What Are the 5 Stages of IVF?
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What Are the 5 Stages of IVF?

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    February 20, 2024 Vardaan Medical Center 6 min read Infertility
    Infertility has become a common problem for this generation, and IVF (in-vitro fertilization) is the most suitable option with the highest success rate of all fertility treatment procedures.  As per World Bank data, in 2000, the average fertility rate was 3.3 births per Indian woman, which has declined to 2 births per woman in 2021, a drop of nearly 40%.   On the other hand, the number of IVF baby births has grown by 1100% since 2000. According to a report written by David Adamson on behalf of ICMART, it was estimated that there would be 12 million IVF babies born in 2023, compared to just 1 million in 2000.   This article will assist you in determining which stages of IVF you will be involved in if you are hoping to receive IVF treatment at any reputable IVF facility. Let’s start –

    Here’re 5 Stages of IVF (In-vitro Fertilization):

    In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex and often emotional journey for individuals and couples seeking to complete their families. Understanding the five key stages of the IVF process can help demystify the experience and provide clarity on what to expect at each step.

    Stage 1: Medication & Trigger Shot

    The IVF process begins with the prescription of fertility medicines, which stimulate the ovaries to generate numerous eggs. These drugs usually contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and a hormone known as luteinizing hormone (LH). The dosage and duration of these medications are tailored to each individual's specific needs. In general, your IVF specialist aims to make 10 to 15 eggs during this period. Once the eggs reach the optimal stage of development, a trigger shot of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is administered to induce the final maturation of the eggs and prepare them for retrieval. Following IVF, the same hormone is used to calculate the blood level of hCG for pregnancy testing. 

    Stage 2: Egg Retrieval & Sperm Collection

    The egg retrieval operation takes place approximately 36 hours following the trigger shot. This is a minimally invasive treatment that takes place under anesthesia. A thin needle is inserted into the ovaries to aspirate the fluid and eggs from the follicles. The more follicles a woman has, the higher her chance of pregnancy is. The number of follicles in the ovary is estimated using the AMH (Anti Mullerian Hormone) test.  Simultaneously, the male partner or sperm donor provides a sperm sample, which is processed, cleaned, and prepared for fertilization. Whether it will be your partner’s sperm or a donor, it is pre-discussed with the couple before the IVF procedure starts. Additionally, reputable hospitals often obtain consent for the use of donor sperm during the initial consultation if the male partner's sperm is not compatible.

    Stage 3: Fertilization & Embryo Culture

    In the laboratory, the retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm through conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), depending on the specific circumstances. ICSI is often used in cases of male factor infertility or previous IVF failure. After fertilization, the embryos are cultured in a special incubator under carefully controlled conditions to promote their development. A mature & well-fertilized egg which is ready for implantation is called ‘blastocyst​ – a rapidly dividing ball of cells.’ It has been observed that only 3 out of 10 eggs reach ‘blastocyst’ in the IVF process. Embryo monitoring is done to assess their growth and quality. 

    Stage 4: Embryo Transfer & Waiting Period

    The embryo transfer is typically performed 3-5 days after fertilization. A speculum is inserted into the vagina, and a thin catheter containing the embryo(s) is guided into the uterus. The procedure is usually painless and does not require sedation. The number of embryos transferred is based on various factors, including the woman's age, embryo quality, and previous IVF history. Any remaining high-quality embryos may be cryopreserved for future use. 

    Stage 5: Pregnancy Test & Good News

    Approximately 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine if the IVF cycle was successful. This test measures the levels of hCG in the blood or urine.  Generally, the IVF success rate is up to 80% in hospitals like Vardaan IVF Clinic, but it is essential to remember that IVF success rates vary depending on various factors. It is not uncommon for couples to require multiple IVF cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy.

    Blood Test or Urine Test: Which is More Accurate?

    Both blood tests and urine tests have their own advantages and are used for different purposes. When it comes to accuracy, both pregnancy tests are reliable, but they are used to detect different things and at different times in the pregnancy process. Blood tests are considered more accurate than urine tests, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. This is because blood tests can detect lower levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) than urine tests. Blood tests can detect hCG levels as early as 8-10 days after ovulation, while urine tests typically detect hCG levels around 12-14 days after ovulation. Blood tests are 99% accurate in determining the exact level of hCG in the blood, which can be useful for monitoring the progression of pregnancy or detecting potential issues such as ectopic pregnancy. Doctors and gynecologists also consider blood tests to be a more reliable option than urine tests in top hospitals and IVF clinics. On the other hand, urine tests are convenient, affordable, and can be done at home. They are most commonly used to confirm an IVF pregnancy after a missed period. These kits are easily available at any of your nearest medical or pharmacy shops. While urine tests are generally accurate, they can sometimes give false negatives if the hCG levels are lower than 75 mIU/ml. It's recommended to repeat a urine test or consult a healthcare provider if there is uncertainty about the result.

    Conclusion:

    As the world’s population continues to become infertile, more and more individuals and couples continue to undergo IVF treatment in order to achieve pregnancy. Furthermore, in India, the average cost of IVF process is also dropping rapidly each year, nearly 33% in the last 10 years.  As a candidate, keeping a brief overview of the stages of IVF treatment helps you to be prepared physically, mentally, and financially. Regarding testing for pregnancy in IVF, you have to wait an average of two weeks or 14 days to check under a blood or urine test.  However, blood tests are better in terms of accuracy and can detect low hCG levels precisely and identify pregnancy in 8 to 10 days. While a urine test requires a specific level of hCG hormone, otherwise you may receive false results. The waiting period for a urine test is 13 to 15 days at home.  If you’re looking to undergo an IVF pregnancy, Vardaan Medical Center is definitely a great choice. Being the best IVF center in Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Srinagar, Dr. Vareesh leads a team of IVF specialists with more than 23 years of experience. The team has already helped more than 30,000 couples in their journey to parenthood. For inquiries or to book a consultation at the best IVF hospital in North India, call us at +91 9814021991.  

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