Infertility is the personal challenge of many couples today. With the medical science advancement, something like IVF becomes the true ray of hope. IVF is highly sought after for infertile couples across the nation. Among all such cities, Mumbai is emerging as a significant center for advanced fertility treatments.
If you are planning to undergo IVF treatment in Mumbai or elsewhere, then it is compulsory that you know what the process, preparation, risks, and success rates of the entire procedure are. So, this guide will compile almost everything that you need to know before going for the IVF treatment.
What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure in which an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body, in a laboratory. Once fertilization occurs, the embryo is placed into the woman’s uterus with the hope of achieving pregnancy.
IVF is typically used when other fertility treatments have failed or when specific health conditions make it difficult to conceive naturally. These conditions include blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, male infertility issues, ovulation disorders, or unexplained infertility.
Who Should Consider IVF?
- Women with Fallopian Tube Problems: IVF is generally recommended for women whose fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged because the likelihood of natural fertilization and penetration by the sperm would be low.
- Male Factor Infertility: IVF can be helpful when there is male infertility secondary to low count, poor motility, or malformed morphology of sperms. It can be used with ICSI, whereby a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
- Unexplained Infertility: A number of times, there is no identifiable reason for infertility among the couples. In such a case, IVF gives them an opportunity to bypass normal hurdles of conception.
- Ovulatory Disorders: Women who experience irregular ovulatory cycles or have PCOS tend to do well with IVF.
- Genetic concern: Couples with a history of genetic disorders opt for IVF followed by PGT to ensure that the child is not affected with any of these disorders.
Preparation for IVF Treatment
Before starting IVF, you will undergo several tests to ensure that both partners are healthy enough for the procedure. This includes blood tests, semen analysis, ultrasounds, and sometimes a hysteroscopy to examine the uterus.
Emotional and Mental Readiness
IVF can be emotionally taxing. The high hopes and potential disappointments throughout the process can weigh heavily on couples. It’s essential to prepare mentally and emotionally, and many people find counseling or support groups helpful during this time.
Lifestyle Modifications
Both partners should make lifestyle changes to increase the chances of success. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy diet and weight are critical. Additionally, reducing stress through relaxation techniques, yoga, or meditation may contribute positively to the process.
Steps Involved in IVF
- Ovarian Stimulation: The first step in IVF involves stimulating the woman’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of just one. This is achieved through hormone injections, typically for 10-14 days. During this period, you will have regular blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the ovaries’ response.
- Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration. This is done under sedation or anesthesia, and a needle is used to collect the eggs from the ovaries.
- Sperm Collection: The male partner provides a sperm sample, which is processed to isolate the healthiest sperm for fertilization. In cases of male infertility, donor sperm may be used.
- Fertilization: The eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory to allow fertilization to occur naturally or with ICSI (if needed). Once fertilization is successful, the embryos are monitored for a few days.
- Embryo Transfer: One or more healthy embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus using a thin catheter. The number of embryos transferred is determined by factors such as the woman’s age, health, and the quality of the embryos.
- Pregnancy Test: About two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood test is conducted to check for pregnancy. If successful, the embryo implants itself in the uterine lining, leading to pregnancy.
Success Rates of IVF
The success rate of IVF depends on several factors, including age, the cause of infertility, and the quality of the eggs and sperm. Women under 35 generally have a higher success rate (around 40% per cycle), while the chances decrease as age increases. However, these numbers can vary depending on the clinic and the specific medical conditions of the couple.
It’s important to note that IVF doesn’t guarantee pregnancy, and multiple cycles may be necessary to achieve success. Some couples may require three or more attempts, which can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining.
Risks and Side Effects of IVF
Like any medical procedure, IVF comes with certain risks and side effects.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This occurs when the ovaries are overstimulated by fertility medications, causing swelling and discomfort. In rare cases, OHSS can lead to more severe symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and shortness of breath.
- Multiple Pregnancies: IVF increases the likelihood of twins or triplets if multiple embryos are transferred. While this may seem like a bonus, multiple pregnancies carry higher risks for both the mother and the babies, including premature birth and low birth weight.
- Miscarriage: The risk of miscarriage in IVF pregnancies is similar to that of natural conception, but the risk increases with maternal age.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: In rare cases, the embryo may implant outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes, requiring medical intervention.
- Emotional Stress: The emotional rollercoaster of IVF, including the anticipation, waiting periods, and potential failure, can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
IVF Treatment in Mumbai: Why Choose This City?
Mumbai has emerged as a key destination for IVF treatment, offering world-class medical facilities and access to highly trained fertility specialists. The city is home to numerous renowned IVF clinics, many of which have high success rates and use cutting-edge technologies such as laser-assisted hatching and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
Several factors make Mumbai an attractive option for IVF treatment:
- Highly Experienced Doctors: Fertility specialists in Mumbai are well-versed in handling complex infertility cases, which improves the chances of success for patients with a variety of reproductive issues.
- Advanced Technology: IVF clinics in Mumbai are equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and offer advanced procedures such as egg freezing, donor programs, and genetic testing.
- Affordable Treatment: While IVF can be expensive, clinics in Mumbai often offer competitive pricing compared to other global IVF hubs, making it a viable option for couples from different economic backgrounds.
- Support Services: Many IVF centers in Mumbai provide comprehensive support services, including counseling, nutritional advice, and stress management programs, helping couples navigate the emotional challenges of fertility treatment.
Conclusion
It is a life-changing process that gives hope to the couples in question. However, it is a process requiring great care and preparation. From finding out the medical procedure involved in getting the treatment to preparing oneself mentally, financially, and physically, this gives you an opportunity to better face IVF with confidence.
In all the cities, there is Mumbai-the state capital-which stands as the leading city for the procedures of IVF, because of its superior technology, skilled doctors, and cheaper care. Before embarking on this journey, one should have the support and information needed to make the best decisions for their health and for their future family.