The IVF journey involves both physical and emotional disturbance. But it can be made comfortable and easily manageable if the couple is prepared for it. A good rapport with the treating doctor and the team, who counsel the couple at each step, helps them get through the rough phase of IVF effortlessly.
Initial Consultation
A detailed medical history is taken; physical examination and ultrasound is done as part of assessment of patient. A detailed counselling of the couple with regards to the steps involved in IVF is done in the following visits.
The Eight Steps of an IVF Cycle
Here is what a complete IVF cycle involves from start to finish.
1. Ovarian Stimulation: Stimulating the ovaries to develop multiple follicles with the help of injections is called ovarian stimulation . Approximately 9 to 10 days of injections will be given every day to develop the optimal number of eggs required for that cycle.
2. Follicular Monitoring: The growth of the eggs is monitored by ultrasound on 3 to 4 occasions during ovarian stimulation.
3. Trigger: The trigger is an injection given to bring final maturity changes in the follicles. 35 to 36 hours after the trigger injection, the egg retrieval procedure is planned.
4. Egg Retrieval: This is done under a short anaesthesia. All the developed follicles are aspirated under guidance of transvaginal ultrasound. After the procedure, the patient is made to rest for 2 to 3 hours before she is discharged.
5. Fertilisation: This is the technique where the sperm is mixed with the egg in the laboratory. It is done by conventional method where the egg is placed in a droplet of culture medium and left for culture. Another method of fertilisation is ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), where the sperm is directly injected into the egg for fertilisation to happen.
6. Embryo Culture: The fertilised embryos are cultured in incubators and monitored over 3 to 5 days.
7. Embryo Transfer: The developed embryos are transferred back into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. Supportive hormonal medication is prescribed until the pregnancy test is done.
8. Pregnancy Test: 14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is done to check for pregnancy. This is the moment couples have been working towards through every step of the IVF cycle.
Each of these steps is guided by close monitoring and clear communication from the fertility team. No step happens without the couple understanding why it is being done and what to expect next. That is the approach at Birthright Fertility by Rainbow Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, where I have guided more than 45,000 patients through their fertility journeys over 28 years.
To book an IVF or fertility consultation with Dr. Sudharani Bairraju at Birthright Fertility by Rainbow Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, call 07337390606 or 080 69237022.
Written by Dr. Sudharani Bairraju, MBBS (Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, 1997), DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology (St. Theresa's General Hospital, Hyderabad, 2007), Postgraduate Certification in Clinical Embryology (2015), Training in Advanced Infertility and Andrology (2014), Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgeries (2013), Fellowship in Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy (2012), FOGSI-Dr. C.S. Dawn Prize for Best Paper Presentation AICOG 2011, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Infertility (IVF) Specialist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Birthright Fertility by Rainbow Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. 28+ years. 45,000 patients. Phone: 07337390606 / 080 69237022.
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