In vitro fertilization of a woman

Women who would have been doomed to childlessness 30-40 years ago, today, thanks to the development of assisted reproductive technologies, become mothers of healthy babies.

In the modern world, IVF - artificial insemination is one of the most common ways to overcome infertility. What is the essence of this procedure? We all know, at least in general terms, what constitutes conception in vivo. The sperm that reaches the egg merges with it, forming a zygote - the future fetal egg. Sometimes, for a number of reasons related to the health of a woman or her partner, a natural meeting of their germ cells is impossible. For example, with obstruction of the fallopian tubes or poor spermogram results. In this case, the only way out is to fertilize the woman in artificial conditions, that is, outside the body of the future mother. During IVF, an egg is extracted, which is fertilized by the sperm of a partner or donor in vitro. Next, the embryo is introduced into the uterus to bear pregnancy.

Stages of IVF

Artificial insemination of a woman using this technology is carried out in 15-30 days. The procedure takes place in several successive stages:

1. First, a woman is required to undergo an examination, during which the level of hormones is determined. Further, experts artificially activate the egg maturation process - with the help of hormonal therapy, “superovulation” is stimulated. Changes in the body are monitored using ultrasound monitoring.
2. After the follicles mature, 10-30 eggs are removed from them. The extraction occurs by the method of transvaginal aspiration. A special needle pierces the wall of the vagina and reaches the eggs. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia.
3. Seized oocytes are checked in the laboratory: the most healthy cells are selected. The partner's sperm is also being prepared for fertilization. Inactive germ cells of men and women are removed.
   
4. Next, a woman is fertilized with IVF. Treated semen and prepared eggs are incubated in a specific medium. To increase the chances of conception, the sperm is placed directly into the egg by the injection method.
5. The embryo (after some stay in the cultural environment) is transplanted into the uterus of a woman. To increase the chances of engraftment and gestation, usually two to four embryos are implanted.

The course of pregnancy and the birth itself after the IVF procedure pass without any features. According to statistics, in vitro fertilization of a woman is effective in 30-40% of cases. Usually pregnancy occurs with 3-5 attempts. In each case, the possibilities of IVF should be discussed with the embryologist. As practice has been showing since the late 70s of the twentieth century, children born thanks to this technology are no different from those conceived in a natural way.