In Vitro fertilization (IVF)

IVF which is known as in vitro fertilization is now widely known as “test-tube babies”. The first baby born through IVF was in England , in the year 1978. In vitro fertilization is the act of conceiving baby outside the womb. It is commonly used by infertile couples. It is different from artificial insemination where sperm will be place into the uterus. In  IVF, egg and sperm are combined outside the body in the laboratory. It is an expensive and complex process. It is a means of treating infertility especially for aged women around 42 years. In vitro fertilization is also called assisted reproduction technology (ART)

What type of infertility is IVF used for?

When infertility is caused by the following, IVF can be used as alternative to give birth:

• Ovulation problem- this can as a result of few, or even absent of eggs

• Uterine tube blockage- this affect implantation as embryo is unable to travel down to the uterus from the fallopian tube.

• Low sperm count

• Uterine fibroid- fibroids are tumors and can interfere with egg implantation in women. It is common among women in their 30s and 40s

• Genetic disorder

• Endometriosis- this is when there is growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus. It affectthe proper functioning of the ovaries, uterine tube and uterus

• Low sperm motility

• Other fertility causes- some infertility cause cannot be trace, that is, they have no cause.

IVF Procedures

In vitro fertilization involves several complex processes

 Induction of ovulation is the first process. This involves stimulation of the ovaries to produce eggs. This involves the administration of synthetic hormones, like the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH). It takes 8 to 14 days for follicles to be ready after the medication. Medication to prepare the uterus for conception is then given. Also, medication that will prevent premature ovulation is administered. Vaginal ultrasound is used to image the response of the ovary. Estrogen and progesterone level is also tested for. Estrogen level increases with the growth of follicle while progesterone level decreases after ovulation.

The second process is egg retrieval. This is done before ovulation. You will be given analgesic and then ultrasound probe will be inserted through the vagina and then the eggs are examine, transvaginal ultrasound aspiration method is used to retrieve the eggs. Sometimes, laparoscope can be used for the egg retrieval in case of ovary inaccessibility. Eggs are then placed in a culture medium.

The next procedure is sperm retrieval from the man. The man can be masturbated to release sperm in the morning. The sperm are then separated from the semen fluid. 

Fertilization can then be done using two methods- either insemination method, or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection method (ICSI). Using insemination method, the sperm and mature eggs are incubated. Note that healthy sperm are used and it is done overnight. When using ICSI method, each matured egg are injected with a single health sperm directly.

After 4 to 6 days of fertilization, the embryo hatches. Assisted hatching may be done. Embryo transfer can then be done. It’s a less painful procedure. A syringe containing the embryo or embryos (in case of twin or triplet) is used to place the embryo (s) into the uterus. The syringe is place through a cannula already placed into the uterus. The embryo then undergoes implantation after about 6days if the process is successful.

Precautions

After successful implantation, it is important for the pregnant woman to avoid stressful and vigorous activities. You may notice breast tenderness, bloating or constipation after the embryo transfer. Always go for medical check-ups. In case of severe pain, consult your doctor.it can be as a result of infection or ovary torsion.

What is the success rate of IVF?

In a study carried out 2009, there was 29.4% success rate, in which 22.4 % have a live birth. The success rate depends on the cause of infertility and age of women.