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IVF – In Vitro Fertilisation
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a highly effective assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to help individuals and couples overcome infertility and achieve pregnancy. The process involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting, and then transferring the resulting embryo(s) into the woman's uterus.
The IVF process typically begins with ovarian stimulation, where the woman undergoes hormonal treatment to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved through a minimally invasive procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration.
Once the eggs are retrieved, they are combined with sperm from the male partner in a laboratory dish for fertilization to occur. Depending on the specific circumstances of the couple, fertilization may occur through traditional IVF, where sperm and eggs are mixed together in a dish, or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
After fertilization, the resulting embryos are cultured and monitored for several days to assess their quality and development. The healthiest embryos are then selected for transfer into the woman's uterus, typically around three to five days after fertilization.
Following embryo transfer, the woman undergoes a waiting period to determine if implantation occurs and pregnancy is achieved. If successful, the woman may continue with prenatal care to monitor the progress of the pregnancy.
IVF offers hope to individuals and couples struggling with infertility by providing them with the opportunity to conceive and start a family. While the process may involve multiple steps and careful monitoring, the advancements in IVF technology have led to high success rates and improved outcomes for many couples worldwide.