Today, almost every inhabitant of the planet knows what IVF is, even if he has never directly encountered this technique. In vitro fertilization (IVF) in modern medicine is considered as the most effective way to conceive a child with any form of infertility. If a man is sick in the family, this technique is almost the only solution to the problem.
This treatment was first used in 1978 in the UK. However, some attempts to use it were recorded about 200 years ago.
Such artificial insemination consists in the fact that the egg meets sperm in vitro, and then the finished embryo is implanted into the uterus. Since several eggs are involved in this, twins or triplets are very common. Sometimes, if a woman expresses a desire, it is possible to carry out a reduction, that is, the extraction of extra embryos. But such a procedure is not safe, because it can cause the death of the remaining and provoke a miscarriage.
Explaining what is IVF, it should be noted that the procedure is successful in about 30% of cases.
The use of in vitro fertilization is clearly recommended when it is not possible to eliminate the cause that prevents conception. This applies to situations after an ectopic pregnancy, when one or two fallopian tubes are removed, or diseases that result in impaired patency of the fallopian tubes.
Even though women know what IVF is, they do not always agree to carry out the procedure. There are several reasons for this:
1. IVF is a rather expensive technique, which, moreover, is not carried out in all hospitals.
2. Due to the fact that in vitro fertilization centers have practically no state support, a very limited number of them are equipped in the country.
Before the procedure, the couple is sent for examination. In this case, a woman should have an ultrasound scan, take a blood test for hormones, hepatitis virus, syphilis and AIDS. A man passes a spermogram. If indicators require it, genetic tests are prescribed. After the examination, which takes about two weeks, the doctor determines with the method of treatment that is shown for this particular pair.
If IVF fertilization is recommended, a woman is prescribed a drug that stimulates the maturation of several follicles. The course is 2 weeks. After this, the eggs are removed from the ovaries using a needle that is inserted through the vagina. This procedure is characterized by a low degree of pain and should not have negative consequences.
Immediate fertilization is carried out by embryologists in a special laboratory. On the third or fourth day, the embryos are ready for transfer to the uterus, however, before that they undergo a diagnosis, which is aimed at identifying gross malformations, genetic diseases. As a result of the study, the gender of the child is determined.
As for the transfer procedure, it is very simple: using an elastic catheter, embryos are inserted into the uterus. It does not require anesthesia. After the procedure, a woman can go to work, but emotional and physical stress is contraindicated for her.
Note that in order to recreate the full picture of what IVF is, every woman should be aware of possible complications, although they are few. The most important of them is multiple pregnancy. Sometimes, after reduction, the miscarriage of the remaining embryo occurs. After hormone therapy, which is carried out before IVF, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome may develop , which is manifested by abdominal pain and flatulence. If diagnosed in a timely manner, it can be corrected. Therefore, at the appearance of the slightest discomfort, you should consult a doctor.
As for ectopic pregnancy, it is extremely rare in IVF.