( 25 OCT 2017 )

To obtain the exhilaration of parenthood, a countless number of couples are seeking help from Assisted Reproductive Techniques, including In-Vitro Fertilization. This method follows a diligent arrangement, which includes performing a series of steps in an arranged order. Despite being well aware of this technique, there are some of the questions that crop up in mind every time someone talks about IVF. So, if you are planning to undergo an IVF treatment, then there are some questions that demand an answer for your satisfaction so that you wouldn’t regret investing money as well as time in this procedure.

1. What type of medications will be dealt with at the time of ovarian stimulation?
Are there going to be any side-effects of these medications? The foremost step is the ovarian stimulation. To invigorate the ovaries to produce eggs, regulation of fertility medication is done in this step. The aim is to increase the probability of IVF success. The greater the number of eggs, the higher will be the chances of a successful pregnancy. The medications used for this purpose include hormonal supplements, like LH and FSH. These supplements help in activating the ovaries, and on the other hand, some of the drugs are also used to halt premature ovulation. As far as the side-effects are concerned, then they may exhibit in some cases, while some other people may not experience even a single negative sign. Some of the common problems are mood swings, nausea, fatigue, and insomnia. There are some major side-effects associated with this procedure as well, like ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple pregnancies.

2. What are the chances of boosting the quality of embryo?
When it comes to improving the quality of embryo, then there are not many options to do it. Whether an embryo has been produced naturally or has been developed in a laboratory, if it is abnormal, then it will remain so. However, assisted hatching is one technique that can help the couples with the abnormal embryo to a certain extent.

3. When and how is Assisted Hatching useful?
Assisted hatching is one such technique that can be used for enhancing the probability of implantation, which will lead to a successful pregnancy. In this technique, a small hole is created in an embryo so as to implant it in the endometrial walls. This can be used by such couples who have encountered failed IVF cycles, women of age more than 38 years, and the ones with abnormally chunky zona pellucida.

4. How much time would the egg retrieval take?
It is a fast procedure. The time taken by this procedure basically depends on the follicle numbers and the accessibility of ovaries. Typically, it will only take approximately 20-30 minutes.

5. Will the egg retrieval cause pain?
This procedure happens after seating the patient with the local anesthesia. Hence, the patient will not be able to feel the pain. However, there can be some side-effects of the anesthesia, like vomiting and nausea.

6. What is the time limit after which the pregnancy should be performed once done with an IVF cycle?
Once you are done with an IVF cycle, it may become impossible to wait any longer. In such a scenario, where you may want to perform the test as soon as possible, it is suggested to wait till 2 weeks. It is the standard time limit for performing the pregnancy test once the transferring of the embryo has been done.

7. If experienced a failed IVF cycle, how long should one wait to go for the second cycle?
Encountering a failed IVF cycle does not only bring financial loss but mental trauma as well. An infertile couple keeps the hopes high with this treatment. However, the life certainly does not end here. There have been innumerable cases where the couples have tasted success after subsequent cycles. So, to go for the next cycle, it is recommended to keep a gap of approximately two menstrual cycles.

8. What is the limited number of IVF attempts that one can take up?
The numbers of IVF attempts differ from person to person. Some of the couples may have to undergo two attempts, while some other may conceive after the third one.

9. What is the age limit for IVF?
Although IVF has been introduced specially for those women who have crossed 40, however, paying some attention to the realistic approach, the pregnancy is based on the quality and quantity of the egg, which keeps on declining along with the age. So, if you are above 40 years, then you can use donor eggs instead of using your own while undergoing an IVF treatment.

10. Would IVF attempt be successful?
The success parameter depends on various factors, such as health, age, sperm, egg, and quality of the embryo. The clinic, the embryologist, and the experience of the fertility doctor also matters the most.