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What You Need To Know About 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.

The indications for this kind of treatment include certain fertility issues affecting both men and women. Women with obstructed fallopian tubes qualify for this form of intervention. Tubes may get blocked as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease, repeated abortions, trauma and ectopic pregnancies among many other causes. Reproductive problems in men that can warrant use of this technology include low sperm count and impaired motility of sperms.

There are several stages involved in this form of fertility treatment. To begin with, certain medications are given to trigger the ovary of a woman to produce as much ova (eggs) as possible so as to increase fertilization success rate. This is backed up by imaging of the ovaries using ultrasound. Blood tests are also done to monitor reproductive hormone levels. Eggs are then extracted with a needle using ultrasound as a guide. At the same time, the man is prepared to provide a sample of his sperm

Semen samples are routinely obtained through masturbation and pouring the ejaculate into a correctly labelled container. It is advised that you avoid sexual intercourse for at least two days prior to sperm collection to boost motility and count. The man should ensure his hands are clean before proceeding with the act. Also, avoid using lubricants or any product that could potentially kill sperms. If the sperm count in the ejaculate is too low, harvesting can be done directly through testicular surgical aspiration.

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.

IVF comes with its own challenges and one of the common ones include multiple pregnancies which are associated with premature births and underdeveloped babies. Additional adverse effects include abdominal cramping, vomiting, nausea and constipation. To top it, this fertility treatment very expensive and the low social economic class may not be able to afford it.

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.

On average, it takes about four to six weeks to complete a single cycle of in vitro fertilization. Most babies conceived through this method have turned out healthy and no medical problem has been directly linked to IVF. This method of assisted reproduction has come in handy for couples who have unexplained infertility or have tried alternative methods and failed.




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