Everything About In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment: 2023 Best Guide

Sometimes things may not go well for couples who want to be mothers and fathers, and in this case, a natural pregnancy cannot be experienced despite all efforts. In vitro fertilization , which offers a solution to prospective parents who are exposed to this, is evaluated.

In vitro fertilization treatment, which offers solutions for mothers and fathers who want a baby, is a reproductive method that has attracted attention with its positive results in recent years. There are details you need to know in order to master the details of this method and have a conscious process.

What is IVF?

IVF is an assisted reproductive technique (ART) applied to couples who cannot have children naturally. In this reproduction method, it is aimed to ensure fertilization by bringing the reproductive cells taken from the mother and father candidate together in the laboratory environment. In this laboratory environment, the whole process of progressing step by step towards the pregnancy process is called in vitro fertilization treatment .

How is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) done?

Female reproductive cells are called eggs. Male reproductive cells are defined as sperm. Eggs from the woman and sperm from the man are collected and these reproductive cells are brought together in the laboratory and fertilized. The fertilized eggs divide and the resulting embryo begins to develop. The embryo, which is formed and developed in the laboratory, is placed in the woman’s uterus.

After the embryo attaches to the woman’s uterus, the process proceeds like a natural pregnancy. In other words, the only difference between in vitro fertilization treatment and pregnancy with natural methods is that the egg is fertilized outside and placed in the mother’s uterus later.

What are the Stages of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment?

This treatment process does not consist of a single procedure. In other words, the IVF stages take place step by step. You should have information about the stages you will go through and follow the process in the most conscious way. Here are the step-by-step In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) steps:

• The stage of gaining knowledge and evaluation: As in almost every action in life, education is a must in the IVF treatment process. Therefore, treatment begins with the necessary training. Doctors start by giving information about the procedures to be passed to the mother and father-to-be. After this training, parents; have knowledge of the treatment plan, procedures, use of medications, and other details. Past treatment stories, if any, of the mother and father-to-be are listened to. Necessary analyzes are made.
• Stimulation and creation of the ovaries: This is the first concrete stage in IVF treatment. At this stage, it is aimed to produce a large number of eggs in the ovaries of the expectant mother.

In order to stimulate egg development in the ovaries, some drug treatments are administered to the expectant mother (the drug is usually taken as an injection under the skin). Stimulation of the ovaries with drugs is completed in 10-12 days. Frequent check-ups are required to monitor egg development and hormone levels in the blood. The stimulation and formation phase is important because the more eggs produced, the more likely the treatment will be successful.

• Collecting the eggs: When it is determined that a sufficient number of eggs have matured during the first stage, the next stage is started. In order to bring the development of the formed eggs to the final stage, injection (cracking needle) is applied to the expectant mother. After the injection of this drug, 36 hours are waited and the egg collection process begins. This procedure allows the collection of eggs in the ovaries by passing a needle connected to a vaginal ultrasonography device through the vagina.

During the egg collection operation, local or general anesthesia is applied to the expectant mother. The operation is completed in 15-30 minutes. If there is no special situation at this stage, it is not necessary to stay in the hospital. In general, the expectant mother and father are rested for a few hours and discharged.

• Fertilization: While the egg is collected from the woman, sperm cells are taken from the man at the same time. Obtained female and male reproductive cells are fertilized in the laboratory environment. The fertilized eggs are followed for a few days, and at the appropriate time, the best quality ones are selected and the last stage is passed.
• Embryo transfer: One or more of the best quality embryos selected in the previous stage are placed in the woman’s uterus. Since the procedure is performed under ultrasonographic observation, the bladder must be adequately filled. Therefore, before the procedure, the expectant mother may be asked to drink plenty of water and fill the bladder.

The transfer does not require any anesthesia and the embryo is left in the uterus in as little as 5-10 minutes. After the procedure, the woman is discharged after being under observation in the hospital for 3-4 hours. However, even after discharge, the expectant mother should rest at home throughout the day.

After the final stage is realized, the result is learned by the pregnancy test to be done within 14 days. If the test is positive, the pregnancy process begins and the mother goes to the doctor to make an appointment for an ultrasound scan.

For Whom is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment Applied?

• Although there is no contraception method, when you do not get pregnant within 1 year or more of sexual intercourse,
• In cases where infertility is diagnosed,
• In cases of pelvic pain, endometriosis (chocolate cyst) or recurrent miscarriage,
• In those with sperm quality impairment and low movement,
• In cases of problematic sexual intercourse,
• If the mother and father have a genetic disease that will prevent pregnancy,
• In vitro fertilization treatment is applied to women of advanced age (35 years and older).

This application cannot be used in women who have hormonal problems, have gone through menopause and have had their womb removed by surgical operations. It is not possible for men without sperm production to participate in IVF treatment.

What are the Factors that Decrease the Success Rate of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment?

If you are still at the stage of considering this reproductive method, you should know the factors that reduce the risk of pregnancy beforehand and act accordingly. We can list the factors that affect the success rate of IVF treatment as follows.

• advancing age.
• Overweight.
• Having immune system problems that damage eggs and sperm.
• Problems in the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• Decreased ovarian reserve.
• Alcohol and cigarette use.
• Extreme stress.
• Irregular diet.

Until What Age Is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment Performed?

Women with good ovarian reserve can benefit from IVF treatment until the age of 45. However, after the age of 35, the probability of successful treatment may decrease as the number of eggs decreases and egg quality decreases. For this reason, expectant mothers should not delay this treatment method until later ages if they are considering a child.

What to Do for Successful In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment

The specialists you will reach through the IVF center will guide you in the most accurate way and apply the necessary treatments. However, in order for this application to be successful, you need to put your hand under the responsibility. Here are the things you should pay attention to in this process.

• To regularly use the drugs recommended by the doctor and to participate in the examinations completely.
• Drinking about 2 liters of water a day. Increasing fluid intake, especially after egg retrieval.
• Adhering to the sexual abstinence for 2-3 days 3 days before the egg collection process.
• Not using any medication or antibiotics other than the doctor’s recommendation.
• Taking advantage of fiber foods and eating a balanced diet in general.
• Quitting alcohol and smoking and avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke as much as possible. (Smoking slows egg production and increases the risk of miscarriage.)

You should definitely do good research for in vitro fertilization treatment, which is an important reproductive method for couples who cannot have children due to adverse health conditions and gives mostly positive results. Evaluating the issue of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) prices, choosing the right IVF center and knowing other details will help you to get one step closer to your baby without getting stressed and the process will pass easily.