In vitro fertilization (IVF) complete and specialized explanation

IVF or in vitro fertilization is a treatment method for people who are facing infertility problems. In this method, egg fertilization is done in the laboratory, then the embryo is transferred to the uterus. In this process, the egg is removed from the woman's body, then it is combined with the donor's sperm in a laboratory container. After this process, the embryo is born and after a few days it is transferred to the uterus.

If the embryo sticks to the lining of the uterus, the pregnancy process begins. Over the decades, advances in science and technology have improved the success and safety of the procedure, so that IVF is used for a wide range of causes of infertility — such as blocked fallopian tubes, problems with the male sperm, or unexplained infertility. There are other methods of pregnancy. intrauterine insemination (IUI) and the ICSI method are among these methods that the doctor uses if needed.

Table of Contents

• The history of in vitro fertilization
• Effective factors in IVF
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Summary

History of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Efforts to perform in vitro fertilization began in the 1950s; When the researchers were able to successfully simulate the fertilization process of animal eggs in the laboratory environment. In the 1960s and 1970s, a group of leading researchers such as Robert Edwards, Patrick Steptoe, and Jane Purdy conducted extensive research on human egg fertilization outside the body, which is considered a turning point in the history of reproductive medicine. On July 25, 1978, the first baby born from this method was born. After that, ectopic fertilization gradually went beyond the experimental stage and became a common and advanced treatment method.

IVF steps

At the beginning of the in vitro fertilization cycle, the ovaries are stimulated with hormonal drugs to produce several mature eggs instead of one egg. This part plays an important role in increasing the chances of success. It can be said that the higher the number of healthy eggs, the higher the chance of forming a healthy embryo.

Medicines such as gonadotropins are injected daily, and in about two weeks, the doctor checks the growth of follicles, the level of estrogen and progesterone hormones, and the body's reaction with ultrasound and blood tests. When the follicles reach the appropriate size, the final injection is performed to fully mature the egg. This stage requires high accuracy, recording of symptoms, regular follow-up and careful coordination with the treatment team.

Second stage: Egg retrieval

After 34 to 36 hours from the final injection, the egg retrieval is done. The patient usually receives a light anesthetic to make the procedure painless. Under the guidance of ultrasound, the doctor inserts a thin needle into the ovaries and removes the follicular fluid containing the eggs. Their number can be between a few and more than fifteen. Then the eggs are immediately transferred to the laboratory. In the laboratory, they are examined for health and maturity. After in vitro fertilization (IVF), the patient usually rests for a few hours and there may be some feeling of bloating or mild pain. In the laboratory environment, selected eggs are combined with sperm. If the quality of the sperm is suitable, the natural in vitro fertilization method is performed; That is, the sperms are placed in the vicinity of the egg so that the process takes place naturally. But if the sperm count or motility is low, the method of direct sperm injection into the egg (ICSI) is used. After fertilization, the fertilized egg starts cell division and becomes an embryo. Embryos are kept in a special chamber for 3 to 5 days and are constantly evaluated in terms of growth, division speed and quality. An embryo that has grown for a few days and its cells have increased, usually has a better chance of implantation. It is also possible to perform genetic testing (PGT) on the embryos at this stage to identify and remove abnormal chromosomes.

Fourth stage: embryo transfer

After choosing the best embryo, it is time to transfer it to the uterus. This work is done without anesthesia and by passing a soft catheter through the cervix, the fetus is placed in the right place in the uterus. After the transfer, the person can return to daily life, but it is usually recommended to avoid strenuous activities and stress. Two weeks after the transfer, a blood test to detect pregnancy is performed and the final result is determined. If the embryo is successfully implanted, the pregnancy will continue normally. If the process is unsuccessful, the doctor may change the treatment method or use saved embryos to try again.

Factors affecting the success of IVF

The success of in vitro fertilization is influenced by a set of physiological factors, lifestyle, quality of the embryo and the health status of the couple. Even with advanced fertility techniques, this method does not provide a 100% guarantee of pregnancy, but knowing the factors that contribute can play an important role in increasing the chances of success. Issues such as age, egg and sperm quality, history of uterine or hormonal diseases, as well as attention to a healthy lifestyle, all directly affect the treatment result. Also, the selection of an expert treatment team, accurate adjustment of ovarian stimulation drugs, and comprehensive evaluation of the fertility status are other key elements in increasing the chances of success. With increasing age, ovarian reserve decreases and the quality of eggs decreases; This reduces the probability of a healthy embryo and successful implantation. In general, the age of 20 to 35 years is the best time for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

As you approach the age of 40, the probability of pregnancy with IVF decreases significantly, and in many cases, the need for egg donation is raised. This factor does not affect men either, because aging can affect sperm quality, motility and genetic structure. The younger the age and the better the ovarian function, the greater the probability of success.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) success rate

The success rate of IVF is not the same for everyone. This issue depends on many factors, factors such as age, sperm conditions are involved in this issue. In general, younger women have more chances of success. Next is the frequency of IVF, in a significant number of couples the first step is successful. But in some there is a need to repeat. Physician experience, standard labs, and proper medication protocols dramatically increase the chance of success. These reasons make a careful evaluation and consultation with an experienced doctor necessary.

Lifestyle

Factors related to lifestyle including nutrition, exercise, smoking, alcohol and body mass index have a direct impact on IVF results. Smoking is one of the most important factors in reducing the quality of eggs and sperm and can even reduce the number of transferable embryos. Alcohol consumption and severe stress also disturb the hormonal balance and lower the chances of embryo implantation. Appropriate weight, nutrition rich in antioxidants, adequate sleep and balanced physical activity can improve the quality of gametes and the uterine environment. Supplements such as vitamin D, folic acid, omega-3 and coenzyme Q10 can also have positive effects under the supervision of a doctor. Background diseases are not a serious obstacle to IVF, but they affect the treatment result. Problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, blockage of the fallopian tubes, thyroid disorders, diabetes and poor sperm quality can weaken the result of IVF. Sometimes it is necessary to control or treat these problems before starting the treatment in order to provide the optimal environment for the development of the fetus. Also, the presence of genetic or immune disorders in the mother's body can prevent implantation and requires a more specialized investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions