IVF Overview
नमस्कार मुंबई, तुम्ही कसे आहात?
Mumbai is the city of dreams, where every corner is filled with ambition and every sunset whispers a tale of hope. Like its film industry where stories become realities, Mumbai also empowers couples to fulfill their dreams of starting a family through advanced technologies. IVF cost in Mumbai reflects globally accepted expertise, making it accessible to people with diverse budgets and needs.
People spend hours in traffic jams just to run home and catch a little quality time with their loved ones and on the other hand, those golden sunsets on Marine Drive, with the constant mayhem make the Mumbai city vibrant. The glamorous city teaches us that the dream must always be pursued, no matter what challenges are coming your way. So, we want you to come out of your comfort zone and explore the world of ART with our world-class fertility treatment, where you will experience a patient-friendly environment.
What is IVF?
IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) is an ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) process that involves sperm from the male and eggs from the female which are then combined and fertilized in the laboratory, outside the human body. After fertilization, the embryo is formed followed by its development, and depending on the day 3 or day 5 embryo, implantation of the embryo(s) takes place inside the female’s uterus which leads to the formation of the test tube baby.
What is the IVF Cycle?
IVF Cycle refers to one complete attempt of IVF, including all steps from medications given before ovarian stimulation to pregnancy testing. This cycle typically takes 4-6 weeks
to complete whereas multiple cycles can also be performed if the previous attempt fails.
NOTE: Where IVF is a process; the IVF cycle is a repetition of that process with adjustments and refinements needed to customize according to the situation and complications.
What are the types of IVF?
- The natural IVF cycle: The natural IVF cycle involves the working of a woman's natural menstrual cycle where the collection and fertilization of a single egg, released from the ovaries occurs without having to use drugs to stimulate the ovaries.
- Stimulated IVF Cycle: This technique uses hormonal injections and medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs at once, thus maximizing the number of embryos available for fertilization and transfer.
- Disadvantage: Stimulation of ovaries increases the risk of hyperstimulation.
- Advantage: The eggs retrieved through the stimulated IVF cycle can be cryopreserved for future use.
Aspect |
Natural IVF cycle |
Stimulated IVF Cycle |
Hormonal Stimulation |
There is no use of fertility medications and treatment is carried out with natural ovulation. |
Uses fertility medications to stimulate Ovulation. |
Egg Retrieval |
Single egg |
Multiple eggs |
Monitoring |
Frequent |
Frequent |
Cost |
Lower cost |
Higher cost |
Embryo freezing |
No |
Embryos can be frozen for future cycles |
Flexibility |
Less flexibility |
Offers flexibility with options like embryo freezing, PGT, and multiple transfers |
Side effects |
Minimal side effects due to low medicine intervention. |
Possible side effects due to medications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) |
Success Rate |
Lower |
Higher |
Best For |
Women with lower ovarian reserve or ethical concerns. |
Women with good ovarian reserve or unexplained infertility. |
SUMMARY
IVF is a 4 to 6-week laboratory procedure that fertilizes sperm and eggs using hormone injections or natural methods, with varying success rates and facility of multiple IVF attempts.
Why is IVF performed?
Before moving ahead, we don’t want you to feel overwhelmed with multiple steps falling under IVF and make some rushed decisions related to such crucial treatment. We will move ahead step by step and we will explain everything in detail including how it’s going to impact your life. With your patience and our consistency, we will help you walk out with a baby in your arms, and let’s work together to make it happen.
Before choosing IVF for infertility treatment, let’s be honest which is an expensive process. That’s why people consider going for a cheaper option first, like IUI (Intrauterine insemination) or taking fertility drugs. In some minor cases, the mentioned treatments may show positive results. But for infertility issues with major setbacks need IVF as a treatment. People go for IVF because IVF is more guaranteed and has a higher success rate. IVF offers a higher probability of conception for couples with infertility issues. Depending on the couple's condition, it is an advanced form of customizable treatment. IVF minimizes the risk of transferring genetic disorders to their children, which can be detected at an early stage through ultrasound. Additionally, IVF is a preferred option for women with advanced age facing fertility issues. Now, let's get real for a second. Isn't it mind-blowing in today’s world, how science can work wonders like this? And seriously, if you’re thinking about it, why not give it a try? Maybe perhaps the chances are better than you imagine.
As the advancement in industrialization is occurring, it has both pros and cons. The pros are the advanced technologies, equipped with knowledge and skills have made things easier but contemporarily lies the cons, which include healthcare-related issues like infertility. We live in a world where people are less concerned about their health than any other aspect.
In older times, not only the advancements related to reproductive health were less, but the cases of infertility were also not much for people to seek such treatments for.
The table below highlights why infertility is more common today than it was in older times:
Aspect |
Older Days |
Nowadays |
Lifestyle |
Simpler, less stress, physical labor, and healthy diets |
A sedentary lifestyle, high stress, processed food, and exposure to toxins |
Age at Parenthood |
Early marriages and parenthood typically in the 20s |
Delayed marriages and parenthood due to career, education, and personal goals |
Environmental Factors |
Limited exposure to pollutants |
Limited exposure to pollutants |
Diet and Nutrition |
Natural, homegrown, and minimally processed foods |
Processed, fast food, and nutrient-deficient diets |
Medical Awareness |
Limited understanding and diagnosis of infertility issues |
Advanced diagnostics uncovering previously undetected infertility causes |
Use of Contraceptives |
Minimal use of hormonal contraceptives |
Widespread and long-term use of hormonal contraceptives affecting hormonal balance |
Exposure to Chemicals |
Limited exposure to chemicals in daily life |
Increased exposure to pesticides, plastics, and industrial chemicals affecting fertility |
Reproductive Health |
Fewer sexually transmitted infections due to social norms and less mobility |
Increased prevalence of STIs and untreated infections impacting fertility |
Growing trend of IVF
The trend of IVF has increased a lot over the years due to a rise in infertility cases and increasing awareness and advancement in lifestyle. Now people know that apart from the natural means to conceive they have ART option as well to cope with the issue of not having a biological child. IVF is considered for several reasons including a late married couple, a woman intending to be a parent has reached an advanced age, eggs don’t have good follicles, the womb is hostile for the baby, or if the uterus is absent. Several other reasons are also there that will be enough to reach the word limit of this blog if I state them here. Ease of lifestyle has also diverted people towards IVF and other ART procedures. People in today’s world like opting for the option that is more feasible for them rather than doing it the hard way.
Annual Growth Rate: If I talk about the IVF growth rate over the past few years, then it has shown a substantial increase of 14-17%
due to rising infertility issues and the accessibility of fertility treatment all over India.
Year |
Estimated IVF Cycles |
Growth (%) from Previous Year |
2012 |
70,000 |
- |
2014 |
95,000 |
35% |
2016 |
125,000 |
32% |
2018 |
165,000 |
32% |
2020 |
200,000 |
21% |
2022 |
250,000 |
25% |
Future Projections: IVF in India is one of the future aspects of the country and is expected to continue growing, it is estimated to reach over 400,000 cycles annually by 2030.
Who needs IVF?
Have you been trying for a baby? But conventionally, you are finding it difficult to conceive. I started my topic with IVF, but who needs it is my main focus here. Let me make it simpler for you. If infertility is your problem with a good or at least conceivable womb, you can try for IVF. Before delving into IVF most people question the biological relationship of the child with the parents. Friends, if in IVF we are using your eggs and sperm from your partner, the child will be genetically linked with both parents.
The prime reason for choosing IVF is infertility with several other factors and some of them are as follows:
1. Infertility: Infertility can arise due to blocked fallopian tubes, low count of sperm, or ovarian/uterus dysfunction.
2. Age-Related Fertility Decline: IVF helps women get pregnant who have crossed the age of bearing children naturally.
3. Unexplained Infertility: It is intended for those couples who have been thoroughly examined and yet remained childless, and the cause of their infertility is not known.
4. Endometriosis: The reason behind infertility is that endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus.
5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): IVF helps such women because they have irregular cycles because they have polycystic ovaries.
6. Male Infertility Factor: IVF handles cases of males with low sperm count, poor motility, and irregularities in the shape of sperm.
7. Genetic Disorders: Before implantation, embryos are examined to avoid children inheriting genetic disorders.
8. Surrogacy or Egg Donation: Involves cases that require surrogate mothers or donor eggs to have a child.
9. Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: It helps those patients who cannot keep their pregnancy because of repeated miscarriages
SUMMARY
IVF is a cost-effective treatment with higher conception probability which is customizable for couples facing infertility and related conditions. The Indian IVF market is growing at a 14-17% annual rate due to rising infertility issues.
How does IVF work at Vinsfertility?
I guess now you are on board, or are you still confused? No worries if you are. We are still here to help you explain the whole process of IVF. We have years of experience in helping thousands of couples prepare for IVF and the only thing we have noticed is that couples simply jump to the conclusion that IVF is just some kind of magic that will happen overnight. Has anyone ever achieved anything overnight? No, right. This IVF process requires coordination and the efforts of both of us. But yes, the surety of at least one thing that we can give is we will be there with you throughout the process.
Once you are told to go for IVF, BREATHE! Take a good one month to prepare yourself for IVF. And the doctor will ask you to come on your second day of the period. And the reason for the same is …No, we will not tell. It will be asked to you when we will meet during your appointment at our center. When you had an exam during your college days, you must have prepared yourself first for it, right? Don’t tell me you went unprepared. That must not be your case. So, let’s dig into how IVF works at Vinsfertility.
IVF at Vinsfertility can be broken down into the following steps.
- Stimulation
- Egg retrieval
- Insemination
- Embryo culture
- Transfer
S.no. |
Procedure |
Definition |
Duration |
1. |
Birth control pills or estrogen |
Healthcare providers prescribe birth control pills and estrogen before IVF to prevent ovarian cysts control the timing of the menstrual cycle and maximize egg retrieval. |
Birth control pills can be taken in combination with estrogen for about 21 days. |
2. |
Ovarian Stimulation |
Injectable hormone medications stimulate the entire egg group to mature simultaneously, tailored to individual needs based on medical history, age, and AMH level. |
Most stimulations last between 8 and 14 days.
|
i.) Monitoring |
Healthcare providers monitor ovaries' response to medications through ultrasounds and blood hormone levels, measuring follicle size and number to determine egg maturity. |
Monitoring takes place between 8 and 14 days. |
ii.) Trigger shot |
A trigger shot is administered before egg retrieval to finalize egg maturation, determined by ultrasound and hormone levels, preparing for egg retrieval. |
A trigger shot is given 36 hours before your scheduled egg retrieval time. |
3. |
Egg retrieval |
Healthcare providers use ultrasound to guide needles into ovaries, extract eggs from each follicle, place them in an incubator, administer medication, and retrieve them 36 hours post-hormone injection. |
Egg retrieval is done 36 hours after the trigger shot.
|
4. |
Insemination |
A specialist will then take the sperm and combine it with the eggs placed in a petri dish. If that fails to yield embryos, the doctor might decide to use ICSI. |
Around day 14 of a woman’s cycle, the insemination takes place which deposits sperm inside the uterus. |
5. |
Fertilization |
After the collection of mature ova, embryologists employ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for fertilization with 70% of the fertilized eggs developing into embryos, some of which can be cryopreserved for storage. |
IVF on day 4 of the menstrual cycle is typically acceptable. |
5. |
Embryo culture |
Embryo development will be supervised very closely, with 50% of the fertilized embryos reaching the blastocyst stage, and all the embryos suitable for transfer are cryopreserved. |
Over 5 to 6 days, the development of the embryos is monitored. |
6. |
Embryo transfer |
Embryo transfers are of two types: fresh and frozen. Fresh transfers are inserted into the uterus after the egg retrieval process, while frozen transfers use frozen embryos from previous IVF cycles or donor eggs. |
Fresh transfers are inserted into the uterus 3 to 7 days after egg retrieval. |
7. |
Pregnancy |
Pregnancy is determined by embryo implant into the uterus and a blood test post-transfer. |
Pregnancy confirmation comes after 9 to 14 days after embryo transfer. |
-
|
The first heartbeat of the Baby |
A vaginal ultrasound detects the first heartbeat of the baby after confirmation of the pregnancy. |
The baby's first heartbeat is detected as early as 5 to 6 weeks after conception. |
Do you know about cryopreservation?
Are you 30 or over 30 and still don’t want to rush into decisions? Then here’s a better plan to preserve your egg or sperm through cryopreservation. You don’t have to worry about being infertile even if your age advances as your fertility can be preserved to give you the freedom to plan your future on your terms. We work in the healthcare sector and conduct studies related to it, that’s why we know about the preservation of eggs and sperm by freezing them. However, not many people are aware of the technique. Without any future concerns on the reproductive health front, you can take your time and decide at your own pace regarding starting your own family. Isn’t it fascinating to decide on things that felt impossible earlier but now with advancements in technology it is a safe and effective choice to make?
So basically, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries of the female and semen is obtained from the male. These are frozen at a certain temperature, with the use of chemicals (that don’t affect the viability of the gametes), and cryopreservation takes place.
Now when you are ready, your possibilities are too. Let’s break the cycle of myths, which are spreading like fire nowadays, and believe in science which can bring happiness into your life.
How long does the IVF process take?
Now that we are aware of the IVF process, we know that it is a bit complicated procedure with many steps in your way. On average, the process is expected to last for approximately 4-6 weeks. Now, this time duration includes steps starting with the medications given before the egg retrieval until the test of pregnancy comes positive. But we don’t stop here. When you come with the hope of having a baby, we assure you that you leave our clinic with one. So, when the pregnancy report comes positive, we wait until the first heartbeat of the baby, which is usually detected around 5 to 6 weeks of pregnancy, which gets more prominent within 7 to 8 weeks and is detected during a transvaginal ultrasound reassuring fetal development.
Self-egg and Donor-egg IVF
The difference between self-egg IVF and donor-egg IVF lies in the source of the eggs used during the fertilization process:
Aspect |
Self-Egg IVF |
Donor- Egg IVF |
Egg Source |
Woman’s own eggs are used |
Eggs retrieved from a donor |
Genetic link |
Both the parents |
Only sperm provider |
Suitability |
Suitable for women with healthy eggs |
Suitable for women with poor egg viability |
Success Rate |
Lower with poor egg quality |
Higher with healthy donor eggs |
Treatments involved in IVF
Treatments in IVF are as follows:
- PGT
- ICSI
- Assisted Hatching
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): PGT is an advanced process of IVF where embryos developed in the lab are screened for genetic abnormalities to reduce the chance of inheriting any genetic disorder from the parents to the child.
In cases of male infertility due to low sperm count or slow mobility,
Intracytoplasmic Sperm
Injection (ICSI) is an advanced technique where sperm is injected inside the egg, increasing the chance of fertilization and resulting in a successful pregnancy.
Assisted Hatching is a specialized technique used in IVF that helps in embryo implantation inside the uterus with the help of equipment. Assisted hatching involves thinning the outer protective layer of the embryo called zona pellucida to make the embryo attachment easier to the uterine wall, this will facilitate the embryo development and make the implantation convenient.
Assisted hatching can be of different types, some are enlisted below:
- Mechanical Hatching: A needle is used to create a small hole in the outer layer of the embryo or to weaken the layer manually using a mechanical technique.
- Chemical Hatching: A weak acid, that cannot affect the quality of the embryo is applied to dissolve the zona pellucida layer to create a hole or an opening facilitating the implantation.
- Laser-Assisted Hatching: It is the safest and most commonly used method. Laser is used in this method for the same purpose i.e. modifying the embryo layer in accordance to assure implantation.
SUMMARY
Vinsfertility offers affordable IVF treatment, including stimulation, egg retrieval, insemination, embryo culture either by using self-eggs or donor eggs, and embryo transfer. Cryopreservation is chosen by couples for more efficiency. IVF process takes 4-6 weeks to complete. IVF treatments include PGT, ICSI & Assisted Hatching.
How do you prepare for IVF?
Just because you have taken plenty of pills, paid for IVF, and religiously taken all the treatments, injections, and tests doesn’t guarantee IVF success. Before going for any medical evaluation, prepare yourself first, both mentally and physically, because IVF works when your body accepts the Treatment. Once you are ready to board the train called IVF, we will help you throughout the process, and we have already started it when you read the first line of this blog. So, let’s understand some medical aspects of preparing for IVF
- The preparation phase involves the evaluation of medical history and thorough fertility tests including hormone levels, starting with the testing of the level of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to assess the size and quality of the eggs for females, followed by a uterus examination to evaluate the health.
- A similar procedure is followed by males, where they go through semen analysis, which will help in deciding if ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is necessary or not.
- Furthermore, screening tests for infectious diseases like STDs, blood tests, and urine tests are also being performed.
- Apart from the medical procedure, you should also be prepared well for other aspects of IVF like discussing your expectations regarding IVF with the healthcare consultant while keeping all the ART guidelines in mind so that consent forms can be signed accordingly.
The due date calendar for IVF is constructed to estimate the precise dates for key events involved in IVF, which makes the due date calculation more accurate.
The preparation phase includes:
- The formation of the due date calendar,
- Medicines and Injections used for IVF,
- Screening tests performed for both males and females,
- Comparing IVF and IUI,
- Evaluating the difference between Day 3 and Day 5 embryo implantation
- Due Date Calendar
Okay, I have a question for ladies out there seeking IVF treatment. How organized are you? Well, it’s time for you to show your real skills here. What exactly am I talking about? It’s about making and organizing your own Due Date Calendar to proceed with the IVF process smoothly.
What should my Due Date calendar include?
- Begin from the start date of the cycle.
- The guidelines start with the selection of the date for embryo transfer or egg retrieval
- Focus on the key decision-making dates, including the choice of the day of embryo transfer (Day 3 or Day 5).
- Determine the estimated date of delivery (EDD), pregnancy testing, as well as track record of every trimester.
The following flowchart presents a detailed checklist of the IVF cycle timeline showing you the key stages of the process. The flowchart is very useful as it assists intended parents in adequately comprehending each IVF process and what to expect.
- Medication and Injections used for IVF
This topic focuses on the drugs &medications provided and injections that are administered in IVF.
Medication and Injection are used throughout the IVF process to stimulate ovaries for growth and to increase the number of eggs retrieved so that later those eggs can be cryopreserved for future use followed by hormonal bursts if required, implantation, and development of embryos. Medications and exposures may be escalated or reduced based on the patient’s clinical status and protocols. It is recommended that one seek advice from a fertility expert to receive an ideal treatment according to one’s situation.
Medicines |
Description |
Examples |
Ovulation Stimulation Medications |
These are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. |
|
- Gonadotrophins
(FSH and LH) |
Stimulate the development of multiple ovarian follicles. |
Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur |
- Clomiphene Citrate
|
Occasionally used in mild stimulation cycles to promote egg growth. |
Clomid, Serophene |
Medications to Prevent Premature Ovulation |
These ensure eggs develop fully before ovulation. |
|
- GnRH Agonists (Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormones)
|
Temporarily suppress the pituitary gland to prevent premature release of eggs. |
Lupron, Buserelin |
- GnRH Antagonists
|
Prevent premature ovulation by directly blocking hormone signals. |
Cetrotide, Ganirelix. |
Medications during Egg Retrieval
|
Administered during egg retrieval to reduce discomfort. |
Pain Relievers and Sedatives |
Estrogen Support |
Used to thicken the Uterine lining |
Estradiol, Estrace, Estrofem |
Medications for Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) |
In FET cycles, medications are used to prepare the uterine lining. |
|
- Estrogen and Progesterone
|
To create an optimal uterine environment. |
- |
- Lupron or GnRH Antagonists
|
Sometimes used to synchronize the cycle. |
- |
Progesterone support for the Luteal phase |
Progesterone supports the uterine lining and helps maintain pregnancy after the embryo transfer. |
|
- Vaginal Progesterone
|
Available as suppositories, capsules, or gels |
Endometrin, Crinone, Utrogestan |
- Oral Progesterone
|
Sometimes used but less common |
Prometrium |
Additional Medications |
These medications might be included depending on individual needs or clinic protocols. |
|
Injections |
Description |
Example |
Trigger Shot for Ovulation |
Used to mature the eggs and trigger ovulation for egg retrieval. |
|
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
|
Mimics LH surge to release mature eggs. |
Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Novarel |
- Dual Trigger
|
Combines hCG and a GnRH agonist for improved outcomes in some cases |
- |
Progesterone Support for Luteal Phase
|
After the embryo transfer, progesterone prepares the uterus for implantation and supports early pregnancy. |
Progesterone in oil (PIO) |
Injectable Estrogen |
To thicken the uterine lining and prepare the embryo for implantation |
Delestrogen |
- Screening tests for IVF
Screening tests for Female
In the case of females, the tests are mainly concerned with the evaluation of ovarian reserve, the condition of the fallopian tube, uterus, hormone levels, and reproductive capability to determine the appropriate method of embryo creation. Comprehensive evaluation to test for communicable diseases and general well-being is equally important in preventing possible adverse effects during the course of pregnancy.
Protocols |
Test |
Definition |
Specimen |
Ovarian Reserve Testing |
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test |
It analyses the amount of AMH, the hormone that shows how much egg supply is left. |
Blood sample.
|
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Levels |
It measures the level of FSH, which affects reproductive function. |
Blood sample. |
Antral Follicle Count (AFC)
|
Counts the number of small follicles, present in the ovaries to check the number of eggs. |
Pelvic ultrasound. |
Genetic Testing |
Karyotyping |
Examines the chromosome structure to identify genetic abnormalities. |
Blood sample or tissue sample. |
Genetic Carrier Screening |
Screens for carrier status of hereditary disorders. |
Blood sample or saliva |
Hormonal Testing |
Thyroid Function Tests
|
Measure thyroid hormone levels (for example TSH, T3, T4). |
Blood sample. |
Prolactin Levels
|
Measures levels of prolactin, a hormone with relation to fertility and menstrual health. |
Blood sample |
Estrogen and Progesterone Levels |
Monitors levels of estrogen and progesterone, key reproductive hormones. |
Blood sample |
Infectious Disease Screening |
HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis |
Screens for infectious diseases that may affect either the pregnancy or the surrogate. |
Blood sample |
Rubella and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) |
Checks for immunity or active infection for prevention of congenital infections in the baby. |
Blood sample |
Pelvic Ultrasound |
Transvaginal Ultrasound |
Uses an ultrasound probe placed vaginally to view reproductive organs. |
No physical specimen; imaging examination. |
Blood Type and Rh Factor |
|
It checks blood type and Rh factor which should be known before conception. |
Blood sample |
Comprehensive Medical History Review |
|
Elaborate review of personal and family health history to identify any risk factors.
|
No physical specimen; assessment through documentation and consultation. |
Screening Tests for Male
The male intended parent has to go through a few semen examinations to assess the quality of sperm, including sperm density, active movement, and shape & size. Genetic screening is also included in the assessment to establish the possibility of any inherited disorders. Moreover, blood investigations for infectious agents are included in the protocol to safeguard the mother and the child from health-prolonging threats that can be inherited from the father.
Protocols |
Test |
Definition |
Specimen |
Analysis |
Semen Analysis |
This test measures sperm count, motility, and morphology for an assessment of fertility. |
Semen sample. |
Genetic Testing
|
Karyotyping |
Detects chromosomal abnormalities |
Blood sample |
Genetic Carrier Screening |
Determines the existence of hereditary genetic disorders. |
Blood sample or saliva. |
Infectious Disease Screening |
HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis |
Determine infectious diseases that affect fertility or the safety of pregnancy. |
Blood sample |
Rubella and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) |
Testing for immunity or active infection. |
Blood sample |
Additional STD Screening (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea) |
Identify sexually transmitted infections. |
Urine sample or urethral swab |
Blood Type and Rh Factor |
|
Determine blood type and Rh to determine compatibility in pregnancy. |
Blood sample |
Hormonal Testing |
Testosterone Levels |
Testosterone levels are measured to check the state of reproductive features. |
Blood sample |
- Day 3 embryo vs Day 5 embryo
Day 3 embryo
Day 3 embryos are the first stage after fertilization, with cells dividing but with the same size as an unfertilized egg. The fertilized embryos are graded for the first time and some people opt for transferring the embryo to the uterus at this stage.
Day 5 embryo
During the division of labor at day 5, cultured embryos can develop into blastocyst structures having
- Inner cell mass (ICM) and
- Trophectoderm epithelium (TE)
ICM and TE will become fetus and placenta, respectively, so they should be transferred when they reach day 5. The embryo is surrounded by a shell called
zona pellucida (ZP) which becomes too small for the embryo during the time of implantation into the uterus lining.
- Comparison between IVF and IUI
Aspects |
IVF |
IUI |
Definition |
Fertilization occurs outside the body in a lab, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus. |
Sperm is directly inserted into the uterus to facilitate natural fertilization. |
Cost |
Higher, due to lab procedures and multiple medical interventions. |
Lower, as it requires fewer steps and minimal lab involvement. |
Success Rates |
Higher, especially for severe infertility cases. |
Lower, depending on factors like age and fertility issues. |
Timeframe |
Longer, requiring several weeks for preparation and multiple clinic visits. |
Shorter, typically completed in a single visit after ovulation induction. |
Probability of multiple pregnancies |
Higher if multiple embryos are transferred. |
Lower, though it depends on the number of eggs ovulated. |
Procedure Complexity |
Complex, involving multiple steps like ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. |
Simpler, involves minimal hormonal stimulation and direct sperm placement. |
- Dos and Don’ts of IVF
IVF works when your body accepts the treatment
Woohoo! You have reached here. Wondering what to do next once the embryos are implanted? Then let’s go, we will together understand how you can keep yourself healthy till the pregnancy report comes positive and how to handle those crazy hormones you will experience.
SUMMARY
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves medical history evaluation, fertility tests, and infectious disease screening. It uses medications to stimulate ovaries, modulate hormonal levels, and support embryo implantation.
Infertility Awareness Week
We are aware of treatments included in ART but are we aware of how to prevent infertility and the things causing it in the first place?
We have a week that celebrates awareness regarding infertility called National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), which is nationally celebrated in India in April with different themes over the yeaINRWe have to consider the problems faced by people trying for a family who have delayed access to care and overlooked the severity of infertility by opting for inefficient treatments. During the awareness week, people share stories of theirs with others to make everyone aware of the causes of infertility. Different campaigns, fertility clinics, centers, and hospitals organize campaigns to spread awareness to as numerous people as possible.
When it comes to infertility- It was never a man, semen analysis is not important, tired of hearing this right? Who sets these norms that don’t even make sense scientifically? They just started spreading like myths over the years and people believed them.
It can either be men or women. The semen analysis is as important as the screening of the eggs of the female.
When you want to find a solution for something, you research right, you don’t jump to the solution directly. Just like this, awareness regarding reproductive health is important, so that you can ultimately conclude with a better mindset.
With falling birth rates and rising ages let’s wear the orange color to represent that we stand together to combat and prevent infertility.
SUMMARY
National Infertility Awareness Week is celebrated in India in April to aware people of reproductive health and possible causes of infertility.