Couples experiencing fertility issues can benefit from in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a procedure designed for couples who cannot conceive naturally, involving the union of an egg cell from the mother and sperm cells from the father outside the female reproductive system in a laboratory environment. The process aims to create an embryo by facilitating the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, and once obtained, the embryo is implanted into the mother's uterus to facilitate pregnancy. IVF can be performed in women up to the age of 45, but success rates tend to decline to 15-20% after the age of 40.
There are two methods for implanting fertilized eggs in the uterus during IVF. In the traditional IVF method, egg cells and sperm cells are placed in a specific environment, and natural fertilization is awaited. In the alternative microinjection method, sperm cells are directly injected into the egg cell using specialized pipettes. The choice between these techniques is determined by individual characteristics of the couples, as decided by expert physicians. The goal during the treatment process is to provide the most suitable environment for fertilization and the development of a healthy pregnancy.
At the initial stage of IVF, simultaneous fertility investigations for couples include the following tests:
Hormone tests related to the woman's ovulation
Sperm test for the man
Tests for the health and functionality of the fallopian tubes and uterus
The step-by-step process of IVF involves:
Providing education to the couple about IVF
Stimulation of the ovaries with pre-determined medications, monitoring, and adjustment of hormone levels in the blood. This ovarian stimulation phase typically lasts about 10 days.
Collection of matured eggs once determined to be sufficient. The collection is scheduled approximately 36 hours after the last drug injection.
Fertilization of collected eggs in the laboratory: The fertilized eggs are monitored in the laboratory for 2 to 5 days. A selected number of eggs of suitable quality are then placed back into the mother's uterus.
Embryo transfer: In this simple procedure, embryos are passed through the cervix with the help of a catheter and placed into the uterus.
Factors influencing the success rate of IVF include the age of the prospective mother (chances decrease after the age of 35), high weight, diminished ovarian reserve, sperm quality, quantity, and attachment capacity, immune system issues, unexplained infertility, infections, hormonal problems, issues in the uterus and fallopian tubes, the presence of conditions like myoma, polyps, adhesions, and endometriosis that hinder implantation, smoking in both men and women, stress, and alcohol consumption.
This information is provided for educational purposes only, and consultation with a specialist is recommended when necessary.
Comentários