In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a procedure used to help with fertility and assist with the conception of the child. It is considered the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology. There are several alternatives during the procedure, it can be done using your own eggs and your partner's sperm or eggs, sperm or embryos from a donor, known or anonymous.
What causes of infertility can be treated using IVF:
The following diagnoses are the most common for people looking to get IVF treatment:
Low sperm counts
Endometriosis
Problems with ovulation
Poor egg quality
Problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes
There are several factors that will impact the IVF's likelihood of success:
Mather's age
Reproductive history
The cause of the infertility
Lifestyle factors
Embryo status
The average cost of an IVF cycle in the U.S is $12,400
MedicW price in Mexico is $5,000, which represents a 60% savings
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Duration of hospital stay: 1 day
The average length of stay at destination location: 2 to 3 weeks
IVF step by step:
IVF consist of 5 main steps:
Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation
Ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs
Injectable medication will be injected to stimulate your ovaries
Usually, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a luteinizing hormone (KH) or a combination of both will be used
After eight to fourteen days the follicles are ready for egg retrieval
To help eggs mature usually you will take human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or an equivalent
Step 2: Egg retrieval
Eggs are retrieved from the follicles in your ovaries
Eggs are retrieved thirty-four to thirty-six hours after the final stimulation injection
The process usually takes less than an hour and you will be under sedation
Step 3: Sperm Retrieval
Sperm is separated from the semen
If you're using your partner's sperm, he'll provide a semen sample at your doctor's office or a clinic through masturbation
Other methods are sometimes required if semen is void of sperm, it may be obtained using methods such as testicular aspiration
Step 4: Fertilization
Sperm gets introduced into the eggs
In conventional insemination, sperm and mature eggs are mixed and incubated overnight
If semen quality or number is a problem or if fertilization attempts during prior IVF cycles failed, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) might be used. A single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg
Step 5: Embryo Transfer
The embryo is transferred into the uterus
The embryo will be inserted using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into your vagina, through your cervix, and into your uterus
Step 6: Results
Twelve days to two weeks after egg retrieval, your doctor will test a sample of your blood to detect whether you're pregnant.
Prior to starting an IVF cycle using your own eggs and sperm, there will likely be a need for some screenings to be done to you and your partner:
Infectious diseases testing: The couple will be screened for diseases like HIV
Semen could be analyzed: If the analysis has not been done before as part of your initial fertility evaluation, you will get an analysis done before starting an IVF treatment cycle
Ovarian reserve testing: To determine the quantity and quality of your eggs, your doctor might test the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen), and anti-mullerian hormone in your blood during the first few days of your menstrual cycle
Uterine exam: The inside lining of the uterus will get examined by your doctor prior to start the IVF treatment
On the same day of the embryo transfer, you can resume your normal daily activities. High-intensity activities should be avoided.
Around a couple of weeks after egg retrieval, you will be tested by your doctor to detect whether you are pregnant. A sample of your blood will be used to perform the test.
Pregnancy: The treatment has been successful and you should start looking for an obstetrician or other pregnancy specialist
Not pregnancy: Progesterone intake should be stopped and likely your period will return. IVF could be attempted again, you should check with your doctor on the appropriate next steps
MedicW Care team can help you with any question you might have .
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