In Vitro Fertilization(IVF)

Op. Dr. Arzu Özdemir

What is IVF Treatment?

IVF treatment is one of the most preferred methods in the treatment of infertility cases today. It gives very successful results, especially in couples who have tried vaccination treatment and have not gotten results and have sperm-related problems.

Pregnancy cannot occur in infertile couples for various reasons. In the first 1 year of active sexual life, it may not be possible to get pregnant in a short time. This condition is usually considered normal. Because at this point, we can say that both physiological and environmental factors are effective. Many factors such as stress, ovulation period, frequency of sexual intercourse play an important role in this process. However, the fact that unprotected sexual life has exceeded 1 year but still does not appear pregnant may suggest underlying physiological or pathological problems.

Among the most common causes of infertility are hormonal problems, some congenital diseases, and sexual dysfunctions. Other common causes include the absence of any sperm in the semen, problems with the number and quality of sperm and eggs, or problems with reproductive cells. At the same time, previous faulty surgical operations, excessive alcohol and cigarette consumption, diabetes, excess weight and some reproductive system diseases (varicocele, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.) are among the causes.

IVF treatment is very effective in the treatment of infertility, especially caused by the quality and motility of reproductive cells. However, it can also be tried in many infertility cases and can give the expected, successful results. IVF treatment is also one of today’s modern treatment methods, which is preferred in the treatment of infertility of unknown cause.

 
 

How is IVF Treatment Performed?

In IVF treatment, two different methods are preferred according to the needs of the patients. The first of these is the classical IVF method called IVF. Another is the microinjection method.

In the first method, that is, in the classical method, the egg cells taken from the mother and the sperm taken from the father are brought together under laboratory conditions. In this process, the cells are regularly monitored and expected to fertilize themselves. After fertilization, embryo transfer is performed.

In the second method, that is, the microinjection method, it has been observed that the success of IVF increases. Although the purpose of this method is the same as the classical one, the processing process is different. Sperm from the father-to-be are injected into the egg cell under a microscope with a tool called a micromanipulator. In the environment called the incubator, the mother’s womb is imitated. In this way, it is ensured that the sperm enters the egg and is fertilized.

Shortly after IVF treatment, the expectant mother can learn the results by taking a pregnancy test. At this point, tests performed in both urine and blood may be preferred. The test can be performed approximately twelve days after the application. If the test results are positive, the expectant mother should go to the doctor without wasting time and the pregnancy process should be followed carefully.

Having a baby with IVF treatment is natural, just like any other pregnancy. For this reason, during the IVF treatment process, if the couples do not have a biologically risky situation, the pregnancy process proceeds like a normal pregnancy.

Today, a method called preimplantation genetic diagnosis called PGD has also started to be applied. This allows couples who are sick or carriers to become parents. The first PGD baby was born in the USA in 2000.

 

IVF Stages

The first stage of IVF treatment is the evaluation of the expectant mother. One of the most important points in the infertility treatment process is to investigate the underlying causes of infertility in detail. When the causes are known, the appropriate treatment plan for infertility can be made, and couples have a high chance of having a baby. In the first meeting, after determining that the couple is suitable for IVF treatment and the causes of infertility are discussed, the egg stimulation phase is started.

Stimulation of eggs ensures the removal of reproductive cells from the mother. For this reason, on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation, the uterus and ovaries are followed up with an ultrasound device. When the ultrasound results are normal and suitable for the procedure, the mother’s eggs are developed and matured with hormone-containing injections or drugs. After this point, the egg collection procedure comes.

The aim of the egg collection phase is to collect the maturing eggs from the mother and prepare them for fertilization under laboratory conditions. For this, the eggs are aspirated by entering the uterus with a thin needle and the IVF treatment process begins for fertilization under streil laboratory conditions.

In both egg collection and embryo transfer procedures, intense and unbearable pain is not felt. However, if our patients are worried and feel nervous, the procedure can be made much more comfortable by applying light anesthesia called sedation in egg collection. In embryo transfer, there is no need for anesthesia. Both procedures are completed in a very short time and our patients can continue their daily lives on the same day.

Nutrition in IVF Treatment

In IVF treatment, every step recommended by the doctor must be followed. Every stage is very important in terms of the success of the treatment, the healthy development of the baby, and a comfortable pregnancy. One of them is, of course, the diet. As in normal pregnancies, the diet and lifestyle of the expectant mother and father are important in the steps before and after IVF.

Adequate and balanced nutrition will transform the mother’s womb into the most suitable environment for the baby. A balanced diet, which protects us from many diseases, will also provide a good future for the guest in the womb. Research on the fertility of nutrition is ongoing. Nutrition draws attention, especially in IVF treatment. If there are problems such as excessive fat accumulation in the body, obesity, diabetes, these should be controlled. If necessary, the appropriate diet program should be started.

In IVF treatment, the diet should be less carbohydrate and red meat consumption, and more vegetable and fruit consumption. Fish should be consumed, protein-rich foods should be consumed. Whole grain foods can increase the success rate in IVF. Again, omega-3 intake is one of the factors that increase the success of IVF treatment with a focus on nutrition. It will be useful to consume dark green leafy vegetables, walnuts. Plenty of water consumption is a must in IVF treatment, as it is valid in all ages and situations. However, caffeine consumption should be consumed with caution when it comes to IVF. Daily caffeine intake should not exceed 200 mg. Finally, folic acid and vitamin D supplements are essential. In particular, vitamin D will have an effect on the reproductive system and increase the success rate of the treatment.

Increasing the Chances of Indulging in IVF

There may be factors that increase the chance of IVF. The most important of these is the age criterion. Women under the age of 35 have an approximately 60% chance of success. Unfortunately, as the age of the expectant mother increases, the chances decrease. As the age of the woman progresses with the decrease in egg quality, the chance of getting pregnant after the age of 35 will also decrease.

Another factor to increase the chance of IVF is diet. Consuming the right foods increases the success of IVF treatment. Vitamin D supplementation will have an effect on the reproductive system. If there is not enough vitamin D in the body, supplementation should be applied. At the same time, omega-3 consumption, whole grain foods, consumption of green leafy vegetables can increase the chance of success in the treatment of all babies.

Not consuming alcohol and smoking, having healthy body structures, healthy mood and being hopeful also increase the chance of success. Choosing the right center and the right physician is also a factor that increases the chance. When considered as a team work, the right physician is essential for a baby to be formed and born healthily. Engaging in this business with patience and belief will be the right step for the chance of success.

 

In Which Situations Is IVF Performed?

IVF treatment is an infertility treatment method. The method used by couples who want to become parents is a method that requires patience and effort. When it comes to which cases it is done, infertility of unknown cause comes first. In addition, IVF treatment can be applied in different cases such as infection, low quality of the man’s sperm, obstruction in the tubes, and being overweight. If there is no pregnancy for 1 year even though the couples are not protected, if serious diseases such as cancer prevent being a family, if overweight conditions such as obesity prevent pregnancy, IVF treatment may be considered appropriate in the future.

Things to Do Before IVF

IVF treatment is an extremely comprehensive treatment. It can be financially and morally exhausting. Couples may have postponed becoming a family due to financial reasons, diseases such as cancer, or they may have decided on IVF treatment years later. For this reason, it is necessary to be careful and patient in every step that needs to be taken as soon as this treatment is decided.

Of course, couples go through certain checks. Accordingly, a certain treatment plan is created. If couples have any diseases, illnesses such as infections, or psychological problems, they should be treated first. If the expectant mother is using any medication, she should definitely tell the doctor if there is a treatment she receives from a doctor she goes to regularly. If the couple has consumption such as alcohol and cigarettes, they should definitely stop them. Especially fathers-to-be should avoid very hot environments for 3-4 months before treatment. If the temperature reduces the sperm count, it will not be healthy for treatment. Again, the father-to-be, like the expectant mother, should inform the physician if there are any medications and treatment.

IVF with Frozen Eggs

The normal way for women to conceive ends when they enter menopause. There are women who can conceive before menopause. However, this is not possible with menopause. This may be possible if women who have not had children for years or women who have gone through menopause at an early age still want to have children. IVF treatment provides great benefits to women in such cases. Egg development is tried to be achieved in these women with different treatment methods. Another point is that the expectant mother has frozen her eggs before, which will greatly increase the chance of getting pregnant as a result of IVF treatment.

In vitro fertilization can be an expensive method. When couples who want to become parents cannot afford it, egg freezing or embryo freezing can come into play. Thus, IVF treatment can be postponed. Eggs or embryos are frozen with a special method. Years later, frozen eggs and embryos can be thawed and reused in the laboratory. This method opens unexpected doors for couples and helps to realize their dreams of children.

Eggs are collected by ultrasonography. It is protected with cryoprotectant material and stored at -196 degrees. Since sperm cells are smaller than egg cells, the procedure is more successful. Studies have revealed that there is no health problem in babies born with these methods.

IVF Prices

IVF treatment is one of the most innovative and effective infertility treatment methods today. For this reason, many couples who want to have a baby resort to this method. The age of conception in women is limited to menopause. For this reason, it can be done without an age limit for women and forty-five for men. The IVF process is different for each couple. In some people, pregnancy occurs in the first attempt, while in some couples, it may be necessary to make the 2nd or 3rd attempt. For this reason, the price can always change in IVF treatments. Treatment prices may vary depending on how many times the couple can try and whether it works the first time.

You can send me any questions you have about IVF in the comments section below. You can contact your doctor for IVF treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Days Does IVF Treatment Take?

IVF treatment is started on the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle. It ends at the end of a period of 15 to 17 days. At the end of this period, a pregnancy test can be performed after waiting for about 12 days.

When is IVF Transfer Performed?

In IVF transfer, first of all, egg collection is performed. The transfer is also made at the end of the egg collection process. This is usually done on the second, third or fifth day after the egg is fertilized.

Up to What Age Is IVF Done?

Conception ends when women enter menopause. While there is no age problem in men, unfortunately, in vitro fertilization can be done in women until the age of forty-five. If there is no problem as a result of the tests, in vitro fertilization treatment can be performed on a forty-five-year-old woman. After the age of 45, the chance of success in IVF approaches almost zero. However, at this point, it makes more sense to make a personalized evaluation.

Does IVF Hold Definitively?

The quality of the egg is extremely important in the retention of IVF. While some women may hold it even on the first try, some women need to try more than once. While the retention rate is higher in women under the age of 35, the retention rate unfortunately decreases with age.

In How Many Days Does Pregnancy Occur in IVF?

There are different stages in the application of IVF treatment. There are different steps such as egg collection and transfer. If there is no problem with the end of all stages, a pregnancy test can be done 10-12 days later. If the retention process has taken place, pregnancy will be determined in this test.

Can Mole Pregnancy Occur in IVF?

Another name for mole pregnancy is grape pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is a mole pregnancy in IVF babies. Reasons such as the age of the mother, pre-pregnancy living conditions, and egg quality are effective on the formation of mole pregnancy.

Can a Menopausal Woman Do IVF?

Menopause means the depletion of egg cells in a woman’s ovary. For this reason, women who enter menopause cannot get pregnant in the normal way, but if they have previously frozen eggs, they can get pregnant with the IVF method.

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