IVF Treatment

Who is it for?

• Couples experiencing difficulty conceiving due to issues such as blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, male factor infertility (low sperm count or motility), or unexplained infertility.
• Women with ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure, or uterine fibroids.
• Individuals carrying a genetic disorder they do not wish to pass on to their children.
• Same-sex couples or single individuals seeking to have a child.

Recovery Period

• The egg retrieval process may cause cramping and discomfort that usually resolves within a day.
• The overall IVF cycle, from the start of hormone therapy to the pregnancy test, typically lasts about three weeks. However, this can vary based on individual response to treatment.
• Recovery from the embryo transfer is generally quick, with most women resuming normal activities the next day.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

• Multiple pregnancies, which increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition where the ovaries become swollen and painful.
• Ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus.
• Emotional and psychological stress.

Alternative Treatments

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI), a less invasive and cheaper alternative where sperm is directly inserted into the uterus.
• Using fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation, suitable for conditions like irregular ovulation.
• Surgery to repair physical impediments to natural conception, such as endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes.
• Adoption or surrogacy as alternatives to biological parenthood.

Success Rate

The success rate of IVF varies significantly depending on factors such as age, cause of infertility, and lifestyle. Generally, the average live birth rate for women under 35 undergoing IVF is 40-45% per cycle but decreases with age.

Procedure step-by-step overivew

• Initial consultation and fertility assessment.
• Stimulation of the ovaries with hormone injections to produce multiple eggs.
• Monitoring the development of follicles (where eggs mature) through ultrasound and blood tests.
• Administering a trigger shot to mature the eggs when they are ready.
• Egg retrieval through a minor surgical procedure.
• Sperm collection and preparation.
• Fertilization of eggs and sperm in the lab, and monitoring of embryo development.
• Embryo transfer to the uterus.
• Support with progesterone to encourage uterine lining receptivity.
• Pregnancy test approximately two weeks after embryo transfer.