In vitro fertilisation(IVF) is one of the most popular IVF procedures. IVF is a multi-step process to achieve pregnancy. We at ZIVA Fertility Centre have been helping many couples realise their dream of a baby with the help of an IVF. At ZIVA Fertility Centre, we have the best IVF treatment facilities. Our highly experienced team of doctors and other medical personnel offer medical and counselling services. Our ZIVA IVF specialists suggest couples wait for at least a year (if the woman is below 35 years) and for six months(if the woman is above 35 years) before considering infertility treatments. Infertility is not the only reason to opt for IVF; some couples choose IVF to prevent passing on genetic problems to a child.
What is ZIVA’s IVF treatment?
As part of ZIVA’s IVF treatment, the female partner’s ovaries are stimulated with medicines so that they release more than one egg. Once the ovaries are ready to release eggs, the mature eggs are collected from them and fertilised by sperm in a lab. In a minor procedure, one or more fertilised eggs, called embryos, are placed in the uterus, where the baby will grow. After this, the pregnancy follows the natural course. A single cycle of IVF takes about 2 to 3 weeks. However, this period may vary based on individual cases, and the process may take longer.
As part of ZIVA’s fertility treatment, IVF is done using a couple’s eggs and sperm or by using the same donor.
The success of an IVF is based on many factors, such as your age and the cause of infertility. We will prepare the couple mentally since IVF can be time-consuming, expensive and invasive. If multiple embryos are placed in the uterus, it can result in multiple pregnancies, which means conceiving more than one baby. We at ZIVA Fertility Clinics will help you understand how IVF works, the risks, and whether it’s right for you.
When will the ZIVA fertility team suggest an IVF?
We at ZIVA Fertility Clinics suggest In vitro fertilisation as a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. But we do not start with IVF in most cases; we will suggest you and your partner try other treatments that involve fewer procedures and are cost-effective. Some couples might benefit by simply taking ovaries-stimulating drugs that can help them make more eggs.
IUI (intrauterine insemination ) is also tried to place the sperm directly in the uterus around the time of ovulation.
But ZIVA opts for IVF treatment directly in cases of:
- To treat infertility in people over the age of 40.
- Fallopian tube damages or blockages: Through the fallopian tubes, eggs move from the ovaries to the uterus. So, if both the tubes are damaged or blocked, the egg cannot travel to meet the sperm, and fertilisation cannot occur.
- Ovulation disorders: If women are unable to ovulate or have irregular ovulation, then there are fewer eggs available to be fertilised by sperm.
- Endometriosis: When the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, it is called Endometriosis. The extra tissue grows on the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.
- Uterine fibroids: Fibroids are uterine tumours and may not be cancerous. Women in their 30s and 40s usually see fibroids. If these fibroids are large, the fertilised egg will have trouble attaching to the uterus lining.
- Previous surgeries: If a tubal ligation surgery was done, which means the fallopian tubes were cut or blocked, then pregnancy is prevented for good. If women wish to conceive after a tubal ligation, IVF may help, especially if reverse tubal ligation cannot be done.
- Sperm issues: If there are issues with the quantity, quality, sperm motility(movement), and sperm morphology(shape of the sperm), it is hard for sperm to fertilise an egg. A simple sperm analysis can help figure out these issues. If medical tests find issues with sperm, a visit to an infertility specialist might be needed to see if there are treatable problems or other health concerns.
- Unexplained infertility: This is a growing problem of late where the tests do not show any definitive results, but the couple are having trouble conceiving. Then also, ZIVA will suggest an IVF.
- A genetic disorder: In some couples, either of the partners might have a genetic disorder that they may pass on to the child. After the eggs are fertilised, they’re checked for certain genetic problems by doing preimplantation genetic testing. However, this does not guarantee that all of these disorders are found. Embryos are carefully selected so that those that do not have a genetic problem can be placed in the uterus.
- Before starting a cancer treatment, the eggs can be harvested from their ovaries and frozen for later Use. The eggs can be fertilised and frozen directly as embryos for future Use.
What tests are done before starting the IVF treatment at ZIVA to get pregnant?
Before you start a cycle of IVF, you and your partner will likely need various screening tests. These include:
- Ovarian reserve testing to determine how many eggs are available in the body.
- Semen analysis checks the amount of sperm, their shape, and how they move.
- Infectious disease screening for diseases such as HIV.
- The uterine exam is where the inside lining of the uterus is checked in a test called sonohysterography.
What to ask beforehand about ZIVA’s IVF treatment to get pregnant?
Number of embryos transferred: Ensure you are clear on the number of embryos placed in the uterus before the transfer procedure.
Extra embryos: Plan about the preservation of the extra unused embryos so that if you want to have more kids later, you don’t have to start from the beginning and instead implant the frozen ones.
Multiple pregnancy: If more than one embryo is placed in your uterus, you might have to deal with multiple pregnancies. Know about the complications for both you and your babies.
Will you use your sperm and eggs or opt for donor eggs or sperm? Our trained ZIVA counsellors with expertise in donor issues can help you understand the concerns, such as the legal rights of the donor.
What can you expect during ZIVA’s IVF treatment to get you pregnant?
After all the initial preparations, the whole cycle can take about 2 to 3 weeks. Some couples need more than one cycle. The steps followed in every cycle are:
Preparation of mature eggs
First, lab-made hormones are given to help the ovaries make eggs instead of the single egg that usually develops each month.
Supplements of the hormone progesterone on the day of the procedure to collect your eggs as they improve the odds that a fertilised egg attaches to the lining of your uterus.
After 1 to 2 weeks of ovarian stimulation, a Vaginal ultrasound is done to figure out when the eggs are ready.
At this stage, IVF could be cancelled if:
- Lack of enough follicles.
- Ovulation starts earlier than needed.
- Too many follicles develop, which puts the mother at risk due to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
The cycle is restarted after changing the medicines or the dosage you take.
Retrieving the eggs
Eggs are retrieved 34 to 36 hours after the final shot of fertility medicine and before ovulation. Egg retrieval is performed in a surgical suite under intravenous sedation. Ovarian follicles are aspirated using a needle guided by trans-vaginal ultrasonography. Follicular fluids are scanned by the embryologist to locate all available eggs. The collected eggs are placed in a liquid to develop; among them, the healthy eggs are mixed with sperm to attempt to create embryos.
Sperm retrieval
While your eggs are being retrieved, your partner will provide a semen sample. Donor sperm can be used if that’s the couple’s choice or doctor’s recommendation. The sperm is separated from the semen fluid in the lab.
Fertilisation
The two most common methods to fertilise eggs with sperm are:
- Conventional insemination: Mature eggs and healthy sperm are mixed and kept in a controlled environment called an incubator.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): One healthy sperm is injected right into each mature egg, and this method is used when semen quality or number is an issue.
Preimplantation genetic testing
Embryos develop in the incubator until they reach a stage where a small sample can be collected for testing for certain genetic diseases. Preimplantation genetic testing is required if one of the parents has a genetic problem.
Embryo Transfer
- One or more embryos (per a prior agreement between the couple and the doctor) are placed in the uterus. This procedure is carried out 2 to 6 days after eggs are collected.
- A mild sedative will help you relax, and it is often painless, but you might have mild cramping.
- A catheter is placed into the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterus.
- A syringe with one or more embryos is attached to the end of the catheter.
- The syringe places the embryo(s) into the uterus.
- In a successful case, an embryo will attach to the lining of your uterus about 6 to 10 days after egg retrieval.
- After the embryo transfer, one can return to daily routine. The ovaries are still, so avoid vigorous activities as they cause discomfort. We at ZIVA Fertility Clinics will guide you on what care you should take after an embryo transfer.
When to expect the Results?
About 12 days after an embryo transfer, you’ll have a blood pregnancy test. If you’re pregnant, then you should consult an obstetrician.
If you’re not pregnant, stop the progesterone, and you will get your period within a week. Please note that if your period does not start or you have unusual bleeding, call your doctor.
Chances of a live birth
After getting pregnant, the chances of a live birth of a healthy baby depend on various factors, including:
Maternal age: Higher success is achieved if the mother is younger.
Embryo status: Healthy embryos have higher pregnancy rates compared with less-developed embryos.
Reproductive history: An earlier successful pregnancy is a good sign for IVF success.
Cause of infertility: Severe Endometriosis or unexplained infertility are less likely to be able to get pregnant.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, obesity, use of alcohol, drugs, too much caffeine and certain medicines also can be harmful.
We at ZIVA are pioneers in the field of IVF treatments. For more information, please visit our website https://zivafertility.com/ or contact us at +91-9100002737 or +91-9392834024.
