In Vitro Fertilization or IVF is a procedure that helps infertile couples become pregnant. In this procedure, eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized eggs, also known as embryos are transferred to the uterus for growth and development. Since this is a highly advanced procedure, you need to book an appointment with one of the reputed IVF doctors in Siliguri.
IVF is considered a suitable treatment option for individuals suffering from blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, or unexplained infertility. The IVF journey consists of several steps, each designed to maximize the chances of conception. Understanding these procedures is crucial for couples, as it helps them to make informed decisions about their fertility journey.
A detailed guide on IVF procedures:
Step-1: Initial consultation and IVF:
The first step in the IVF process is the initial consultation and evaluation conducted by an expert fertility doctor. During this process, the doctor assesses your medical history, lifestyle, and previous fertility treatments if you have undergone. The doctor may also ask about menstrual cycles, past pregnancies, and any underlying health conditions that could affect conception. After that the doctor conducts various tests including blood tests, ultrasound, and semen analysis, to diagnose the actual problem and the cause.
Step-2: Ovarian stimulation:
The next crucial step in the IVF process involves ovarian stimulation. During this process, the doctor will prescribe fertility drugs to stimulate your ovaries. The dosage and duration of stimulation are customized based on a patient’s ovarian function and medical history. This helps the ovaries to produce multiple healthy eggs, which increases the chances of successful fertilization. During this phase, blood tests and ultrasounds are conducted regularly to monitor follicle development and hormone levels. This also ensures that the ovaries are responding well to the drugs.
Step-3: Egg retrieval:
After ovarian stimulation, once the follicles reach the right size, the egg retrieval process is done. The doctor will prescribe you another medication 36 hours before the egg retrieval procedure to ensure the eggs are at the optimal stage for fertilization. The process is short, consisting of 15-30 minutes, which will take place in the clinic of the best IVF doctor in Siliguri. This is done under light sedation and a thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall and guided by ultrasound to separate the eggs from follicles.
Step-4: Sperm collection and fertilization:
On the same day, a semen sample is retrieved from the male partner. If this cannot be collected naturally, alternative methods such as testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) can be used. After that, the semen samples are analyzed in a laboratory to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology. This is to ensure that only healthy and active sperm are used during fertilization for the best possible outcomes.
Step-5: Embryo development:
After the fertilization process is over the eggs are carefully monitored in the laboratory dish for several days to see their development. This is essential because the fertilized egg undergoes a series of cell divisions, from a single-cell to a multi-cellular structure. Within 2-3 days, the embryo typically reaches the cleavage stage and on the fifth day, it forms a blastocyst. Doctors evaluate these embryos based on their development rate, to select the healthiest ones for transfer.
Step-6: Transfer of Embryos:
After that, the most critical stage of IVF begins which is the transfer of embryos. This procedure will determine whether your pregnancy is successful or not. During this process, the doctor uses a thin catheter to gently insert the embryo into the uterus. The number of embryos transferred depends on factors like maternal age, embryo quality, and previous IVF attempts.
Step-7: Pregnancy test:
After some days you will visit the clinic for a blood test to confirm if the treatment was successful. If the test results are positive follow-up blood tests and ultrasounds are scheduled to monitor the pregnancy.
Conclusion:
The journey to parenthood is one of the happiest moments for individuals. However, this journey can be challenging for some couples due to infertility or other possible factors. For them, IVF is a suitable option, which offers hope and helps their dreams of having a child come true. To get this treatment you need to visit the clinic of one of the best IVF doctors in Siliguri. This is because it is a complex procedure and consists of several crucial steps. While the process can be challenging, with expert guidance and support you can ensure a successful treatment outcome.