In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization, egg cell is fertilized by sperm in an in vitro condition (i.e.) outside the womb. Then this fertilized egg is placed in the woman’s uterus through the cervix.
Here are some conditions in which IVF treatment approach is considered:
• Severe form of endometriosis in the female partner. This can affect the fertilization and implantation process of the egg.
• Damage or blockage in the fallopian tubes making it hard for the eggs to travel towards uterus to get fertilized.
• Low sperm count or mobility of sperm in male partner.
In vitro fertilization facts
• Infertility is known to affect 10% of the reproductive population in America.
• This method is highly recommended when the female partner has blockage or severely damaged fallopian tubes.
• This is highly used to circumvent infertility that is caused due to endometriosis or low sperm count and mobility of sperm.
• Certain drugs taken during this procedure may result in bloating, abdominal pain and headache. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a problem found associated with IVF though rarely.
• During retrieval of egg some problems like bleeding and infection is known. In certain cases damage to the structures surrounding the ovaries, bowel and bladder also observed.
• IVF is very expensive. Many insurance plans fail to cover infertility related treatment.
• In natural conception the risk of congenital malformation is 2-3 %, while in IVF it increases by 0.5 – 1 %.
• There is not much pain in IVF. There may be some inconvenience and discomfort in cases of multiple injections for 10-14 days. The egg collection is done under anesthesia and so patient doesn’t feel pain. Same with the Embryo Transfer process.
• In an IVF pregnancy though the doctors recommend extra precaution in the first three months most of them can carry on with normal activities till the final stage of pregnancy.
