Married couples who have difficulty having children no need to be discouraged. In addition to the natural way, IVF procedures can also be taken to have offspring. Come on, see the discussion about IVF procedures in this article.
Medically, IVF procedure is also called in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a procedure that is quite effective for creating pregnancy in couples who have fertility problems or infertility.
This procedure is done by bringing together egg cells and sperm cells outside the body, namely in a special tube in the laboratory. After the egg is successfully fertilized, the fetus that is formed will be implanted in the uterus to produce a pregnancy.
A Series of IVF Procedures
IVF procedures are generally recommended by doctors when taking drugs, surgery, or artificial insemination is not able to overcome infertility problems. This step can also be done in couples who have tried to create a pregnancy for years, but to no avail.
Here are a series of IVF procedures that you need to know:
- The IVF procedure begins with administering hormone injections to female patients. This injection serves to produce several eggs at once.
- After that, drugs will be given to help mature the developing egg and stimulate the process of ovulation or egg release.
- Testing through blood tests or ultrasound will be done to determine the body's readiness for the egg retrieval process.
- After the egg cells in the female patient's body have matured, the doctor will take the egg with a special needle. This procedure is usually done with the help of ultrasound and can take about 30–60 minutes.
- After that, the egg will be reunited with the partner's sperm. This sperm is usually taken on the same day as the egg collection. Then, the fertilized egg will be stored and monitored in the laboratory.
- When the embryo or fetus resulting from the fertilization of the egg and sperm is considered mature enough, the embryo will be inserted through the vagina into the uterus using a tube called a catheter. To increase the chances of getting pregnant, 3 embryos are generally transferred at once.
- Two weeks after the embryo transfer, the female patient will be asked to take a pregnancy test.
Various Conditions RequireIVF Procedure
For some women over the age of 40 years, IVF is often recommended as a method to treat infertility or infertility. In addition, IVF is also usually recommended for several conditions that may cause difficulty getting pregnant, such as:
- Disorders of the fallopian tubes or uterus, such as scar tissue in these organs
- Ovulation disorders that make egg production irregular or optimal
- Endometriosis
- Disorders of the partner's sperm, for example low sperm count or sperm not being able to reach the uterus
- Immune system problems that interfere with egg or sperm cells, such as autoimmune diseases
- Certain hereditary diseases or genetic disorders
Considering the Risk IVF Procedure
If you and your partner are planning to undergo IVF, remember that this procedure still has risks that must be considered. Although relatively rare, IVF procedures can cause infection, bleeding, or damage to certain organs, such as the intestines.
In addition, women who undergo IVF procedures can also develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This occurs due to side effects of drugs used to stimulate the formation of eggs in the ovaries (ovaries).
This condition can cause symptoms that range from bloating, cramping, or mild pain, constipation, weight gain, to unbearable pain in the stomach.
In addition, there are several other risks of IVF procedures, namely:
- Miscarriage
- Twin pregnancy, if more than 1 embryo is implanted into the uterus and grows successfully
- Premature birth and low birth weight babies
- Ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy outside the womb
- Genetic abnormalities in the fetus
In addition, IVF procedures are a lot of energy, emotion, and cost are likely to cause stress. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of IVF procedures.
Determinants of the Success of IVF Procedures
There are several factors that determine the success of IVF procedures. A woman's age is one of the main factors. The optimal age for women for a successful IVF process is around 23–39 years, with the highest percentage under the age of 35 years.
In addition to age, several other factors can also affect the success rate of IVF procedures, such as a medical history of reproductive organs, causes of infertility, and lifestyle factors.
Given the many things that need to be considered before carrying out an IVF procedure, it is recommended that you and your partner consult with your doctor first. That way, the doctor can give advice that suits your condition.