Saturday, 28 April 2018

Crucial Information Regarding IVF Fertility Treatment

By Catherine Stone


Human infertility is a problem that many couples all over the world struggle with. Fortunately, advances in medical practice are making it possible for many of these couples to deal with the problem. IVF is among the options used currently. IVF (in vitro fertilization) is the process of putting together an ovum and a sperm outside the human environment and allowing them to unite to form an embryo under special conditions in a scientific laboratory. IVF fertility treatment has been shown to solve reproductive problems among most couples.

Common problems that cause women to resort to IVF include defective fallopian tubes. Damage to the tubes happens due to a number of reasons such as recurrent pelvic infections, recurrent trauma and ectopic pregnancy. Men that consider this form of treatment usually have inadequate number of sperms or abnormal motility.

IVF is usually done in a stepwise manner. The first step involves administration of drugs to stimulate production of eggs from the ovary of the woman. Multiple ova (eggs) are needed to increase the chances of fertilization in vitro. At this stage, ultrasound examination of the ovaries is done as well monitoring of reproductive hormone levels through blood tests. Next, the ova are obtained using ultrasound guidance. The male partner is then requested to provide a sperm sample.

Masturbation is the method of choice for sample collection although direct aspiration can be done surgically if masturbation fails or the count is inadequate. It has been shown that abstaining from sex at least two days before collection day is key in preserving sperm motility and numbers. The male should ensure proper hygiene conditions and have correctly identified container for storing the sample. He should also be advised to do away with any product likely to kill sperm cells.

The next step is to facilitate union of the sperms and eggs in an in vitro. This can be done by simply mixing up the two and giving the process some time to cause fertilization. Better still, newer technology has given room for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, a process that increases chances of fertilization. The resulting embryo is then introduced into the uterus through catheterization.

One of the major drawbacks of IVF is the high cost associated with it. There are also higher chances of getting multiple pregnancies. This comes with the risk of premature labour and low birth weight. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation and abdominal pain. This procedure also carries the risk of infection, bleeding and injury to pelvic organs.

The likelihood of success varies from one individual to another depending on the age of the woman, reproductive history, cause of infertility and kind of lifestyle. Ectopic pregnancy being one of the risks of IVF, puts viability and eventual survival of the embryo in question. Emotional stress associated with the process may cause some couples to give up just at first attempt.

Four to six weeks is the approximate period of time for a complete cycle IVF. It is an option that couples facing infertility should strongly consider despite the risks as research has shown that babies are just as healthy as those conceived naturally with no medical issues directly linked to it.




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