IVF: A Complete Guide for Couples Considering Fertility Treatment

IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is an established assisted reproductive technology used to help individuals and couples facing infertility. MGMCH's Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery provides conventional and advanced reproductive technologies, including IVF, ICSI, and IUI, along with fertility assessment, embryo transfer, cryopreservation, and other fertility services. The department states that it offers personalised treatment plans and comprehensive fertility care.

What is IVF?

In IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), the egg and sperm are placed into a laboratory dish to form an embryo. This is then transferred into the uterus and can develop into a pregnancy. IVF treatment is a treatment of choice when other, simpler methods have been unsuccessful or when fertility problems exist.

Who is IVF treatment for?

There are several reasons why couples resort to IVF:

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Male-factor infertility, including low sperm count or reduced sperm motility
• Reduced ovarian reserve or ovarian-function problems
• Endometriosis
• When couples have been trying for more than a year, and they have failed to conceive, it is called unexplained infertility.
• Failed IUI cycles

Understanding the IVF process from start to finish

A detailed description of the IVF procedure makes the treatment a lot less intimidating.

Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation. Fertility medications and IVF injections are given to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the usual one per cycle. Blood tests and ultrasounds are closely monitored.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval. Once the follicles are ready, the eggs are retrieved using a procedure called transvaginal oocyte retrieval. MGMCH specifically lists transvaginal aspiration of eggs among its reproductive medicine procedures.

Step 3: Fertilisation. The retrieved eggs are fertilised with sperm in the laboratory. Fertilisation may be performed using conventional IVF or ICSI, in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. MGMCH offers both IVF and ICSI.

Step 4: Embryo Development. The fertilised eggs are monitored in the lab for three to five days as they grow into embryos.

Step 5: IVF Embryo Transfer. A thin catheter is used to transfer the healthiest embryo (or embryos) into the uterus. This is a simple procedure that doesn't require anaesthetic and is usually not painful.

The duration of fertility treatment varies depending on the treatment plan, procedures involved, and individual circumstances.

Is IVF Painful?

One of the most frequent enquiries couples ask before treatment is this one. There can be some discomfort, slight pain, or bruising at the injection site, and egg collection is performed under sedation; therefore, there is minimal discomfort. The embryo transfer is like having a regular gynaecological examination. As a whole, IVF is not a painful procedure, but there can be some side effects of the hormones, such as bloating or mood fluctuations, while the process is in stimulation.

Side effects of IVF injections

A frequent question about IVF injections' side effects is how long they last. The side effects of IVF injections are typically temporary and easily managed.

• Some bruising or redness at the injection site
• Bloating or abdominal discomfort
• Headaches or mood swings due to hormonal changes
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a potential complication of ovarian stimulation that may require medical assessment and treatment.

Most treatment-related symptoms are temporary, but some complications can be more serious. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), for example, can occur after ovarian stimulation and requires medical assessment when suspected.

What is the difference between ICSI and IVF?

IVF means that the sperm and egg are combined in a laboratory dish, whereas ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is the process of injecting one sperm into the egg. ICSI may be considered in certain cases of male-factor infertility or previous fertilisation problems, depending on the clinical assessment.

Difference Between IUI and IVF

IUI and IVF are different assisted reproductive treatments. IUI involves placing prepared sperm into the uterus around ovulation, while IVF involves fertilisation outside the body followed by embryo transfer. The appropriate treatment depends on factors such as the cause of infertility, age, ovarian reserve, sperm factors and previous treatment history.

IVF Success Rate

IVF success rates vary between individuals and treatment cycles. Factors such as age, the cause of infertility, and the specific fertility treatment can influence outcomes. MGMCH's Reproductive Medicine & Surgery department advises that success rates vary according to these factors. Couples should discuss their individual prognosis and expected outcomes with their fertility specialist rather than relying on a single general percentage.

IVF Treatment Cost

The cost of IVF can vary depending on the treatment plan, medicines, laboratory procedures, and additional services that may be required, such as ICSI, embryo freezing, or genetic testing. Patients should discuss the expected treatment plan and cost estimate with the fertility team before starting treatment.

Couples are advised to consult their fertility specialist about a tailored treatment plan and cost breakdown in detail before beginning treatment instead of general estimates. Additionally, many patients look into whether or not IVF is covered by their insurance plan, as the extent of coverage is dependent on the insurance company and policy.

IVF Pregnancy: What to Expect

After embryo transfer, pregnancy is confirmed through appropriate pregnancy testing as advised by the fertility team. Once pregnancy is established, ongoing antenatal care is important, just as it is after other pregnancies. The course of an IVF pregnancy can vary depending on the patient's age, underlying fertility factors, whether a singleton or multiple pregnancy occurs, and other medical circumstances.

Causes of IVF Failure

However, not all cycles are successful, and knowing why IVF may fail helps couples to plan for a subsequent attempt:

1. Lack of good egg/sperm quality
2. Embryo implantation issues
3. Uterine abnormalities
4. Genetic defects in embryos
5. The loss of egg reserves with age

Not having a failed cycle does not mean the IVF procedure has failed - many couples have succeeded with a second or third cycle with modifications to the procedure.

Choosing an IVF Doctor and Fertility Centre in Jaipur

When choosing an IVF doctor or fertility centre, couples may consider the team's qualifications and experience, available fertility treatments, laboratory facilities, counselling services, treatment transparency, and the individualised care offered to patients. MGMCH's Department of Reproductive Medicine & Surgery provides IVF, ICSI, IUI, embryo transfer, cryopreservation, PGT, fertility preservation, donor programmes and other reproductive medicine services. The department also has a state-of-the-art IVF laboratory and provides comprehensive fertility assessment and personalised treatment plans.

IVF Services Available at MGMCH Jaipur

MGMCH's Department of Reproductive Medicine & Surgery provides a range of assisted reproductive and fertility services, including IVF, ICSI, IUI, egg retrieval, fresh and frozen embryo transfer, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A, PGT-M and PGT-SR), egg/sperm/embryo cryopreservation, fertility preservation, donor egg and donor sperm programmes, and male infertility procedures such as PESA, TESA and TESE. The department also provides reproductive surgery, genetic counselling and fertility assessment.