IVF (in vitro fertilization)

IVF: A Comprehensive Guide to Assisted Reproduction

Introduction

In vitro fertilization (IVF) stands as a revolutionary medical procedure that has transformed the lives of countless individuals and couples struggling with infertility. This article aims to provide an extensive understanding of IVF, its procedures, applications, and the emotional journey it entails.

Understanding IVF

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to treat infertility. IVF is typically used when other fertility treatments, such as medication or intrauterine insemination (IUI), have been unsuccessful. It can also be used in cases where the male partner has a low sperm count or poor sperm motility, or when the female partner has blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.

The mother looks at the image of her fetus on the ultrasound - IVF

IVF is a multifaceted procedure, involving numerous steps and intricate processes. It commences with ovarian stimulation, where fertility medications are administered to the woman. These medications serve the purpose of stimulating her ovaries to produce a surplus of eggs, a crucial aspect of IVF success.

Once these eggs reach maturity, they are extracted from the woman’s ovaries through a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The next stage occurs in the laboratory, where these eggs are paired with sperm. This carefully orchestrated union leads to fertilization, ultimately giving rise to embryos.

These embryos are nurtured within the controlled environment of the laboratory. This period of incubation is essential to ensure their optimal development before the final step: the transfer back into the woman’s uterus.

How Does IVF Work At Best Life Fertility Center

Consultation

Before starting the IVF process at Best Life Fertility Center in Sharjah, the couple or individual will have a consultation with one of our esteemed fertility specialists. During this consultation, the specialist will review the medical history of the couple or individual and conduct a physical examination. They will also explain the IVF process, its success rates, and potential risks, ensuring that patients are well-informed and comfortable moving forward.

Stimulation

Schedule for ovulation induction in IVF

The next step in the IVF process at our center is ovarian stimulation. This involves taking medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Our specialist will closely monitor the progress of the ovaries through ultrasounds and blood tests. Once the eggs are mature, a trigger shot is given to release them.

Egg Retrieval

Approximately 36 hours after the trigger shot, the eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure at Best Life Fertility Center. Our specialist uses ultrasound guidance to aspirate the eggs from the ovaries. The procedure, which takes place in our state-of-the-art facility, usually lasts around 10-20 minutes and is done under sedation for the patient’s comfort.

Fertilization

for a standard IVF process, After the eggs are retrieved, they are fertilized with sperm in our advanced laboratory at Best Life Fertility Center in Sharjah. The fertilized eggs are then carefully monitored for several days by our laboratory technicians to ensure they develop properly. However, it takes more steps in ICSI or PICSI treatments.

Unlike standard IVF, where the sperm and eggs are mixed together to allow the sperm to fertilize the eggs, in ICSI:  an individual sperm is injected directly into each suitable egg.

The PICSI treatment is a very similar process to ICSI, there is only an additional sperm election method that is used to choose sperm that is most likely to be mature.

Embryo Transfer

The final step in the IVF process at Best Life Fertility Center Sharjah,is the embryo transfer. This crucial step involves transferring one or more embryos into the uterus. Our specialist uses ultrasound guidance to precisely place the embryos through the cervix and into the uterus. The number of embryos transferred is determined based on the age of the woman and the quality of the embryos, ensuring the best chances of success.

process in  IVF (in vitro fertilization)

Overall, the IVF process, can be a complex and emotional journey. However, with the expert guidance and care of our fertility specialists, especially at Best Life Fertility Center in Sharjah,  many couples and individuals find hope and often achieve their dream of having a child.

Who Benefits from IVF?

IVF represents a beacon of hope for individuals and couples facing a multitude of infertility challenges. Some of the Common factors contributing to infertility include:

  1. Blockages in the Fallopian Tubes: Conditions that obstruct the natural passage of eggs and sperm.
  2. Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus , often leading to fertility complications.
  3. Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder affecting women ovaries, characterized by irregular periods and an overproduction of androgens, impacting fertility.
  4. Male Infertility: This arises when issues related to sperm quality, quantity, or function affecting the prospects of natural conception.
  5. Unexplained Infertility: In some cases, the exact cause of infertility remains elusive, making IVF a viable option for those seeking answers and solutions.

IVF Success Rates

The success of IVF is contingent on numerous factors. Crucial elements encompass, such as Cause of infertility, Age of the woman and many others.

The clinic’s experience and expertise can also affect the success rates of IVF. Clinics with more experience and higher success rates also offer a higher chance of success.

In general, the success rates of IVF are higher for younger women, and they decrease with age.

According to our success rate, at Best Life Fertility Center – Sharjah, the live birth rate per IVF cycle for women under 35 years old is around 70%. The rate drops to about 50% for women aged 35-37, 30% for women aged 38-40, and 20% for women aged 41-42. For women over 42, the success rates are low.

it’s important to know that the success rate climbs with more egg transfers, in some cases appropriate candidates achieve 70% pregnancy per cycle with cumulative pregnancy rates after 3 cycles of greater than 90% .

Overall, IVF can be a successful treatment for infertility, but it is important to have realistic expectations and to understand the factors that can affect the success rates, which can be explained and assessed by our professional doctors at Best Life Fertility Center – Sharjah.

IVF Risks

Although IVF is a generally safe procedure, the risks and complications are at the minimum level. Some of these potential risks include:

IVF (in vitro fertilization)

1. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS):

A condition that may arise when the ovaries are stimulated too much during the IVF treatment, symptoms can range from mild to severe and include abdominal swelling and discomfort.

2. Ectopic Pregnancy:

This rare but serious complication occurs when the embryo implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. However, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is equal with IVF treatment to natural conception.

3. Multiple pregnancies :

One of the main risks of IVF is the possibility of multiple pregnancies. This can occur when more than one embryo is implanted in the uterus. Multiple pregnancies can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the babies, including premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems.

Emotional Considerations

In the realm of IVF, the emotional aspect plays a pivotal role. The journey from infertility to assisted conception can be emotionally taxing. It’s imperative for individuals and couples to prepare themselves for the emotional roller-coaster that often accompanies this process.

At Best Life Fertility Center in Sharjah, we provide a healthy and professional environment for couples seeking the best infertility consultations and treatments, we are happy to build a connection of trust and comfort accompanied with our doctors’ professional opinions and expertise in order to increase the chances of making your dream of a family come true.

Alongside the emotional support and great love we give to couples at Best Life Fertility Center, it’s important to have emotional support from family and friends and reduce sources of stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

In vitro fertilization is a complex, life-changing procedure that offers new beginning for those facing the challenges of infertility. Despite its emotional journey and costs, IVF has proven to be a reliable and effective mean of achieving parenthood for countless individuals and couples.

If you are considering IVF, it is of utmost importance to engage in open and candid discussions with a fertility specialist. This ensures a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits associated with the procedure, ultimately guiding you towards informed and empowered decisions on your unique journey to parenthood.

Best Life Fertility Center – Sharjah is one of the cutting-edge clinics in this field where you can get full professional care, high success chances, as well as large doses of love and support.