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IVF: How Does it Work?

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

IVF stands for in vitro fertilization and it helps in fertilization, embryo development, and implantation so that a female can get pregnant. If you are planning to go for it then this post is definitely for you as here we're going to discuss all the useful points that you need to know before you fo for IVF.

Contents

What is the process?
Side effects of IVF

How does IVF work?

Now, the first question that comes in anyone's mind after opting for IVF is how it really works and what measures are taken to make it successful. It is one of the most used worldwide assisted reproductive technologies. It consists of both medical and surgical interventions to help the sperm get a mate with the egg, fertilization to occur and also to get the fertilized egg get into the uterus.

So, the first step is to make several eggs matured and ready for fertilization with the help of the medication. After that, the doctor takes the eggs out of your body and mixes it with the sperms in the lab and makes the fertilization takes place in the laboratory.

Then they put these fertilized eggs in your uterus, more than one at a time. Pregnancy only happens when the fertilized egg implant in the lining of the uterus. IVF has many phases and it may take several months to complete. In some cases, it may be successful in the first round but sometimes, it needs several sittings, as it depends on your body. It definitely increases your chances of fertility but not sure that it is a successful process for everyone.

What is the process?

IVF is a long process and may involve several months and sittings to get successful. Firstly, the oral medications or injectables are advised to help the ovaries produce several mature eggs that are ready for fertilization. This is called ovulation induction.

Many tests are also done as an ovulation study to keep a track of these eggs.

Once your body has produced enough mature eggs, your doctor will remove these ones from your body. This is known as egg retrieval. This is a minor surgical procedure that can be done at the fertility clinic or doctor's office.

First of all, you will be made to be relaxed and comfortable with the help of medication. After that, with the help of an ultrasound, the doctor will insert a needle that contains suction in your body up to the ovaries and pull the mature eggs out of your body from each follicle.

Then in the lab, your eggs are mixed with the sperm cells from your partner or a donor. This process is known as insemination. Then these are stored in the special containers and the fertilization takes place in the laboratory. The sperms that have low mobility may be injected by the doctor directly to the mature eggs so that they divide and can form the embryo. The progress is monitored by the staff regularly.

After 3 to 5 days, one or more embryos are injected into your body. But you get pregnant only after any of them get implanted to the lining of the uterus. For the next few weeks, you have to take the hormones daily: progesterone that helps your embryo to survive in your uterus for a long period.

Side effects of IVF

Like any other medical intervention, IVF also has some side effects, such as bloating, cramping, breast pain or tenderness, bleeding, infection, allergic reactions, mood swings, headaches, bruising, etc.

Well, it is definitely a difficult time for the patient and the family as lots of anxiety and depression can be witnessed during this long, strenuous process. In this regard, you can talk to your doctor or simply take the help of a counseller or therapist in case you feel too low.