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No matter how complicated the problem in front of us is, technology often finds a solution for it. The same goes for infertility as well. In vitro fertilization is one of the best options couples have infront of them to have a baby of their own, thanks to the groundbreaking findings that solidify the authenticity of the process.

WHAT IS IN VITRO FERTILIZATION?

When a couple is unable to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse, doctors typically refer to this condition as "infertility." The procedure of fertilizing an egg and sperm in a lab is called in vitro fertilization, or IVF. After fertilization, the egg is grown or nurtured until it is fully developed. It is inserted into the woman's uterus for implantation when it has reached maturity.

IVF is a successful pregnancy and embryo preservation technique, but it comes with certain disadvantages, including a hefty price tag, possible side effects, and a higher chance of repeated gestations. IVF does not carry the same risk as other reproductive treatments when it comes to ectopic pregnancies. In general, IVF is a practical choice for certain people.

WHO SHOULD GO FOR AN IVF?

Couples who have one or all of these symptoms or medical conditions can choose IVF as a viable option to conceive:

• Have infertility due to endometriosis, ovulation disorders, unexplained infertility, or severe "male factor infertility" (when sperm counts or motility is low, or sperm needs to be surgically extracted from the testicles); if other treatments have not worked and those who are 40 years of age or older and want to maximize chances of pregnancy as soon as possible.
• Individuals with inherited genetic diseases who wish to prevent their child from inheriting them can use IVF combined with preimplantation genetic testing, where embryos or eggs are tested for the disease, and only those without the disease are transferred to the uterus.
• Individuals with ovarian insufficiency, where their ovaries stop producing eggs earlier than usual, plan to use "donor" eggs from another person.
• Individuals who wish to conceive with donor sperm or embryo, such as single females or female couples.

THE PREPARATION FOR IVF TREATMENT:

Women will first have tests to determine their ovarian reserve before starting IVF. This involves collecting blood and measuring it’s follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) content. Based on the test findings, your doctor can decide on the size and quality of your eggs.

Additionally, your doctor will check your uterus. This might entail having an ultrasound, which produces a picture of your uterus using high-frequency sound waves. Further, your doctor could put a scope inside your uterus through your vagina. Your doctor can use these tests to assess the condition of your uterus and choose the most effective approach to implant the embryos.

Sperm testing for men will be necessary. This involves sending in a sample of semen, which is analyzed in a lab to determine the quantity, size, and form of sperm. If the sperm are damaged or weak, an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique may be required. During ICSI, a technician directly injects the sperm into the egg. ICSI may be utilized in conjunction with IVF.

HOW CAN WE PREPARE OURSELVES FOR AN IVF?

1. Maintaining a healthy diet: A healthful diet containing vegetables, fruits, and low-fat proteins can enhance fertility and pregnancy success. According to the National Institute of Health studies, obesity can hinder conceiving, cause anovulation and menstrual irregularities, and increase the likelihood of infertility.

2. Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking: Pregnant women and those wishing to become pregnant should avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use, as they increase birth and pregnancy complications and infertility risks.

3. Vitamin intake: Vitamins, especially those rich in folic acids, can supplement a healthy diet and increase fertility in IVF patients, although they should not replace a balanced diet.

4. Prepare psychologically: IVF treatment is a delicate subject and takes a psychological toll on patients. To prepare emotionally, patients seek support from family, friends, or medical professionals, considering physical and emotional aspects.

THE PROCEDURE OF IVF

The treatment mainly consists of five steps:

• 1. Superovulation
• 2. Egg retrieval
• 3. Insemination
• 4. Embryo culture
• 5. Transfer

Superovulation

A woman typically produces one egg every menstrual cycle. However, more than one egg is required for IVF, and the chance of having a viable embryo increases when more eggs are developed.

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is another term for superovulation. Either luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone is included in fertility drugs. The ovaries create more eggs than usual as a result of these hormones. One way to track the development and expansion of the ovaries is via transvaginal ultrasound imaging. In addition, one might use frozen or donated eggs.

Egg retrieval

Doctors use a minor surgical technique called "follicular aspiration" or "egg retrieval " to retrieve eggs.

A tiny needle is injected into an ovary through the vagina under ultrasound supervision. The eggs and follicular fluids are removed using a suction device connected to the needle. Doctors go through this procedure for every ovary.

Insemination

The collected eggs and sperm are combined in an environment-controlled room. After a few hours, the sperm ought to land in the egg.

On occasion, the sperm is inserted right into the egg. An intracytoplasmic sperm injection is what this procedure is called (ICSI). It is possible to use frozen sperm that was obtained by testicular biopsy.

Embryo culture

Once fertilized, the egg divides to become an embryo. Many fertility organizations provide preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) as the embryos reach the blastocyst stage. Using this method, chromosomal abnormalities or aneuploidies are detected in an embryo.

One or two of the best embryos are used in the transfer. The uterine lining is then made ready for the embryo's implantation by injecting hormones and other drugs into the patient.

Embryo transfer

More than one embryo can occasionally enter the womb. Discussing the quantity of transplanted embryos with a physician is essential.

The doctor usually transfers only one embryo at a time. Before deciding whether to transfer several embryos, a patient should speak with a physician about the various risk considerations.

The embryo is transferred via a thin tube or catheter about 3-5 days after conception. The vagina is how it enters the uterus. A pregnancy begins, and the embryo grows further when it fuses to the uterus lining, a process known as implantation.

RISK OF IVF TREATMENT

There are risks associated with IVF, just as with other medical processes. The possibility of using fertility drugs to encourage the ovaries to generate more than one egg is one of the most prevalent worries. Despite being mostly safe, some medications may cause modest side effects, including headaches, bloating, or mood fluctuations.

An iatrogenic side effect of assisted reproductive technologies is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The condition is defined by ovarian neoangiogenesis, increased capillary permeability, and cystic growth of the ovaries, which causes a fluid shift from the intravascular to the interstitial space. The administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is necessary for its occurrence. Without hCG injection, OHSS is relatively uncommon.

The chance of multiple pregnancies, especially when more than one embryo is transplanted, is another risk factor. The likelihood of becoming pregnant can rise with repeated pregnancies, but there are also increased hazards associated with them, including low birth weight as well as premature birth.

Furthermore, certain medical illnesses, advanced maternal age, or underlying reproductive problems may increase these chances even further. For example, women with endometriosis may have decreased implantation rates, while those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may have difficulties with egg retrieval.

One prevalent illness that impacts hormones is called polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. Infertility, excessive hair growth, abnormal menstrual cycles, and acne are all caused by it. A person's desire to become pregnant determines how to treat PCOS. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two illnesses that people with PCOS may be more susceptible to.

EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES DURING IVF

People's emotional reactions to infertility can be complicated, ranging from shock and confusion at first as they try to come to terms with the loss of their hopes. While every IVF journey is different, many people have similar emotions during the treatment phases.

Grief and loss: Infertility treatment can result in many losses that are often disregarded or underestimated, such as miscarriage, imagined family, unsuccessful IVF cycles, biological relatedness, hope, and closeness in relationships.

Hope and despair: The IVF procedure often involves hope and despair, making it challenging for many to maintain a positive outlook amidst the pain of failure.

Feeling jealous: Jealousy is a common emotion experienced by many, particularly those experiencing infertility or IVF. Events like pregnancy announcements or celebrity gossip can trigger it. Despite its pain, jealousy also signals values and feelings of threat, and understanding the underlying issues is crucial.

Feeling overwhelmed: IVF treatment involves complex medical procedures, hormone regimens, and multiple decisions, often overwhelming patients with unfamiliar terminology and processes, leading to feelings of overwhelm and bewilderment.

WHY CHOOSE MMC IVF?

MMC IVF, one of the best IVF clinics in Dubai, promises an experience filled with trust, expertise, and care. With Bourn Hall Fertility Centre, MMC IVF works closely to deliver an advanced facility with an Assisted Reproduction Technology Program (ART) that meets worldwide standards.

Thanks to its foundation of expertise, experience, first-rate treatment, and state-of-the-art facilities, the clinic assures couples struggling with infertility of a favorable experience. Schedule your appointment right now to go through parenting with a guide!