In vitro fertilization is a term which is used for complex series of procedures which are used to treat infertility and assist the conception process. In this process, the basic fertilization process; mating of the egg with sperm is carried out outside the body. The whole process involves the complete monitoring and activation a woman’s ovulation process, removing the ova, getting the sperm, and allowing the sperm to fertilize them in a Petri plate under specific conditions. The fertilized egg after proper incubation is transferred to the woman’s uterus for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. This is a complicated process and requires a high level of expertise, Dr. Ayesha is one of the experts in this field with hands-on experience of years.
Why it is Done
This artificial method to conceive and get a child is done to treat the infertility of male or female. Following factors may decide that a couple should take the benefit of this artificial fertilization process.
- Fallopian tube damage
- Fallopian tube blockage
- Ovulation problems
- Premature ovarian failure
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Tubal sterilization or removal
- Impaired sperm production
- Unexplained infertility
- Genetic disorder related to infertility
- Fertility preservation for cancer or any other health condition that may require you to find and consult a doctor.
Side Effects:
Although this in vitro method of fertilization greatly helps to treat infertility there are some associated risk factors which make it a little obscure.
1: Multiple Births:
This method of getting the child increases the risk of multiple births. It happens if more than one zygote is implanted inside uterus mistakenly.
2: Premature Delivery And Low Birth Weight
It is also reported that this procedure slightly increases the risk of premature delivery and born baby will have low birth weight.
3: Miscarriage
The rate of miscarriage in the women who conceive by this method is equivalent to those women who conceive naturally. But if the age of women is more the rate of miscarriage increases. Use of frozen embryos may increase the risk of miscarriage to the much more extent.
Related: What is IVF? 5 Steps How does it work
4: Procedure Complications:
Use of an aspirating needle for the collection of eggs may possibly cause some serious problems like
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to the bladder or a blood vessel
5: Ectopic Pregnancy:
About 2 to 5 percent of the total cases will end up in an ectopic pregnancy.In this case, the embryo drastically fails to survive and there’s no way left to continue the pregnancy. So the abortion is done.
6: Birth Defects:
The age of the mother is the major hallmark in the occurrence of birth defects, no matter which method is used to conceive the child. But it is reported that this method increased the risk of developing some specific birth defects. The reason of this happening is still unknown and more research is needed to know it.
7: Ovarian Cancer:
There is a significant link between certain medications which are used for egg growth and the formation of a certain type of ovarian tumor for which you may require consultation from a gynecological oncologist. Marham-Find a Doctor can help you find the best gynecological oncologist in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore or any other Major city of Pakistan.
8: Stress:
Use of this artificial method is tough and difficult financially, physically and emotionally. And may leads to stress and even depression. Ultimate support from counselors, family, and friends may help both partners to cope with the ups and downs of this infertility treatment.