In vitro fertilization (IVF)
It involves ovarian stimulation to produce a number of eggs, which are collected under ultrasound guidance. With IVF, the eggs are mixed with prepared sperm and fertilization takes place over the next few hours.
The resulting fertilized eggs are allowed to develop up to 6 days. Embryos are either selected for transfer into the uterus or cryopreserved for future transfer.
Indications for IVF may include:
- Blocked, damaged or absent Fallopian tubes;
- Endometriosis;
- Ovulatory problem;
- Unexplained infertility; and
- Sperm problems.
Is there any difference between artificial fertilization and Test Tube Baby?
- For natural conception, the sperm fertilizes the egg inside the female reproductive tract. This is called in vivo fertilization.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF), which is also known as Test Tube Baby or artificial fertilization, is a process of fertilization that takes place OUTSIDE of the female’s body. This is an assisted reproductive technology that fertilizes the eggs in an embryology laboratory. Thus, IVF, Test Tube Baby and artificial fertilization are describing about the same procedure.
- For new medications, only 3 injections, instead of daily injections, are required in IVF.
- Minimal stimulation protocol, that uses less medications, is also available for IVF treatment.
- Egg retrieval without anesthesia. Doctors can use a very fine needle for the egg retrieving procedure to reduce the pain if patients decided to undergo the procedure without anesthesia. Many patients have the similar concern about the side effects of anesthesia, such as causing memory loss and affecting the brain. In fact, under the monitor of anesthetist and advance in anesthetic medications, these problems should not occur. Therefore, patients need to understand the reason why they would like to undergo the procedure without anesthesia and discuss with the doctor. Even if patients decided not to use anesthesia, it is possible to retrieve the eggs through vagina using a very fine needle.
Differences between IUI and IVF
- IUI is the procedure which processed sperm are injected directly into a woman’s uterus. Thus, similar to natural conception, fertilization occurs inside a woman’s body. On the other hand, IVF is the procedure which includes mature egg retrieval and fertilization occurs in an embryology laboratory. Fertilized embryos are then transferred back to the woman’s body.
- IVF is the most successful fertility treatment for couples with tubal occlusion and/or severe sperm problems. Without the help of IVF, the possibility of getting pregnant naturally for these couples is very low.
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