In vitro Fertilization (IVF)

What is IVF?

In case of a natural conception egg and sperm are fertilized inside a woman’s body. When the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the womb and continues to grow, a baby is born about 9 months later.

IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) where special medical techniques are used to help a woman become pregnant. The procedure can be done using a couple’s own eggs and sperm. Or may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or anonymous donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier — someone who has an embryo implanted in the uterus — might be used.

Why is IVF used?

Sometimes, IVF in Jaipur is offered as a primary treatment for infertility in women over age 40. It can also be used in certain health conditions like:

• Fallopian tube damage or blockage making it difficult for an egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus.
• Ovulation disorders
• Uterine fibroids. Fibroids can interfere with implantation of the fertilized egg.
• Previous tubal sterilization or removal.
• Impaired sperm production or function.
• Unexplained infertility.
• A genetic disorder.
• Fertility preservation for cancer or other health conditions.

How is IVF performed in Jaipur?

There are 5 basic steps to IVF:

1. Stimulation, also called ovulation induction.

• Fertility drugs are given to the woman to boost egg production.
• During this step, the woman will have regular transvaginal ultrasoundsto examine the ovaries and blood tests to check hormone levels.

2. Egg retrieval – A minor surgery, called follicular aspiration, is done to remove the eggs from the woman’s body.
3. Insemination and fertilization

• Sperm is mixed together with best quality eggs. This is called insemination.
• A single healthy sperm is injected directly into each mature egg, this is called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This is often used when semen quality or number is a problem or if fertilization attempts during prior IVF cycles failed.
• Eggs and sperm are then stored in an environmentally controlled chamber. The sperm most often enters (fertilizes) an egg a few hours after insemination.

4. Embryo culture

• When the fertilized egg divides, it becomes an embryo. Within about 5 days, a normal embryo has several cells that are actively dividing.

5. Embryo transfer

• Embryos are placed into the woman’s womb 3 to 5 days after egg retrieval and fertilization. This procedure is done in the doctor’s office by inserting a thin tube (catheter) containing the embryos into the woman’s vagina, through the cervix, and up into the womb. If an embryo sticks to (implants) in the lining of the womb and grows, pregnancy results.
• More than one embryo may be placed into the womb at the same time, which can lead to twins, triplets, or more.

What are the risks of IVF?

IVF Treatment in Jaipur is comparatively safe but some risks might include:

• Multiple births :IVF increases the risk of multiple births if more than one embryo is transferred to the uterus.
• Premature delivery and low birth weight : IVF slightly increases the risk that the baby will be born early or with a low birth weight.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome :Use of injectable fertility drugs, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), to induce ovulation can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, in which ovaries become swollen and painful.
• Miscarriage :The rate of miscarriage for women who conceive using IVF with fresh embryos is similar to that of women who conceive naturally — about 15% to 25% — but the rate increases with maternal age.
• Egg-retrieval procedure complications. 
• Ectopic pregnancy :About 2% to 5% of women who use IVF will have an ectopic pregnancy — when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
• Birth defects :The age of the mother is the primary risk factor in the development of birth defects, no matter how the child is conceived.
• Stress :Use of IVF can be financially, physically and emotionally draining. Support from counselors, family and friends can help you and your partner through the ups and downs of infertility treatment.

What are the chances of having a healthy baby after using IVF?

The chances of giving birth to a healthy baby after using IVF depend on various factors, including:

• Maternal age : Younger females are more likely to give birth to a healthy baby using their own eggs during IVF. Women age 41 and older are often counseled to consider using donor eggs during IVF to increase the chances of success.
• Embryo status :Transfer of embryos that are more developed is associated with higher pregnancy rates compared with less-developed embryos (day two or three).
• Reproductive history :Women who’ve previously given birth are more likely to be able to get pregnant using IVF than are women who’ve never given birth.
• Cause of infertility : Women who have severe endometriosis are less likely to be able to get pregnant using IVF than are women who have unexplained infertility.
• Lifestyle factors : Smoking can lower a woman’s chance of success using IVF by 50%. Obesity can decrease the chances of getting pregnant and having a baby. Use of alcohol, recreational drugs, excessive caffeine and certain medications also can be harmful.

IVF Treatment in Jaipur is a way with which a female can become a mother through both medicine and a small surgery at minimal cost. IVF takes a bit longer and generally lasts 4-6 weeks prior to egg retrieval. Dr. Mayuri Kothiwala tries her best to help a female earn motherhood either by medicine or naturally.