In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of assisted reproductive technology in which eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm outside the body. The resulting embryos are then implanted into the woman’s uterus.
IVF is one of the most commonly used fertility treatments. It can be used to treat a wide variety of fertility problems, including:
• unexplained infertility
• endometriosis
• uterine factor infertility
• ovulation disorders
• premature ovarian failure
The first successful IVF baby was born in 1978. Since then, more than five million babies have been born using this technique. IVF is responsible for about two percent of all births worldwide.1
How does IVF work?
Eggs are collected from the ovaries using a needle that is passed through the vagina and into the ovary under ultrasound guidance.2 The eggs are then mixed with sperm in a laboratory dish, where they will hopefully fertilize and form embryos.3
Embryos that have successfully fertilized are then transferred to the woman’s uterus through the cervix three to five days after egg retrieval.4 A catheter or small tube is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, and the embryos are slowly injected into this tube.5
After embryo transfer, you will need to take it easy for 24 hours before returning to your normal activities.6 You will also be given progesterone supplements to help support implantation and early pregnancy.7 Progesterone levels will be monitored during your next few clinic visits until they return to normal levels, at which point you can stop taking supplements.8
Approximately two weeks after embryo transfer, you will come back to the clinic for a pregnancy test.9 If everything goes well, you should get your positive pregnancy test around 14 days after egg retrieval—the same time when you would expect your period if you were not pregnant.10 Congratulations—you’re on your way to becoming parents!11
What are the success rates of IVF?
Success rates vary depending on many factors such as age, cause of infertility, number of embryos transferred, etc., but overall about 40% of cycles result in a live birth .12 This means that if 100 women start an IVF cycle , approximately 40 of them will give birth to a baby within one year .13 Keep in mind that these statistics reflect averages—your individual chances may be higher or lower .14
What are some potential risks associated with IVF?
As with any medical procedure , there are some risks associated with IVF . These include :15
* Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) : OHSS is a condition that can occur when too many eggs are produced in response to fertility medication . Symptoms include bloating , nausea , diarrhea , weight gain , shortness of breath , and abdominal pain . OHSS can usually be treated by bed rest and fluids , but severe cases may require hospitalization .16 * Ectopic pregnancy : An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants outside of the uterus , usually in one of the fallopian tubes . This is much less common now than it was in the past due to advances in ultrasound technology ; however , it can still occur ( especially if there has been previous damage to the fallopian tubes ) .17 * Multiple births : About 35% – 50% of pregnancies conceived through IVF result in twins or triplets ( as opposedto 2 – 3 %of spontaneous pregnancies ) 18 While multiple births come with their own setof risks 19 including preterm labor 20 low birth weight 21and postpartum hemorrhage 22 families often find them very rewarding nonetheless 23 * Birth defects : There seems tobeslightly increased risk 24of certain birth defects suchas Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome 25and limb reduction deformities 26in babies conceived via IVFFamilies who undergo treatment should speak with their doctor about these risks prior toproceeding