In–vitro Fertilization

What is IVF?

IVF is the short form for In–vitro Fertilization. It means bringing together eggs and sperms in a laboratory environment to achieve fertilization.

When is it necessary?

This treatment was originally developed for those subfertile women in whom the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged due to which they cannot conceive naturally. However, it is also offered to subfertile women with PCOS, endometriosis or unexplained subfertility, in whom simpler treatment modalities have not been successful.

How is it done?

The basis for the treatment is to produce as many eggs as possible instead of just one as happens naturally every month. To achieve this, the natural hormones need to be suppressed first. Then high doses of hormones are given to stimulate the growth of eggs.
The course of one treatment is approximately 5 - 6 weeks. The treatment starts 21 days after the last menstrual period, with daily injections of a hormone (lupride). In some cases a single (depot) injection can be used instead, with effect lasting for a month. This is to suppress the natural hormones concerned with ovulation. A menstrual period occurs usually within 7 - 10 days of injections.
The injections to stimulate the ovaries are then given daily, for approximately 10-12 days. The response is monitored by doing ultrasound scans and blood tests regularly. The eggs cannot be directly seen on the scan. But the follicles in which they grow are seen easily. Once they reach the appropriate size, another injection (HCG) is g
iven to mature the eggs. The eggs are then collected 36 hours later using a trans-vaginal ultrasound and a fine needle. This procedure is not very painful and requires only some sedation. After the eggs are collected, they are kept in a special fluid (Culture media) in the incubator.
Around the same time as egg collection, a semen sample is the husband is asked to provide a semen sample. Once the sample of sperm is prepared, a few thousands of sperms are released near each egg, placed in a culture dish. After an overnight incubation, they are checked to ensure fertilisation. Then embryos are incubated for a further day or two and checked at regular intervals to assess their development.
Two to three days after the collection of eggs (at times five days), the embryos are put back inside the uterus. Following this we have to wait for about 15 days to know the result of the treatment.

What precautions should be taken following the replacement embryos?

You will be advised to take some tablets or injections for the following two weeks. You can continue doing your routine work, but avoid any strenuous work following embryo replacement.
The present day evidence suggests that complete bed rest is not necessary.

Are there any simple alternatives to IVF?

For those with tubal blocks in both tubes, in selected cases corrective surgery can be done. However, the results depend on the extent of tubal damage. In those with unexplained subfertility, PCOS and endometriosis, IVF is usually offered when simpler treatment choices such as IUI has failed.

What is the success rate of IVF?

The success rate varies depending on the reason it is being done and the age of the woman going through the treatment. It is generally about 45% per cycle. If you wish to obtain more information or discuss anything in detail, please do not hesitate.

You can directly come to the clinic or take an appointment by phoning us on 0231 2527765, 2520269. This should avoid any undue waiting before consultation.