IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF)
What It Involves
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproduction technique that involves the fertilization of the oocyte under in vitro culture conditions after the collection and preparation of gametes and the subsequent transfer of embryos into the uterine cavity or, occasionally, into the fallopian tubes.
Procedure
IVF was initially developed for the treatment of severe tubal infertility, but now it is used in many other situations: tubal factor; endometriosis; failure in artificial insemination (AI); infertility due to male factor (MSC <3 million; insufficient sperm for AI); unexplained infertility (UI); ovarian failure and decreased ovarian reserve; high response in an AI cycle; cryopreservation of oocytes in cancer patients and those with certain medical conditions; and fertility preservation.
- Ovarian stimulation
- Oocyte collection
- Follicular puncture
- Fertilization
- Embryonic development
- Embryo transfer
What are the advantages ?
There are many advantages of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), as this is one of the reproductive medicine treatments with the greatest impact. This procedure involves obtaining eggs through follicular aspiration, placing them in contact with sperm through conventional IVF or via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), resulting in embryos that can be transferred to the woman’s uterus.
In Vitro Fertilization shows higher pregnancy rates than Artificial Insemination. Moreover, this technique allows for the assessment of ovarian reserve, estimation of the quality of eggs and embryos, and in cases where significant changes are identified in the sperm analysis, ICSI allows the treatment to proceed, as it requires the same number of sperm and eggs, since the technique involves placing the sperm inside the cytoplasm of the egg.
Finally, In Vitro Fertilization is the preferred treatment in the case of tubal blockage; in such a situation, there is no possibility for the sperm and eggs to meet, and this is only possible through the performance of In Vitro Fertilization.
What is the duration of the In Vitro Fertilization process?
The complete process of In Vitro Fertilization lasts approximately 4 to 5 weeks. It starts with the necessary exams before the procedure, followed by ovarian stimulation, which lasts about 2 weeks. After this, ovarian puncture, fertilization, and embryonic development occur until the transfer on the fifth day. Finally, a pregnancy test is conducted to confirm the success of the treatment, usually performed 10 to 12 days after the transfer.
What is the success rate of In Vitro Fertilization ?
The likelihood of achieving a pregnancy through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) depends on various factors, with age being the most impactful on the success of the procedure.
At IVI, the success rates are quite high, as we customize the hormonal stimulation according to the individual needs of each patient. We recommend consulting our team for information about the pregnancy rates using your own eggs and also about the egg donation treatment.
When is it indicated?
Moderate to severe ovulatory dysfunction
Obstruction or absence of fallopian tubes
