In vitro fertilization or IVF is the process of collecting mature eggs, combining them with sperm from the father-to-be in a laboratory environment, and placing the embryos in the mother’s uterus. One of the most common problems today is having a baby naturally due to infertility and similar reasons. Accordingly, in vitro fertilization treatment is applied. Physiological, genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors also affect such situations.
What is IVF Stages ?
- Development of eggs
- Collection of eggs
- Fertilization of eggs
- Transfer of the embryo to the female uterus
Development of eggs
It usually takes about a week with injections containing FSH hormone. The dose and duration of the FSH hormone injection vary according to different factors such as the woman’s age, weight, and reserve. At this stage, the doctor closely monitors ultrasound and E2 hormone levels. The doctor aims to develop an average of 6 to 10 eggs. Depending on the reserve capacity of the ovary, this number may be less. When the follicle sizes measured on ultrasound are 19-20 mm, a cracking needle containing HCG hormone is applied. The maturation of the egg occurs with this needle, and the egg is collected after approximately 36 hours. This is the most important stage of IVF treatment.
Collection of eggs
This stage is the process of vacuuming the egg with a closed-circuit system under anesthesia and ultrasound. It is painless, lasts about 15-20 minutes, and requires resting for a few hours.
Fertilization of eggs
This step is carried out in the laboratory. Fertilization is done by placing sperm in each of the collected eggs by the microinjection method. If fertilization is successful, the egg divides and becomes two-celled after one day, 4-celled after two days, and 8-celled after three days. On the fourth day, compaction begins, and a cavity forms in the middle of the embryo. This is called a blastocyst. On the fifth day, the outer and inner cell layers become more evident. Embryos that can reach the blastocyst stage without any problems are much more likely to create a pregnancy.
Transfer of embryo to the uterus
This last stage is the easiest and shortest part of IVF treatment. The embryo’s implantation into the uterus is done by ultrasound without anesthesia while the bladder is full. When it is seen that the level of BHCG hormone in the blood is between 100-200 8 to 10 days after the procedure, it is understood that the IVF treatment has been completed. This fourth stage of IVF has been performed in recent years by freezing and thawing the embryos after a one-month break.
What is the Success Rate of IVF Treatment?
Although many factors affect the success of IVF treatment, the most important one is the woman’s age. While getting pregnant in IVF trials before the age of 35 is usually between 40 and 45%, this rate drops to 10% after the age of 45. Other factors affecting success include body characteristics, duration of infertility, whether any previous treatment has been taken, and whether there has been a previous pregnancy.
If you are considering IVF treatment, you can contact us immediately and support our specialist doctors.