Introduction

In vitro fertilization or IVF is a procedure performed to help couples suffering from infertility get pregnant. The procedure involves the retrieval of the female eggs from the ovaries and the fertilization of the female egg with the male sperm in a laboratory setting to make embryos. These embryos are then transferred into the female womb or uterus to hopefully result in a pregnancy.

If you and your partner are suffering from infertility problems and failed to conceive naturally, you may need to look at other assisted reproductive techniques like IVF for conceiving. Khushhi IVF Centre is among the best IVF centres in Ahmedabad with a high rate of success and can fulfill your desire for parenthood.

In this article, we will be discussing some important things you need to know before you start with IVF treatment.

What Do You Know About IVF Success Rates?

Before starting with any treatment, it is important to do research and understand the rate of success of treatment. The success rate of IVF depends on several factors.

The different factors that will influence the IVF success rate include the age of the male and female partners, the cause of the couple’s infertility, duration of the infertility, whether the type of infertility is primary or secondary, the development of the female’s uterus (endometrial) lining, and the overall quality of the sperm, egg, or the embryo.

IVF is the most successful type of procedure out of all the different types of assisted reproductive techniques used for couples who are suffering from infertility and are looking to conceive. The IVF success rate usually varies between 40 to 50% for women under 35 years of age and the success rate for women above 35 years of age varies between 35 to 40%.

It is important to inquire about the success rate of the clinic or center you have chosen for undergoing IVF treatment. A clinic having a high rate of IVF success increases your possibility of having a successful treatment and also ensures a comfortable treatment experience under the care of skilled doctors and a state-of-the-art infrastructure.

A Body Checkup is Required Before Starting IVF

The doctor will first assess your eligibility for undergoing IVF treatment. A thorough physical examination will be performed and you will be asked to undergo several tests to determine an appropriate treatment plan for you and also assess your chances of undergoing a successful treatment.

The male partner will be asked to undergo a sperm analysis, which will provide information about the total sperm count, sperm motility, and whether or not the sperm is morphologically viable.
The female partner will require more thorough testing. Blood tests will determine the levels of female reproductive hormones like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), prolactin levels, and the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. An HCG test is also recommended to check if the womb or uterine cavity of the female is normal and if the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry the female eggs from the ovaries to the womb) are open and working properly.
The female partner may also have to undergo vaginal ultrasonography to check the morphology of the internal part of the uterus, the texture and thickness of the uterine lining, the ovarian volume, and the follicular count.
Both partners will also have to undergo HIV and other STD tests to check their sexual health and ensure that they will not face any problems during IVF treatment.

How Common is IVF These Days?

Infertility is said to affect one in six couples due to various types of health problems. Infertility either affects the male or female partner 80% of the time or both the partners for the remaining 20% of couples who are unable to become parents naturally. IVF treatment is a boon for such infertile couples who want to conceive.

IVF treatment can also be used by fertile people to help them conceive in situations such as a single woman, single man, same-sex couples, or individuals carrying a genetic disorder. Approximately one in fifty babies born are conceived using IVF.

What is The Best Suitable Age For IVF?

The fertility of a woman begins reducing rapidly after the age of 35. It becomes difficult for a woman in her early forties to conceive naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. The chances of IVF treatment success reduce even further after the age of 45 due to a decrease in the quality and number of eggs in the female ovaries over time.

A man’s fertility usually stays more stable, but it also reduces over time as the testosterone levels start reducing to produce lesser sperms. The male sperm also gradually reduces in quantity and quality.

The success of IVF treatment is higher in cases of younger women in their thirties compared to a woman in their forties.

What is The Procedure of IVF Treatment?

Having a good idea about the IVF treatment procedure steps before undergoing the treatment is always a good idea. The following steps are involved in an IVF treatment procedure:

Ovarian stimulation: This step involves the injection of certain synthetic hormones into the woman to stimulate the female ovary to release several eggs.
Egg retrieval: This procedure involves the retrieval of the female eggs by the doctor using a suction device and with the help of an ultrasound.
Sperm extraction: The sperm is then extracted from the male partner.
Fertilization: The female eggs and male sperm are then combined in laboratory settings.
Embryo transfer: Two to five days after the retrieval, the embryos formed are transferred into the uterus of the woman.
Pregnancy test: A pregnancy test is recommended twelve to fifteen days after the embryo transfer to check if the procedure has resulted in a pregnancy or not.

Choose the Right IVF Center/Clinic

Choosing the right IVF center or clinic can increase your chances of a comfortable and successful treatment experience.

You should check if your chosen clinic or center is well-equipped, cost of IVF treatment, has skilled and experienced doctors, and has the expertise to handle different types of cases over the years.

Some Side Effects Can be Observed

Like any medical procedure that you may undergo, IVF treatment too has its share of side effects. Some common side effects of IVF treatment include the following:

Side effects of fertility medicines like headaches, cramps, hot flashes, and other discomforts
Ectopic pregnancy (the embryo starts developing in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus)
Multiple pregnancies (due to the implantation of multiple embryos in IVF)
Painful and uncomfortable procedure

Check Your Diet and Lifestyle

The chances of a successful IVF increases in the case of women who eat a healthy, nutritious, well-balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain a steady and healthy weight. Healthy lifestyle choices like avoiding the consumption of alcohol and smoking are recommended before starting with IVF treatment.

The male partner is also recommended to eat a balanced, nutritious diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body before the sperm extraction step.

Additionally, it is important to manage and reduce stress levels as it can negatively impact the ability of a couple to conceive.

Conclusion

If you are a couple struggling with infertility issues and are looking at IVF treatment as a treatment option to conceive, you need to know about the treatment procedure, your eligibility to undergo the procedure, your chances of success, the possible side effects associated with the procedure, and the lifestyle changes you need to make to undergo the procedure.

Choosing the right IVF center for your treatment can help you ensure a smooth and successful IVF journey. Khushhi IVF Centre is the best IVF center in Ahmedabad having some of the most skilled doctors using the latest technology and equipment to provide you with a pleasant IVF treatment experience.