IVF or in vitro fertilisation is the most common type of assisted reproductive technology used to treat infertility. During IVF, a woman’s eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized in a laboratory by mixing with a partner’s sperm. The fertilized egg, or embryo, is left to grow and is then surgically transferred back into the woman’s womb.
Compared to those conceived naturally, IVF babies are also normal and they are perfectly healthy. The IVF procedure does not pose any short term or long term risk to the health of the child. The only difference between IVF babies and normal babies is the process in which they are conceived.
IVF costs isn’t fixed. The average IVF cost for one cycle of IVF in India ranges from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 3lakhs. The higher costs include factors such as tests, scan, ultrasound and also the medication. Notably, the injections administered for ovulation induction are expensive which leads to higher cost.
The success rate of IVF lies within the range of 50% to 60% on the transfer of every successful embryo. However, this success rate of IVF depends on the biological age of the woman having treatment. For a woman who is young (up to 35 years) and has good fertility has higher chances of successful IVF than someone who is older in age (above 35 years).
The side effects of IVF may include
- Soreness or Bruising from Injections
- Nausea
- Breast Tenderness
- Bloating
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Swings
- Fatigue
- Allergic Reactions
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
- Mild Pelvic and Abdominal Pain
- Pelvic Infection
- Multiple Births
- Emotional Stress
In the majority of circumstances, IVF injections don’t involve much pain. At the same time, it’s important to note that pain is subjective. It can vary from individual to individual. This means that someone who is more sensitive may experience a higher level of discomfort than someone who is less sensitive.
Yes, it is possible one can get pregnant with twins following in IVF. Anytime multiple embryos are transferred during IVF, the chance for having multiple births exists. However, most pregnancies achieved by IVF are single pregnancies (about 70 percent).
WOMEN over the age of 43 are not advised to undergo IVF with their own eggs. Instead, reproductive specialists recommend using donor eggs, as older eggs have a higher chance of being chromosomally abnormal. These abnormalities can lead to miscarriage, disease, or problems in growth or development.
ICSI is considered absolutely necessary is in the case of male factor infertility with an abnormal semen analysis. Patients are electing to undergo ICSI for reasons other than male factor infertility, including previous poor fertilization with IVF, Variable sperm counts and unexplained infertility.
Not really.
- Pamper yourself for a couple of days
- Keep taking your medications
- Eat a healthy diet
- Start taking a daily folic acid supplement
- Pay attention to endocrine-disrupting chemicals
- Exercise excessively
- Lift heavy objects
- Drink caffeine
- Alcohol and smoking
- Have sex
- Have hot baths
- Ignore troubling symptoms