In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) - Things To Know About It

Hi,

I am Dr. Priya Dahiya, IVF Specialist. Today I will talk about what is IVF, how the procedure is carried out and who are the candidates need IVF? IVF is a complex and expensive procedure. It is way more common nowadays what it was a few years back. The first IVF baby was delivered in 1978. Although there have been tremendous changes in technology. But still, we are not able to get 100% results. This is the flip side of IVF. The first question is, who needs IVF? So many couples are coming and asking for the treatment. Do all of them need IVF? So, the answer is No, Al couples do not need IVF. We go step by step. If surgery is required, we go for surgery. If all the procedures are failed, then we go for IVF. So, this is the last option. But for some patients, this is the first option. If they have a tubal blockage, the patient comes to us with bilateral tubal blockage or one-sided tubal blockage when it is increased duration. When the patient is not able to conceive since 5-6 years.

So for them, IVF is the first option. Or if both tubes are blocked, sperm issue, mortality is less or azoospermia or the patient is suffering from endometriosis, low ovarian reserves, so for such patients, the first option is IVF. They should not waste time and money for all smaller procedures. 2nd is, how we carry out the procedure of IVF? Yes, it is a technically complex procedure. So, to start with, we make the patient undergo certain tests. Some are mandatory, some are optional but they have to be screened for all the viral infections. We see the hormonal status, ovarian reserve. We give injections and these are given for approximately 9-10 days because we want to make the number of eggs. Although these injections do not have any side-effects some patients may experience headaches, bloating and all. In those cases, we reduce the dose and now it is we call safe IVF, we go very safe. So, 99% of patients will not have any complications with these injections. And do not have implications for their health as well. Once the eggs are ready and mature which is majored through ultrasound.

Once the eggs are ready, we take them out. So, how the eggs are taken out? They are taken out under anesthesia with the help of an ultrasound machine. There is no cut on your body. We just take out the eggs with the thin needle. Now, the eggs are transported to the laboratory, embryologist check for the quality, we grade them. Same time we fertilize these eggs with the help of the sperm. So, fertilization happens in the lab. Then we check them every day how they are growing. But one thing to be clarified that all eggs will not be fertilized and not all fertilized will go further. Those who have life, they will be transferred. Blastocyst does increase our success rate. So, we are doing the same. So, the patient asks, do I need bed rest? So, the patient has to do her regular activities and need to make sure that it will not strain the patient's health. As complete bed rest may not improve the results.

Distract yourself so that you do not have to take the stress. So, if stress will not be there, then the pregnancy rate will be increased. So, my suggestion, do not completely lie down on the bed, do your routine activities. Avoid strenuous activities. Do not lift any heavy things. Any kind of light activities is not going to hamper the results. So, the bottom line for the couples who are opting for IVF is: do not get panic. It is not something which is going to harm your body. You have to undergo an ultrasound, blood tests. Do not take complete bed rest. Be happy, have positive energy because it will give you positive results. So, I wish you all the best. You may get the best results in the best of the hands.

Thank You.