Although there has been a considerable decrease in the infertility rate, many women still suffer from unexplained infertility. Increase in stress is also a contributing factor. In-Vitro Fertilization or IVF is one of the most common infertility treatments. In short, this procedure is performed by the doctor, who takes the egg from the woman and fertilizes it with the sperm from the male. The fertilization occurs in the lab where the eggs develop into embryos. After a few days the doctor inserts the embryo into the woman’s uterus for further growth.
The National Infertility Association provides us with certain IVF facts. According to them, IVF success rates are known to be higher than any other infertility treatment. In one cycle, women under the age of 35, faces 40% success rate and women over the age of 40 faces 20-35% success rate. If you go through three full cycles, your chances of getting pregnant increases up to 53%.
Main Causes for Using an IVF in Women
There can be many causes when a couple cannot conceive after having unprotected intercourse. The number one cause is undue stress, anxiety and depression. 85% of couples go through an increased amount of stress in their life. Other permanent factors which compel people to go through IVF treatment can be listed as follows:
- Hormonal problems usually related with the thyroid gland.
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tube, when causes immobility of sperms.
- Pelvic diseases like gonorrhea or chlamydia.
- Premature menopause or diminished ovaries.
- Too much exposure to chemicals like pollution, pesticides, tobacco, alcohol and more.
- Presence of Diabetes
- Overtraining the body, this is applicable to athletics.
- Certain medication also causes infertility.
Main Causes for Using an IVF in Men
Apart from a few common causes like exposure to harmful chemicals, stress, diabetes or presence of genetic diseases, the following can be considered:
- Premature ejaculation.
- Enlarged veins in the testes which disturbed the flow of blood in the penis.
- Surgical removal of testicles, due to some major problems.
Chronic bacterial infections.
The Treatment
The entire IVF process can be detailed for your better understanding:
- A minor procedure is performed by the doctor whereby he retrieves eggs from the follicles of the ovaries.
- In the next step a single sperm is inserted into the egg for fertilization. This procedure is called Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection.
- The fertilization occurs inside a chemical solution, which increases the chances of fertilization.
- After fertilization in the IVF process the egg develops into an embryo and begins to grow. This stage is referred as the Cleavage Stage.
- The fertilized egg which has now transformed into embryos is carefully placed into the woman’s uterus.
IVF Treatment Cost
Babies born through IVF come at a high cost. The IVF treatment cost is quite expensive. On an average one single cycle can cost up to 10000 US Dollar. On taking a full on three cycle procedure, your cost, excluding medication can mount to 30000 US Dollar. However, treatment costs vary from clinic to clinic and also in the medications involved. Your doctor or gynecologist will be able to say, which is better suitable to your condition.
FAQs or frequently asked questions on IVF
Depending on your diagnostic test results and medical history, generally IVF treatment is not offered to patients older than 45.
Depending on the follicles present, this process typically takes less than 30 minutes.
You may experience few side effects such as difficulties in breathing, nausea, vomiting, faintness, abdominal pain etc.
Yes, you should consider few restrictions while undergoing IVF — Drinking, Smoking, Vigorous exercise, Other medications without consulting doctor.