Every couple has a desire to become parents i.e, to have their own child. But some of them feel unlucky, as even after trying for years they are unable to conceive. This is what we call as infertility.

Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. But let me tell you something, this can’t stop you from becoming parents. Our medical science has progressed a lot and we have a solution for most of the problems.

Assisted reproductive technology is one such solution for infertility. It includes fertility treatments that handle both a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm. It works by removing eggs from a woman’s body. The eggs are then mixed with sperm to make embryos. The embryos are then put back in the woman’s body.

In Vitro Fertilization: Procedure, Cost,Treatment & Success Rate

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common and effective type of ART.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body.

 Is The Procedure Painful?

Most woman seeking infertility treatment when advised IVF, would refuse to undergo same due to fear of pain. During counseling, the couple would ask HOW PAINFUL IS IT?

The first part

where one experience pain is as the women starts her injections for development of eggs. These are usually done with either needle with small bores or the newer injectable pen devices. Almost everyone dreads the first injection for the fear of unknown, but after the initial anxiety is over, most women report that there was minimal or no pain

The next step

Where one complaint of pain is as the eggs start to develop and the ovaries begin to enlarge, causing in some lower abdomen pain and bloating. This part most women would hate, but in reality, with a well-controlled stimulation many don’t even experience any pain, but merely discomfort that they are able to cope with and lead a normal life and even continue to go to work.

The third phase

where woman expects pain is during the procedure of the egg retrieval itself. As the patients during counseling are made aware that the eggs are removed by piercing the ovaries through the vagina using a thin long needle, many women anticipate great pain. But in reality, there is no pain during the procedure as it is done under anesthesia.

The next step

where usually the couple enquires if the woman can have pain is at the time of embryo transfer. Usually three to five days after the egg retrieval, the embryos are transferred back into the uterus. The transfer of the embryos is almost painless, but you may feel a little discomfort.

You may feel that this procedure is very painful, but this is not the case. And I think a little pain is worth it. Don’t you know the phrase, “No pain, no gain.” So women, Relax, your doctor will take care that you experience minimal pain during the procedure.

Next question that comes to your mind is that, what is the cost of treatment? And How far is the treatment successful? Let me answer this one by one.

Cost of treatment:

       IVF is a costly treatment The cost in India varies with the place of treatment. It ranges between 60,000-3,00,000. It can be even more reaching upto 4 lakh. Since the procedure involves advance techniques and very minute detailing, the cost needs to be high.

Success Rate:

        The Probability of success of IVF treatment depends on various factors such as:

• Age of woman
• Type of fertility problem
• Previous Pregnancy
• Donor eggs and quality of semen
• Lifestyle habits
• Fertility clinic

Since Age affects the chances, so younger women have higher chances of success compared to older woman. In fact, the live birth IVF success rate for a woman under 35 who start an IVF cycle is 40 percent.

What are risk associated with the treatment?

Specific steps of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle carry risks, including:

• Multiple births.IVF increases the risk of multiple births if more than one embryo is implanted in your uterus. A pregnancy with multiple fetuses carries a higher risk of early labor and low birth weight than pregnancy with a single fetus does.
• Premature delivery and low birth weight.Research suggests that use of IVF slightly increases the risk that a baby will be born early or with a low birth weight.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.Use of injectable fertility drugs can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, in which your ovaries become swollen and painful.

  Signs and symptoms typically last a week and include mild abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you become pregnant, however, your symptoms might last several weeks.

• The rate of miscarriage for women who conceive using IVF with fresh embryos is similar to that of women who conceive naturally — about 15 to 25 percent — but the rate increases with maternal age. Use of frozen embryos during IVF, however, may slightly increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Egg-retrieval procedure complications.Use of an aspirating needle to collect eggs could possibly cause bleeding, infection or damage to the bowel, bladder or a blood vessel. Risks are also associated with general anesthesia if used.
• Ectopic pregnancy.About 2 to 5 percent of women who use IVF will have an ectopic pregnancy — when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
• Birth defects.The age of the mother is the primary risk factor in the development of birth defects, no matter how the child is conceived.
• Use of IVF can be financially, physically and emotionally draining. Support from counselors, family and friends can help you and your partner through the ups and downs of infertility treatment

How long does it take to get pregnant with IVF?

It takes about four to six weeks to complete one cycle of IVF. You have to wait a few weeks for your eggs to mature. Be patient, and don’t worry experts will take proper care.

This was all about IVF treatment. More details would be provided to you by your doctor. I know, the procedure is a bit painful and very costly. But what you will achieve is also not small, you will have your own child, completing your life.