World IVF Day 2022

The 25TH of July 1978 marks the birth of the world’s first test tube baby, Louis Brown. To celebrate the day the first baby was born through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Technique, July 25 was declared World IVF Day.

Abnormal sperm production, poor sperm quality, genetic disorders, endometriosis, uterine or cervical problem, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood pressures, and depression are some reasons behind infertility. Infertility can cause major distress among couples. But ever since it came into existence, IVF has been a boon and has come as a ray of hope in the lives of couples struggling to conceive.

Let’s celebrate this World IVF Day 2022 Day by getting an insight into what IVF is

What Is IVF?

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. It is a type of Assistive Reproductive Technology (ART). In IVF, the eggs are collected from the ovaries of the woman and then fertilized with the sperm in a laboratory outside the body. After a few days of fertilization, the fertilized egg is called the embryo. The embryo formed is frozen and stored or placed inside the uterus. Once the embryo successfully implants into the uterine walls, pregnancy occurs. In IVF, embryo implantation can also be performed on a surrogate (a woman who will carry the baby for the couple with fertility issues).

IVF can be done using the following:

• Eggs and sperms of the couple
• Eggs of the patient and donor sperm
• Donor eggs and sperms of the patient
• Donor eggs and donor sperms
• Donated embryos

Why Is IVF Needed? 

IVF is needed in the following infertility cases: 

• Reduced ovarian function
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Damaged fallopian tubes
• Lowered fertility in move aged above 40
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Low sperm quantity and quality
• Unexplained infertility
• Risk of passing a genetic disorder

Let’s Know About The 5 Steps Involved In IVF Procedure: 

1. Stimulation: Normally, one egg is produced every month by a woman. During stimulation, fertility drugs are given to stimulate multiple eggs as multiple eggs are required during IVF. Regular blood tests and ultrasounds are performed to monitor egg production during this period.

2. Egg retrieval: A surgery called follicular aspiration is performed to remove eggs from the body.

3. Insemination and Fertilization: A semen sample is collected from the man and mixed with the eggs. This process is called insemination. After insemination, fertilization takes place where the sperm enters the egg. If fertilization chances are low and embryos are not produced, then Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is done where the sperms are injected directly into the eggs.

4. Embryo culture: Here, the fertilized eggs are monitored to check if they are dividing to form embryos. The embryos are checked regularly to ensure that they are growing well. At this time, the embryos might be tested for genetic conditions.

5. Embryo transfer: Once the embryos are grown, they are ready for implantation. This process usually occurs after three to five days of fertilization. During implantation, a catheter (thin tube) is inserted into the vagina, passing the cervix and into the uterus. The embryo is then released into the uterus. Once the embryo successfully implants itself into the uterine wall, pregnancy will occur. A pregnancy test can be taken to confirm the same.

Side Effects Of IVF

Commonly occurring Side effects during the stimulation phase include: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Pain in the abdomen
• Enlargement of ovaries
• Hot flashes
• Bruising due to injections

Commonly occurring Side effects after embryo transfer:

• Bloating
• Constipation
• Cramps
• Tenderness of breasts
• Spotting blood

Complications Of IVF

• Multiple pregnancies, which might cause complications like putting the child and parent’s life at risk, increases the risk of low birth weight, C-section delivery , premature birth and maternal hemorrhage.
• Loss of pregnancy (miscarriage)
• Risk of ectopic pregnancy (implantation of the egg outside the uterus)
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a rare condition causing an excess of fluid in the abdomen and chest.
• Rarely it might cause bleeding, infection, or damage to the bowels or bladder
   

Talking and discussing everything about IVF with your healthcare provider is essential to comprehend the entire process. IVF can be tiring and affect the couple’s mental, physical, and financial condition. However, IVF has brought light back into the lives of many couples. If you are someone who is struggling with infertility, then you can consider the option of IVF. Remember to stay positive and hopeful throughout the treatment.

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness