For couples hoping to become parents, things may not always go smoothly, and despite all efforts, natural conception may not occur. Couples facing this situation may consider undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment as a solution. Let’s take a look together at the details you need to be aware of to understand this method and undergo a conscious process.
What is IVF?
IVF is an assisted reproductive technique applied to couples who cannot conceive naturally. In this method, reproductive cells from the prospective mother and father are collected and brought together in a laboratory setting to facilitate fertilisation. The step-by-step process towards pregnancy in the laboratory setting is referred to as IVF treatment.
How is IVF performed?
The female reproductive cells are called eggs, while the male reproductive cells are referred to as sperm. Eggs are collected from the woman, and sperm from the man, and these reproductive cells are brought together in a laboratory to achieve fertilisation. The fertilised eggs are then divided, initiating embryo development. Once embryos develop in the laboratory, they are implanted into the woman’s uterus.
After the embryo attaches to the woman’s uterus, the process proceeds similarly to a naturally occurring pregnancy. Therefore, the only difference between IVF treatment and natural methods of conception is that the egg is fertilised outside the body and then implanted into the woman’s uterus.
What are the stages of IVF treatment?
This treatment process does not consist of a single procedure; rather, it progresses step by step. You should be informed about the stages you will go through and follow the process as consciously as possible.
- Information and evaluation stage: As with almost any action in life, education is necessary in the IVF treatment process. Therefore, the treatment begins with the necessary education. Doctors start by informing the prospective parents about the procedures to be undergone. After this training, parents become informed about the treatment plan, procedures, medication use, and other details. Any previous treatment histories of the parents are reviewed, and necessary tests are conducted.
- Stimulation and formation of eggs: This is the first concrete stage in IVF treatment. In this stage, the aim is to produce a large number of eggs in the woman’s ovaries. Medications are administered to stimulate egg development in the woman’s ovaries. Medication administration generally takes the form of injections applied under the skin. Ovarian stimulation with medication is completed in 10-12 days. It is necessary to visit the doctor frequently to monitor egg development and hormone levels. Stimulation and formation stage are crucial because the more eggs are produced, the higher the likelihood of successful treatment.
- Egg retrieval: When a sufficient number of mature eggs are identified during the first stage, the process moves on to the next stage. To complete the development of the eggs, an injection (trigger shot) is administered to the woman. After this medication injection, a wait of 36 hours is required before egg retrieval begins. During this procedure, a needle attached to a vaginal ultrasound device is inserted through the vagina to collect the eggs from the ovaries. Local or general anaesthesia is administered to the woman during the egg retrieval operation. The operation is completed within 15-30 minutes. Unless there are any special circumstances, hospitalisation is not required. Generally, the prospective mother is rested for a few hours and then discharged.
- Fertilisation: While eggs are being collected from the woman, sperm cells are also collected from the man. The retrieved female and male reproductive cells are fertilised in a laboratory setting. The fertilised eggs are monitored for several days, and when deemed appropriate, the best-quality embryos are selected for the final stage.
- Embryo transfer: One or more of the highest-quality embryos selected in the previous stage are placed into the woman’s uterus. Since the procedure is performed under ultrasonographic observation, it is necessary for the urinary bladder to be adequately full. Therefore, before the procedure, the prospective mother may be asked to drink plenty of water and fill her bladder.
The transfer does not require any anaesthesia, and the embryo is deposited into the uterus in a short period, approximately 5-10 minutes. After the procedure, the prospective mother is kept under observation in the hospital for about 3-4 hours before being discharged. However, even after discharge, the prospective mother should rest at home throughout the day.
After the final stage, the result is determined by a pregnancy test conducted within 14 days. If the test is positive, the pregnancy process begins, and the mother consults the doctor to schedule an ultrasound scan.
Who is eligible for IVF Treatment?
IVF treatment is applied to individuals in the following situations:
- When pregnancy has not occurred after 1 year or more of unprotected sexual intercourse (although it is not a contraceptive method)
- When infertility is diagnosed
- In cases of pelvic pain, endometriosis, or recurrent miscarriages
- In individuals with sperm quality and mobility issues
- In cases of problematic sexual intercourse
- When the prospective parents have a genetic disease that could hinder pregnancy
- In women of advanced age (35 years and older)
Individuals experiencing hormone problems, menopause, or who have had their uterus removed through surgical operations cannot undergo this treatment. It is also not possible for men with no sperm production to participate in IVF treatment.
Factors Affecting the Success Rate of IVF Treatment
If you are still considering this method of reproduction, you should be aware of factors that could reduce the success rate of IVF treatment and act accordingly. Factors affecting the success rate of IVF treatment can be listed as follows:
- Advanced age
- Excess weight
- Immune system issues that affect eggs and sperm
- Problems with the uterus and fallopian tubes
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Excessive stress
- Irregular nutrition
Until What Age Is IVF Treatment Performed?
Women with good ovarian reserve can benefit from IVF treatment up to the age of 45. However, since the number of eggs decreases and egg quality decreases after the age of 35, the likelihood of successful treatment may decrease. Therefore, prospective mothers should not postpone this treatment method to older ages if they are considering having children.
What Needs to be Done for Successful Treatment
The specialists you will reach through the IVF centre will guide you correctly and apply the necessary treatments. However, for the success of this application, you also need to contribute.
- Use the medications prescribed by the doctor regularly and attend appointments without fail.
- Consume approximately 2 litres of water per day. Increase fluid intake, especially after the egg retrieval procedure.
- Adhere strictly to sexual abstinence for 2-3 days before egg retrieval, as recommended by the doctor.
- Do not use any medication or antibiotics without the doctor’s recommendation.
- Utilise fibrous foods and maintain a balanced diet overall.
- Quit alcohol and tobacco use and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke as much as possible. Smoking slows down egg production and increases the risk of miscarriage.
For couples unable to conceive due to adverse health conditions, IVF treatment is an important reproductive method that yields largely positive results. Conduct thorough research on IVF prices, make the right choice of IVF centre, and know the other details to approach your baby one step closer and make the process easier without stress.
