IVF, Here's What You Need to Know

IVF is a procedure used to facilitate the process of pregnancy in couples with fertility disorders. Usually, this procedure is carried out if the fertility problem is not resolved or if the cause is unknown.
Under normal circumstances, at each menstrual cycle, mature oocytes are released from the ovary (ovulation process) to be fertilized by sperm in the fallopian tubes (fallopian tubes), and then attach to the uterine wall. Or, if it is not fertilized, it will continue to penetrate the uterus and flow into the uterine wall into menstrual blood. IVF is a assisted pregnancy program that involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body. After fusion, the fertilized egg (embryo) is replaced in the uterus.

IVF, Here's What You Need to Know
IVF Indications
The following conditions can be considered for IVF procedures, including:

  • The fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, making it difficult for fertilized eggs or embryos to reach the uterus.
  • Have a history of removal or sterilization of the fallopian tubes.
  • Ovulation disorders, resulting in fewer and fewer fertilized eggs.
  • Premature ovarian failure. This condition occurs in women younger than 40 years, but the production of the hormone estrogen is low and does not always produce eggs during the menstrual cycle.
  • Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition characterized by tissue of the uterine lining (endometrium) that develops outside the uterus. This can interfere with the function of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
  • Myoma Myoma is a benign tumor that usually develops in the uterine wall and interferes with attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall. This usually occurs in women aged 30 to 40 years.
  • Function, shape and production of altered sperm count, such as low sperm count (oligospermia), low sperm motility (asthenospermia) or abnormal spermatozoa shape and size (teratospermia).
  • Genetic disease. In vitro fertilization is done to prevent transmission of genetic disorders from parents to fetuses.
  • The reason for infertility is unknown.
  • Experiencing treatments that can affect fertility. Cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, can affect fertility. Women can maintain healthy eggs before IVF treatment.

IVF Warning

Couples can do IVF procedures if both parties are physically and mentally ready, because they will undergo many medical processes and sometimes fail in one action (cycle). IVF can be considered successful if the woman is pregnant and gives birth to a baby born normally. On average, for all women who underwent IVF, 29.4% successfully conceived and 22.4% succeeded in delivering live infants of the entire cycle.

Keep in mind that age is one of the factors that increases the success of IVF programs. As a woman ages, the chances of success of an IVF program also decrease, as well as the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Besides age, a woman's weight is also a factor in the success of IVF. Underweight and excessive weight reduces IVF success. Factors such as infertility and lifestyle-related causes (such as smoking) can affect egg quality, thereby affecting the success of IVF programs.

Success also increases with the number of cycles performed. One study showed that a woman's success in having a baby after 3 IVF cycles was 63.3%.

Before IVF

A series of tests must be carried out before the IVF procedure, namely:

  • Ovarian reserve test. Your doctor will check the quality and quantity of eggs by checking the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Ultrasound of the pelvis (uterus) will also be performed as a support.
  • Cement analysis. This test is done before the IVF process.
  • Examination of infectious diseases. The doctor will examine both partners if there is an infectious disease, such as HIV.
  • Uterine cavity examination. This is done in two ways: by injecting special fluid into the uterus through the cervix and performing ultrasound imaging to obtain images (sonohysterography), or by inserting an endoscopic device through the vagina in the uterus (hysteroscopy).
  • Transfer of artificial embryo trials. This is done to see the thickness of the uterine cavity and find the most appropriate technique for working with IVF later.

IVF Procedure
IVF consists of 5 stages, namely ovulation induction, egg collection, sperm collection, fertilization and embryo transfer.
Ovulation Induction

For ovulation induction, several hormones will be given, such as:

  • Injections of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) or a combination of both to stimulate the ovaries.
  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) facilitates the process of egg maturation when it is ready to be digested, usually 8 to 14 days after ovarian stimulant injection. If the egg is released too quickly from the ovary (premature ovulation), an ovulation suppressor will be given.
  • On the day of the recovery of the egg, the doctor will provide a supplement of the hormone progesterone to prepare the uterine wall to be a place to attach the embryo.

The process of inducing ovulation usually takes one to two weeks before the eggs can be picked. Ultrasonography and transvaginal blood tests will also be performed to confirm oocyte growth, estrogen levels, and progesterone. The doctor can delay the IVF procedure if problems are detected, such as low or high egg growth or premature ovulation, and can repeat this process by changing the dose of the hormone given.
Egg cell recovery

This procedure is usually done 34 to 36 hours after the last hormone injection and before ovulation. An injection of sedative and pain will be given to relieve pain before the procedure.

As a general rule, the egg is removed from the uterus with the guidance of a transvaginal ultrasound that is inserted into the vagina to find the egg. After that, a small needle will be inserted to take the eggs. If this is not possible, the doctor will perform a small operation (laparoscopy) by making an incision the size of a keyhole in the abdominal wall and inserting a small needle using a camera as a pointer. If it reaches the right point, the egg will be sucked into the needle for about 20 minutes. Mature eggs will be stored in an incubation containing a special fluid to fertilize sperm. However, keep in mind that the fertilization process is not always successful.

Sperm Recovery

The procedure for collecting sperm and sperm will go through a process of masturbation. If he cannot masturbate, semen can be taken directly from the testes with a needle.
Fertilization

Fertilization can be achieved in two ways, namely insemination by mixing healthy sperm and eggs overnight in the embryo, or by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where healthy sperm is injected into each egg. ICSI is usually done when sperm quality is poor or the process of insemination fertilization fails. Keep in mind that not all embryos can survive after fertilization.
Embryo transfer

This last step is usually done 3 to 5 days after the egg collection process until fertilization, when the embryo begins to develop. But before the embryo is transferred to the uterus, the doctor can do a test by taking samples of the embryo to look for chromosomal abnormalities or the presence of certain infectious diseases.

When the embryo is ready to be transferred, a mild sedative injection will be given to pregnant women. The doctor then inserts a catheter containing several embryos that are protected by a special fluid through the vagina into the uterus. When it reaches the uterus, an embryo will be injected. This process is considered successful if the embryo is anchored in the uterine wall within 6 to 10 days after embryo transfer.
After test tube baby

In general, women who have recently undergone IVF procedures will be asked to take a vacation at least one day before continuing their activities. After that, avoid tiring activities because it can cause discomfort in the uterus.

After undergoing the embryo transfer process, pregnant women may experience discharge or blood in the vagina, feel her breasts softened due to high levels of the hormone estrogen, constipation, flatulence, abdominal pain, dizziness, rashes, and mood swings. Seek medical attention immediately if the condition or pain worsens or you feel other effects, such as heavy bleeding and fever.

A pregnancy test with a blood test will be done 12 to 14 days after the embryo transfer procedure. If declared pregnant, the doctor will recommend routine checks during pregnancy. If the results are negative, your doctor will ask you to stop taking progesterone supplements and the rules will appear within a week.
IVF risk

Here are some of the risks of IVF procedures, namely:

  • Twin Pregnant. This condition can occur if more than one embryo is implanted in the uterus. Multiple pregnancy can cause premature birth and low birth weight.
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Ovulation induction injections, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), can cause swelling and pain in the ovaries. Symptoms that appear are: abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for a week. If the woman is pregnant, the symptoms may be longer. Sometimes significant weight gain and shortness of breath can occur.
  • Ectopic pregnancy. 2 to 5% of women may be at risk of having an ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tube. This pregnancy cannot be continued.
  • Miscarriage. Similar to natural pregnancy, IVF can also pose a risk of miscarriage. This risk increases with maternal age.
  • Birth defects. As we get older, women who undergo IVF have the potential to give birth to a defective baby. But this is still the subject of research.

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