What are IVF & FERTILITY

FERTILITY: 

Fertility is the natural capacity of an individual to conceive a child. While most individuals are easily able to conceive children naturally, many struggle with fertility issues. 

COMMON CAUSES OF INFERTILITY: 

• Age: Conceiving naturally gets difficult for women over the age of 35 and men over the age of 40. 
• Issues in ovulation.
• Low sperm count.
• Poor egg/sperm quality.
• Diabetes.
• Health conditions in women like PCOS, irregular menstrual cycles, thyroid, obesity etc. 

IVF:

In Vitro, Fertilization, commonly known as IVF is an assisted reproductive technology. The term In Vitro means ‘outside the body’. It is the medical science which is concerned with research, treatment and assistance in reproduction through technological developments made in the field. 

IVF works through a number of procedures involving both, medicine and surgery. Couples who are unable to conceive naturally even after undergoing treatments and medications can opt for IVF. This technology helps them in conceiving a baby.

HOW DOES IVF WORK? 

Through the IVF method, a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined, outside their bodies. This is done in a lab, in a laboratory dish. After the sperm and eggs are combined, the waiting period for fertilization begins. The mixture of sperms and eggs are kept in the lab, under specific conditions and monitoring procedures. When one or more eggs are combined (embryos, at this stage), they are transferred into the woman’s uterus. Once placed in the uterus, the embryos then start developing like a natural baby in the uterus.  

STEPS IN IVF:

• Stimulation of ovaries: Prior to the actual procedure, medications are given to increase the production of eggs by the ovaries. 
  
  
• Hormone Injection: A Day or two before the collection of the eggs, the woman is given a hormone injection. This enables the eggs to mature quickly.
  
  
• Egg retrieval (Follicular Aspiration): Once the ovaries start producing eggs, these eggs are then retrieved from the woman’s body through a minor surgical process called Follicular Aspiration.
  
  
• Sperm collection: Sperms are also collected. Depending on the couple's situation and preferences, this can be collected from the husband or a donor.
  
  
• Embryo Culture: The eggs and sperm are combined in a lab.  They are kept there for about 5-7 days to fertilize. 
  
  
• Embryo Transfer: Once the eggs and sperm are fertilized, they are placed inside the uterus.
  
  
• Pregnancy Test: After around two weeks, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine whether the IVF is successful. 
  
  

How to prepare?

Caffeine should be consumed in moderation, and you should quit smoking and consuming alcohol. There is no reason that light exercise should have a negative impact on IVF therapy; just the reverse is thought to be true. Light to moderate exercise is beneficial to both your physical and emotional well-being.

What to expect?

1. Physical alterations -

Women frequently put on a little weight while receiving IVF therapy. Injections of hormones may alter your appetite as well as your weight. Your stomach will feel swollen and your jeans will feel tight depending on how many eggs grow or if you have any minor ovarian hyper stimulation . This is typical and will pass once your period starts or a few weeks into your pregnancy. Call your doctor’s office right away if you gain weight quickly (for instance, 10 pounds in 2-3 days).

2. Emotional state -

The experience of a first IVF treatment can feel overwhelming for some patients, if additional hormones in your body aren't enough to make you feel emotional. Be prepared to experience emotions. 

3. Distracting thoughts -

The feeling of having "pregnancy brain" while undergoing IVF has been described by some women, according to our records. Given that many patients balance their employment, other commitments, and treatments in addition to thinking about the outcomes of their treatments, it is not surprising. It's pretty typical to become preoccupied or forgetful.

4. A greater desire to eat

Some patients may get more hungry, though this doesn't happen to everyone. While some drugs may make you more hungry, cravings for food are typically more emotionally motivated than physically driven. Do not forget to consume a balanced diet.

6. Oral medicines

You might also need to take oral medication in addition to shots. Following consultations, your doctor will modify your dosages and, if necessary, suggest new drugs.

7. Modifications to the digestive system

People undergoing IVF frequently complain of constipation or loose stools. To help with digestive problems, be sure to consume lots of liquids and meals high in fiber.

8. Some waiting

9. Stressful or irritable feelings -

Some patients may find the process of receiving fertility treatments to be stressful, and it can be upsetting if you start to experience the side affects of your medications physically. Anxiety can be reduced by using techniques for reducing stress, such as mild yoga, meditation, or acupuncture.

11. Surprises

There is no "average" experience with fertility treatments because each patient's therapy is unique. It's normal to feel more hungry when receiving therapy, so don't be startled. If your need for sleep increases each night, don't be shocked. Additionally, don't be shocked if you discover that this process is much simpler than you anticipated. Expect the unexpected, as the saying goes.

Conclusion-

A successful pregnancy and the healthy child that results are IVF's most important advantages. It nevertheless offers a considerable opportunity for a couple trying to conceive after numerous unsuccessful natural attempts, even though a favorable outcome cannot be guaranteed.