In Vitro Fertilization Treatment
In vitro fertilization (ivf) fertilizes male and female reproductive cells in a lab to have a baby. Both partners must have healthy reproductive cells (eggs and sperm) for IVF. Female eggs mature in 10 days (ovulation induction, regulated over stimulation). Using oocyte (egg) retrieval surgery, female reproductive cells are sent to a lab (OPU technique). Masturbation-collected sperm is utilized for men. Sperm can be surgically removed from the testes using a microscope if sperm concentration is too low or there is no sperm in the semen (azoospermia). In vitro fertilization of female eggs and male sperm produces the embryo (fetus). A unique catheter transfers embryos from this method to the uterus to start pregnancy.
Five steps in a typical IVF (in vitro fertilization – Test-tube baby) procedure:
Ovary suppression by means of medication
Ovary stimulation (ovulation induction, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation)
Collecting the eggs – Ovum pick up (OPU method)
Age, history of treatment, results of previous IVF procedures and the FSH levels on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation are factors determining IVF protocols. Medication used for stimulating ovaries is almost all injected.
1-2 months prior to the treatment birth control pills are taken. These will improve the response of the ovaries to the medication that will be given to stimulate the ovaries.
Medical history is recorded with utmost care, previous tests are evaluated and the patient is examined. If the semen analysis is normal and there is no sexual dysfunction, there will be no need to examine the male partner. Examination of the woman, on the other hand, is vital to be able to determine future chances of pregnancy via IVF. In this procedure, the capacity of the ovaries, whether there are any cysts in the ovaries or not, the structure of the uterus, the presence of uterine fibroids or anomalies by birth and the presence of fibroids or polyps on the inner membrane of the uterus are evaluated. If not done recently, PAP smear test and if there is discharge, culture test is done as part of the examination. Following gathering data regarding their medical history and the results of the tests and examination, the steps of the procedure is explained to the couple in detail and realistic information is given regarding their chances of pregnancy. Additionally, the couple is informed about the results of other procedures, the number of embryos to be transferred and the implantation rates of the unit (the chances for each embryo to attach inside the uterus). Moreover, potential side-effects of the application and long-term risks (regarding both the mother and the baby) are explained to the couple. Also, complications regarding multiple pregnancies, is made clear to the couple.
Insemination: Eggs collected (OPU), and a specific number of sperm are introduced in specially prepared culture fluid and kept in devices (incubators) imitating the mother’s body (as the medium).
Embryo transfer: Depending on their rate/speed of division, after about 2-5 days of collection divided embryos are injected into the womb using a catheter, which is the procedure of Embryo Transfer (ET).
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