guide aims to deliver a comprehensive overview of IVF, its process, and its success rates.
Understanding the IVF Process
The IVF process can generally be categorised into five steps: Stimulation, Egg Retrieval, Insemination and Fertilisation, Embryo Culture and Transfer.
- Stimulation: This is typically the initial step, where the woman receives fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries into producing multiple eggs. The reasoning behind this is that not every egg will be viable for fertilisation, so by generating several eggs, the chances of selecting a healthy, fertilisable one are significantly improved. Producing multiple eggs not only boosts the chances of a successful pregnancy but also allows for the possibility of preserving extra embryos for future cycles if needed
- Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, a medical procedure called egg retrieval is performed to extract them from the woman’s body. This process involves the use of ultrasound imaging to guide a thin, hollow needle through the pelvic cavity to safely collect the eggs from the ovaries. The procedure is typically done under mild sedation to ensure comfort, and it plays a crucial role in preparing the eggs for fertilisation in the IVF process.
- Insemination and Fertilisation: The male partner provides a sperm sample, which is carefully processed and combined with the eggs in a controlled laboratory environment. This step, known as insemination, allows the sperm to fertilise the eggs, leading to the potential development of embryos for implantation.
- Embryo Culture: The fertilised eggs are closely monitored in the lab to ensure they are dividing and developing into healthy embryos. During this period, the embryos are observed for signs of proper cell division and growth, which are key indicators of their viability. In some cases, the embryos undergo genetic testing to screen for any inherited conditions, ensuring that only the healthiest embryos are selected for transfer to the uterus.
- Embryo Transfer: In the final step of the IVF process, one or more selected embryos are carefully transferred into the woman’s uterus using a thin tube or catheter. This procedure is typically painless and requires precision to ensure the embryos are placed in the optimal location for implantation. If one of the embryos successfully implants itself into the uterine lining and begins to grow, it can result in a successful pregnancy, marking the culmination of the IVF journey.
Important Factors Influencing Success Rates
The success and effectiveness of IVF often depend on a myriad of factors. The principal factors include the age of the woman, reproductive history, causes of infertility, and lifestyle features.
- Age: Success rates for IVF tend to decline significantly after the age of 35, primarily because both the quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs decrease with age. As women age, the likelihood of producing healthy, viable eggs for fertilisation diminishes, making it more challenging to achieve a successful pregnancy. Women under the age of 35, however, generally experience higher IVF success rates, as their eggs are typically healthier and more abundant, improving their chances of conception.
- Reproductive History: Women who have previously been pregnant often have a higher chance of success with IVF because their reproductive systems have already demonstrated the ability to support a pregnancy. This prior experience may indicate favorable conditions for embryo implantation and development, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome compared to those who have never been pregnant.
- Causes of Infertility: Certain causes of infertility are more effectively addressed through IVF, as the procedure offers solutions for specific reproductive challenges. For example, women with tubal factor infertility, where damaged or blocked fallopian tubes impede egg and sperm interaction, can benefit from IVF since fertilisation occurs outside the body and embryos are directly implanted into the uterus. Similarly, severe male factor infertility, characterized by low sperm count or poor sperm quality, can be managed with IVF techniques like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which directly injects sperm into the egg to improve fertilisation rates and overall success.
- Lifestyle Factors: Habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly lower IVF success rates by negatively impacting egg and sperm quality, as well as overall reproductive health. On the other hand, maintaining a healthy weight helps regulate hormonal balance and supports optimal ovarian function, while reducing stress can positively influence fertility by creating a more favorable environment for embryo implantation and development.
Final Thoughts
While IVF provides hope for many, it is crucial to understand that it is a complex and personal process. It’s advisable to discuss potential risks and complications with a professional. Centres like First Fertility can provide essential advice and guidance, giving patients the best possible chance at successful pregnancy. Listen to your body, have open discussions with your partner, and keep in mind that each person’s journey to parenthood is unique and valuable. The IVF journey can be challenging but remember that medical science is on your side and there is a host of experienced professionals ready to help.