In vitro fertilisation, or IVF, is a medical procedure that can help couples struggling with fertility issues conceive a child. Different types of IVF treatments are available, and the best one for a particular couple depends on their unique circumstances.
In vitro fertilisation is a complicated sequence of methods done to help a female increase her fertility or avoid any kind of genetic problems while conceiving a child.
IVF is used when a woman has blocked, or no fallopian tubes or a man has a low sperm count. It offers a chance to people without the scope of conceiving a baby through normal methods. To learn more about the types of IVF treatment, keep reading the article.
IVF is the most practical and effective form of assisted reproductive technology. However, the procedure is time-consuming, costly, and invasive. Under "normal circumstances", a woman's egg and a man's sperm join inside the woman's body.
However, in IVF, the fertilisation of the egg by the sperm in a laboratory dish. The meaning of the word "in vitro" is outside the body, and fertilisation is the attachment of the egg to the sperm.
In the IVF procedure, mature eggs are collected from the ovaries. They are put together with sperm in a laboratory. These fertilised eggs are moved to the uterus of the female.
There are three main approaches to types of IVF cycle with minimum or no drugs that are natural cycle IVF, mild stimulation IVF and in vitro maturation. One normal cycle of IVF takes around four to six weeks. If the actions have been divided into distinct parts, the procedure will take longer. The eggs and sperm may belong to the couple or a known or anonymous donor.
The success of IVF depends on many factors, such as age and the cause of infertility. For example, pregnancy with more than one baby may happen if more than one embryo is planted in the uterus, whereas if fewer are planted, there may be chances of no baby.
"What are the different types of IVF" - is a question that pops up in the head of most women trying to conceive. There are a variety of procedures involved in IVF. All of them are known by different names but come under the umbrella of IVF. The following are the types of IVF treatments -
Conventional IVF can be a successful treatment option for couples struggling with infertility due to various factors such as low sperm count, endometriosis, or blocked fallopian tubes.
It is expected to go for dedicated embryo transfer and pregnancy testing after 2 weeks of the transfer date.
The success rate of conventional in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is influenced by various factors, such as the woman's age and the quality of eggs and sperm. Other factors that can affect the success rate of conventional IVF include the number of embryos transferred, the quality of the embryos, and the health of the uterus.
Some fertility clinics may transfer multiple embryos to increase the chances of pregnancy, but this can also increase the risk of multiple pregnancies and complications.
There are different types of IVF protocols that need to be followed by the doctor and the clinic while conducting IVF pregnancy. The reduction in the number of protocols that govern IVF is known as mini IVF.
There are no standard protocols that govern mini IVF. It usually means less medication use, so that few high-quality eggs can be produced.
Although this type of IVF treatment means less backup option at the time of contingency, for some couples, it works perfectly.
Here are the steps involved in Mini IVF:
Mini IVF can be beneficial for women looking for a less invasive, less expensive, and more natural approach to IVF. Here are some of the benefits of Mini IVF:
The success rate of Mini IVF can vary depending on various factors, including the age and fertility status of the patient, the number and quality of the eggs retrieved, and the expertise of the fertility clinic. The success rate of Mini IVF is lower than that of conventional IVF but higher than that of natural cycle IVF.
It is important to note that success rates can vary greatly depending on the individual circumstances of each patient and that the success rate of Mini IVF may not be as high as conventional IVF in patients with certain fertility issues.
It is important to discuss the potential success rates of Mini IVF with a fertility specialist to determine if it is the best option for a particular patient.
In some cases, couples may need to use donor eggs, sperm, or embryos to conceive a child. This is known as donor IVF, and it can be a good option for couples who have genetic disorders or other medical conditions that make it difficult to conceive on their own.
The procedure involves using eggs and/or sperm from a donor in order to conceive. Here are the steps involved in Donor IVF:
Here are some of the benefits of Donor IVF:
The success rate of Donor IVF can vary depending on various factors, including the age and fertility status of the intended mother, the quality of the donor eggs and/or sperm used, and the expertise of the fertility clinic.
However, in general, the success rate of Donor IVF is higher than that of conventional IVF using the patient's own eggs.
Natural IVF means encouraging the ovary to produce eggs through natural methods and not by medication. A close watch is kept on the patient through ultrasounds and blood tests, allowing the eggs to develop naturally without any medical assistance.
The follicles develop naturally, and doctors proceed with the IVF cycle as soon as the eggs reach the right measure and maturity.
The most crucial steps involved in Natural IVF include the following:
The following steps for fertilisation, embryo culture, embryo transfer and pregnancy test are similar to the other IVF treatments mentioned above.
In this IVF, the natural menstrual cycle is closely monitored, and eggs are retrieved when they are naturally released. Here are some potential benefits of natural IVF:
As with any fertility treatment, a woman's age is an important factor that can affect the success of natural IVF. The older a woman is, the lower her chances of success.
Natural IVF may be more successful for women with a specific fertility diagnosis, such as tubal factor infertility, which means the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged.
Success rates for natural IVF tend to increase with the number of cycles attempted. Some women may need to undergo multiple cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy.
The quality of a woman's eggs can also affect the success of natural IVF. Women who have a low egg reserve or poor egg quality may have lower success rates.
Another type of IVF treatment is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to fertilise it.
The ICSI technique is often used when the man has a very low sperm count, or the sperm has difficulty penetrating the egg. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is an advanced technique of insemination.
In this procedure, a single sperm is insinuated into the egg to induce the fertilisation process. The sperm which has to be injected is chosen using sperm morphology.
The ICSI procedure takes place in an embryology lab. This is one of the methods used in IVF. The sperm is taken from the sperm drop and transferred into an ICSI needle, and injected into the egg. The specific steps involved in ICSI are:
In general, ICSI has a high fertilisation rate, with around 70-80% of injected eggs being successfully fertilised. The live birth rate for ICSI can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the embryos and the age of the woman.
There is also the option of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which involves testing embryos for genetic abnormalities before they are transferred into the woman's uterus.
PGT can be particularly useful for couples who are at risk of passing on genetic diseases to their children. It's important to note that success rates can vary widely from one clinic to another, and that individual outcomes will depend on a variety of personal factors.
The following are the general steps involved in the PGT procedure:
It is important to note that PGT can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy by reducing the risk of implanting embryos with genetic abnormalities.
The success rate of PGT can vary depending on many factors, and couples should discuss their individual situation with their fertility specialist to determine the best course of action.
Several factors can impact the success of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. These factors can be related to the woman, the man, or the process of IVF itself. Here are some of the main factors that can affect IVF treatment:
It's important to note that each individual's case is unique, and the success of IVF treatment depends on many factors that can vary from person to person. A qualified fertility specialist can evaluate each case and provide personalised treatment recommendations.
Choosing the right IVF treatment involves several factors. It's important to consult with a fertility specialist who can evaluate individual circumstances and recommend the most appropriate IVF treatment options based on the couple's unique needs and goals.
Key factors that one must consider before finalising the IVF treatment include:
For many couples, the inability to conceive a child can be a source of immense emotional distress and impact their relationship and overall quality of life. IVF offers a way to overcome this challenge and can profoundly impact their lives. IVF can help couples with various fertility issues, including low sperm count, ovulation disorders, or damaged fallopian tubes.
Different types of IVF pregnancy have helped countless couples to achieve their dreams of becoming parents, and the impact it can have on their lives is immeasurable.
We at HexaHealth can help you better understand IVF technology and how it can help solve your infertility issues. Put your trust in our dedicated professionals and get started with your journey of growing the family. Get in touch with our experts today and learn more!
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Last Updated on: 28 August 2024
MBBS, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diploma In Cosmetic Gynaecology
9 Years Experience
Dr Arti Sharma is a well-known Obstetrician and Cosmetic Gynaecologist currently associated with Aesthetica Veda in Bengaluru. She has 9 years of experience in Obstetrics and Cosmetic Gynaecology and worked as an expert Obstetrician...View More
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