What is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?
In Vitro Fertilisation, commonly known as IVF, is a complex series of procedures used to help with the conception of a child. It includes retrieving mature eggs from a woman's ovaries, fertilizing them with already preserved sperm in a lab, and then implanting the fertilized egg (embryo) into the uterus.
What is the process of IVF?
Ovarian Stimulation:
Fertility medications are given to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Egg Retrieval:
Mature and good eggs are retrieved from the ovaries through a minor surgery.
Fertilization:
The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in a lab, either through conventional fertilization or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
Embryo Culture:
The fertilized embryos are cultured in the lab for several days to monitor their development.
Embryo Transfer:
A selected number of healthy embryos are transferred into the uterus through a small and thin catheter.
Cryopreservation:
Any remaining viable embryos may be frozen (cryopreserved) for future use.
Pregnancy Test:
A pregnancy test is conducted about two weeks after the embryo transfer to see if implantation was successful.
Why Should One Consider IVF?
IVF is often considered by individuals and couples facing various fertility challenges. Here are some common reasons to opt for IVF:
