IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) treatment is a sophisticated process designed to help individuals and couples conceive a child by replicating the natural menstrual cycle’s physiological steps in a controlled environment. At the heart of IVF is the collection of eggs from the ovaries, which are then fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. This fertilization process is meticulously monitored to ensure optimal conditions for embryo development. Once the embryos reach a suitable stage, they are transferred into the uterus, where implantation and pregnancy can occur. For comprehensive care throughout the process of best IVF in Zirakpur, Carewell 360 provides expert support and personalized treatment plans, enhancing the chances of a successful outcome.

1. Follicle Growth

In a normal menstrual cycle, typically one or two follicles grow each month. In IVF, a high dose of synthetic Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is administered to stimulate the growth of multiple follicles in the ovaries. This process is called superovulation or controlled ovarian stimulation.

2. Preventing Premature Ovulation

In IVF, eggs are retrieved directly from the ovaries, making it crucial to avoid premature ovulation (the release of eggs from follicles). Premature ovulation can result in no eggs being available for collection during egg retrieval. To prevent this, a GnRH antagonist is used to block the surge of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which would otherwise trigger ovulation. This method also reduces the risk of developing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a potential side effect of IVF treatment.

3. Egg Maturation

Once LH is blocked to prevent premature ovulation, follicles are allowed to mature. When they reach the required size, a medication (usually human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)) is administered to trigger egg maturation, allowing the eggs to be fertilized by sperm. Only mature eggs (metaphase II) can be fertilized.

4. Egg Retrieval

Eggs are surgically retrieved from the ovaries through a minor procedure.

5. Fertilization

The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory to create embryos. Fertilization can occur naturally by mixing eggs and sperm or through more advanced techniques like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg.

6. Embryo Selection

After 3-5 days, the best 1 or 2 embryos are selected for transfer to the uterus. Transferring multiple embryos can increase the risk of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets), which is often not advisable. Many experts now recommend transferring only one embryo for women with a good prognosis.

7. Embryo Transfer

The selected embryo is transferred to the uterus 3-5 days after egg retrieval in a simple procedure.

8. Luteal Phase Support

Women are typically prescribed hormones (like progesterone) to ensure the uterus is receptive to the embryo. This is called luteal phase support.

9. Pregnancy Test

A blood or urine pregnancy test is performed 11 days after the embryo transfer.

10. Confirmation of Clinical Pregnancy

An ultrasound scan is conducted 14 days later to confirm the embryo’s health and progression. After this, patients are usually referred to prenatal care.

The cycle for IVF in Zirakpur typically lasts around 6 weeks and involves multiple hospital visits.

Causes of Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. It may be due to issues with sperm (male factor infertility) or reproductive problems in women, and it can often involve both. In women, common causes include:

• Lack of ovulation (anovulatory infertility), e.g., due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
• Issues with the fallopian tubes (tubal infertility), e.g., due to pelvic inflammation.
• Problems with the uterus lining (e.g., fibroids).

Symptoms of Infertility

Infertility often presents no symptoms. However, irregular or absent periods may indicate ovulation problems. Excess androgen (male hormones), which can lead to excessive hair growth or acne, may signal PCOS, which can also cause infertility. Pelvic pain could indicate conditions like endometriosis.

Prevalence of Infertility

One in six couples experiences infertility. Around 70,000 fertility treatment cycles are performed annually, and 2% of babies are born through IVF.

Infertility Tests

• Sperm Test for the male partner.
• Progesterone Levels test for the female partner mid-luteal phase to confirm ovulation.
• Antral Follicle Count via ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve.
• Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) blood test to measure ovarian reserve.
• Tests like Hysterosalpingography (HSG) to assess fallopian tube health.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If ovulation issues are identified, they are treated before trying the best IVF in Zirakpur. If no cause is found, IVF may be recommended.

Side Effects of IVF

The most severe side effect is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), typically triggered by hCG used for egg maturation. OHSS can cause fluid leakage from blood vessels into areas such as the abdomen or lungs, leading to serious symptoms like abdominal swelling, difficulty breathing, and kidney problems. Common symptoms of OHSS include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Conclusion

IVF has been an elixir of hope for numerous couples suffering from infertility. Through careful guidance for patients through every step of the process, from the stimulation of ovaries to embryo transfer, IVF provides a highly effective treatment to those who face challenges with reproduction. If you’re looking for high-quality fertility treatments, selecting the best IVF in Zirakpur will greatly increase your chances of success. With cutting-edge technology, individualized services, and highly skilled experts, IVF clinic in Zirakpur offer the assistance and knowledge required to assist couples in achieving their goal of becoming parents.