For decades, men and women suffered in silence as they struggled to conceive a child. With few reliable scientific solutions, and fertility considered a taboo topic, many couples simply hoped to beat the odds on their own.
The invention of the revolutionary In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process, however, has since offered a safe and consistent medical intervention. IVF has gone on to provide life-changing results for families since the first IVF birth in 1978. Most individuals are still unfamiliar with the intricacies of human reproduction, and how IVF actually works, so here is a breakdown of the well-tested procedure:
Who can benefit from IVF?
If you have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for 1-2 years, IVF might be an option to consider. Visiting a medical professional is imperative as they can identify any underlying issues and advise you on whether to continue a natural approach, or opt for a round of fertility treatment.
IVF can be used in a variety of circumstances, but the most well known is implanting a woman’s own egg with a partner’s sperm. However, the procedure can work with donated eggs and/or sperm. IVF can also be used with a surrogate, or can use a woman’s eggs that have been frozen at an earlier date.
What does the process entail?
In cases where the woman’s eggs have not been frozen or previously donated, IVF first requires the extraction of these eggs in order to complete the conception process in the laboratory. The consultant will prescribe a round of drugs that will provoke the ovaries to release multiple eggs, rather than the one or two that are normally discharged each month.
These eggs are then extracted with a needle during an ultrasound and collected for potential fertilization. Donor sperm, or a sample given by the male partner, is then combined with the eggs to create embryos, which are transferred to the woman’s uterus. Ideally, the embryos will implant successfully, resulting in a healthy, normal pregnancy, but this can take multiple rounds of treatment.
How common are multiples with IVF?
If you’ve heard anything about IVF in the past, it’s probably in relation to a couple with twins or triplets! As multiple births are rare naturally, it’s understandable that these stories stand out. While it’s true that IVF can raise the chance of multiples, this depends heavily on how many embryos are transferred in one procedure.
During the IVF process, it’s important to get a balance between increasing your odds of implantation with multiple embryo options and ensuring that you get as close to your desired pregnancy result as possible. If you think IVF might be what you need in order to start your family, schedule an appointment with a consultant who can discuss all of these details with you and explain all of the possible outcomes.
While Vera Clinic is known as the place to visit for a life-changing hair transplant or cosmetic surgery, it is also the ideal healthcare provider to assist you with all of your IVF and fertility questions, so call today for more information!