The in vitro fertilization treatment offers hope to couples facing difficulties conceiving.
This assisted reproduction technique seeks to unite eggs and sperm in the laboratory to obtain embryos, which are introduced into the uterus with the aim of facilitating conception.
Generally, between 1 and 3 embryos are transferred to the uterus, while the remaining ones, if viable, are preserved at very low temperatures for future use.
At InSer, we are interested in keeping you informed, and that is why today we invite you to discover everything you need to know about this fertility treatment.
When to opt for this technique?
The most common indications for in vitro fertilization treatment include:
- Absence, obstruction, or injury to the fallopian tubes.
- Decreased number and/or mobility of sperm or morphological alterations.
- Moderate or severe endometriosis.
- Ovulation disorders.
- Failure of other treatments.
- Advanced age.
- Requirement for receiving donated eggs.
- Genetic diagnosis in the embryo(s) before implantation in the uterus
Stages of in vitro fertilization treatment
- First stage:
The ovaries are stimulated through the use of drugs to achieve the development of several follicles, inside which the eggs are found.
This process is usually controlled by monitoring the levels of ovarian hormones and/or through blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds that report the number and size of the developing follicles.
If the development of an adequate number of follicles is obtained, other medications are administered to achieve the final maturation of the eggs.
- Second stage:
The collection of eggs is carried out by puncturing the ovaries and aspirating the follicles.
It is an outpatient procedure under sedation, which is performed to prepare and classify the eggs in the laboratory.
The number of eggs extracted, as well as their maturity and quality, vary depending on the woman and cannot be predicted exactly.
- Third stage:
The semen sample is collected on the same day that the oocytes are collected. It is important that the sample is fresh or previously cryopreserved.
It is processed in the laboratory to separate and resuspend the best quality sperm for the insemination of the eggs.
- Fourth stage:
In this fertility treatment, the eggs and sperm are incubated together for fertilization.
If there are problems with the spermogram, previous failures, or unexplained infertility, sperm microinjection (ICSI) can be used. The fertilized eggs are monitored, and embryos develop and are kept in the laboratory for 2 to 6 days before transfer.
- Fifth stage:
Finally, the last step is the embryo transfer, which involves transferring the embryos into the uterus through a catheter. It does not usually require anesthesia.
Generally, one or two embryos are transferred to avoid multiple pregnancies, with some exceptions. The pregnancy test is performed 15 days later, with possible hormonal monitoring.
Results of in vitro fertilization treatment
The probability of gestation in this assisted reproduction technique depends on the cause of infertility, the woman’s age, and the quantity and quality of eggs and embryos obtained.
Not all patients achieve adequate follicular development for puncture, and not all those who undergo puncture have embryo transfer due to possible failures in obtaining eggs, fertilization, or embryonic development.
The results of the treatment are measured in percentage of pregnancies over initiated cycles, cycles with follicular puncture, or cycles with transfer.
Results and strategies after failures
80% of pregnancies are achieved in the first three cycles of in vitro fertilization and ICSI with embryo transfer.
If the treatment fails, it is important to discuss the possibility of other treatments with the medical team.
Between 40% and 60% of patients obtain enough embryos for cryopreservation of those viable ones not transferred.
In case of not achieving pregnancy, it is crucial to review the cycle with the doctor to evaluate the factors involved and consider improvement options.
Inser’s comprehensive four-cycle program
Inser developed a comprehensive four-cycle program for this fertilization procedure that benefits couples physically and emotionally.
By increasing the attempts at fertilization and embryo culture to four, the success rate can reach up to 80%, which reassures patients.
This program covers from the beginning all possible changes suggested by the specialist to achieve gestation, such as embryo transfer, cryopreservation of eggs and sperm, and fertilization with donors, eliminating concerns about additional costs.
Emotional and psychological advantages
The program also offers significant emotional strengthening for the couple, promoting confidence, perseverance, personal and couple growth, better emotional coping with unexpected results, and strengthening hope and joint decision-making.
Remember that at Inser you will find a group of expert professionals in in vitro fertilization treatment, who are willing to guide you in the process of forming a family. Contact us!
