Saturday 28 April 2018

Crucial Information Regarding IVF Fertility Treatment

By Catherine Stone


Inability to sire children is one of the biggest problems couples have to face in a marriage. In vitro fertilization (IVF) has emerged as one of the solutions for couples unable to conceive naturally. IVF fertility treatment is a scientific procedure of creating an embryo outside the human body. It involves putting an egg and sperm in a container and allowing them to fuse under controlled laboratory conditions.

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.

There are several steps involved in this technology. Firstly, the eggs have to be obtained from the ovaries via radiological imaging guidance. The same imaging is used to view the ovaries and ensure they are working properly. Also, female reproductive hormone levels have to be routinely assessed through blood tests. The male partner at this point is needed to avail a sample of his sperms that will be used in the process.

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.

Success rate of fertility treatment varies depending on maternal age, obstetric and gynaecological history, lifestyle and the reason for the infertility. Failure on initial attempt may cause psychological stress on the couple and may discourage them from trying again. The fertilized egg may also implant ectopically, greatly affecting viability of the embryo.

To go through a cycle of IVF, an average of about five weeks is required. It is safe to say that it is a reliable method of fertility treatment given the fact it has not been associated with any health issues affecting the baby after birth. It has to come to the rescue of many affected individuals who may have been on the verge of giving up.




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