What are the indications for IVF treatment?
Written in association with:In recent years, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) has become a widely recognised option for couples facing infertility issues. In her latest online article, Dr Mausumi Das provides clarity and information about this process to patients who are considering or undergoing IVF treatment.
What is IVF?
IVF is a medical procedure designed to assist couples who are struggling to conceive naturally. It involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. After fertilisation, the resulting embryos are monitored and, typically, one or more embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus to establish a pregnancy.
Indications for IVF
IVF may be recommended in cases where natural conception is not successful due to factors such as blocked fallopian tubes, male infertility issues, advanced maternal age, or unexplained infertility. It offers hope to couples who have exhausted other fertility treatment options.
The IVF process explained
- Ovarian stimulation: This includes giving fertility medications to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Ultrasound scans and blood tests are used to monitor the development of follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing eggs) within the ovaries.
- Egg retrieval: Once the follicles reach the appropriate size, the eggs are retrieved using a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration. This is typically performed under sedation to minimise discomfort.
- Fertilisation: The retrieved eggs are then fertilised with sperm in a laboratory setting. In some cases where male infertility is a concern, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilisation.
- Embryo culture and selection: Fertilised embryos are cultured in the laboratory for a few days to monitor their development. The healthiest embryos are chosen for transfer into the uterus. Any excess embryos may be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.
- Embryo transfer: Embryo transfer involves placing one or more selected embryos into the uterus using a thin catheter. This is a relatively simple and painless procedure similar to a Pap smear.
Considerations and success rates
IVF success rates can vary depending on factors such as the woman's age, the quality of the embryos, and underlying fertility issues. Your healthcare provider will discuss personalised success rates and expectations based on your specific situation.
Dr Mausumi Das is an esteemed consultant gynaecologist. You can schedule an appointment with Dr Das on her Top Doctors profile.
