IS IVF SAFE – Breaking the stigma and insecurities associated with in vitro fertilization

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In the modern age, technology has helped escalate the medical world at an intriguing level. One such boon or marvel is the procedure of IVF or In Vitro Fertilization. This treatment has helped a large number of people to receive the ecstasy of becoming parents. IVF is conducted by fertilizing the egg with the sperm in a petri dish in a laboratory condition similar to the mother’s uterus. Once the egg transforms into an embryo, it is placed in the mother’s uterus. People facing infertility issues have found this dream to turn into reality. IVF is a detailed procedure and each step can take 4 to 6 weeks to be successfully completed.

Concerns and Queries

Even though the procedure seems to be fulfilling the necessities, patients are always insecure with the results they would gain. The concerns and queries are endless. The first question that pops up is whether the baby would be born normal or not. Other concerns include issues of cognitive developmental problems, health issues in later life and the process of natural birth.

Procedure of IVF

To begin with, we shall understand the detailed procedure of IVF step by step.

  1. Egg stimulation: Medications are provided to the patients to stimulate the production of egg. A number of eggs need to be stimulated for increasing the success rates. Blood tests are carried out to check the hormone levels and an important procedure known as transvaginal ultrasound is carried to examine the ovaries.
  2. Egg retrieval: The procedure of egg retrieval is carried out by a hollow needle with ultrasound imaging. After the eggs are traced, they are collected and preserved in an incubator till the insemination is carried out.
  3. Fertilization: After the sperm and egg is collected, they are infused together in appropriate lab conditions and monitored to notify of the fertilization process. After the fertilization process, embryos are formed.
  4. Embryo transfer: This procedure takes only a few minutes after the examination and final assessment of the embryo age and maturity. The highest quality developed embryo is embedded in the uterus and pregnancy results are checked after 2 weeks of infusion.

Solving the Concerns

  • IVF is meant for people who are not able to conceive or are infertile. The problems can be related to blocked fallopian tubes, PCOS, male infertility or other unexplained infertility issues.
  • You need not worry about the health of the baby during child birth. IVF child birth is just like normal birth, with the babies being completely healthy and normal.
  • There are issues of multiple pregnancies and births in IVF, but the latest and modern techniques can help in solving them and reducing the chances of multiple pregnancies.
  • IVF cases have seen a rapid succession and growth, and a number of couples are opting for it increasingly.
  • One of the main advantages or benefits of undergoing IVF is that it can help in diagnosing certain genetic disorders such as Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and Down’s syndrome. The embryos are thoroughly examined and the healthiest ones are embedded in the uterus.
  • Another major concern affecting parents is the cost of the treatment. As IVF is becoming more and more common, the cost for the treatment is reducing rapidly. With health insurances and various schemes covering your funding, you need not worry about the monetary issues.
  • IVF can also help in determining the problems associated with fertilization. With having known the reasons behind the fertility issues, you can carry forward the treatment in the future with proper care. It can also be helpful in giving child birth. If the uterus is unable to carry the embryo and not able to provide a suitable environment for its development, the embryo is developed outside the body in suitable laboratory conditions.
  • Modern equipment and technology ensures a safe IVF treatment with higher chances of success and absolutely normal child birth.

IVF is becoming more and more common and it is quite helpful for couples who want to become parents.

About author

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Dr. Shweta Goswami

Dr. Goswami has more than 12 years of experience and researched extensively on IVF and reproductive issues with women. Dr. Goswami is an internationally trained infertility & IVF specialist with great repute for her ethical, transparent as well as professional clinical approach. She is an acclaimed ynecologistcum-infertility specialist having expertise in IVF, ICSI, Donor egg IVF, surrogacy, surgical sperm collection, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, male infertility, sexual dysfunction, endometriosis, recurrent miscarriages, donor sperm IUI and IVF, embryo freezing etc.

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