In the past few years, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment has been giving hope to thousands of childless couples. It provided them with the opportunity to have the family they longed for all their life. However, IVF treatment can be quite an overwhelming process for many first-timers. Understanding IVF treatment guidelines will make things much easier for the journey ahead. Dr Pratik Tambe, an experienced IVF doctor at www.ivfdoctors.in , is very determined to help couples fight the complexity of IVF with ease and clarity with years of experience and following thorough guidelines at his clinic in Mumbai.
What is IVF Treatment?
In Vitro Fertilization more commonly knpown as IVF is assisted reproductive technology in which an egg is mixed with a sperm outside of the human body in the laboratory. The fertilized embryo is then placed directly into the uterus with all hope for implantation leading to pregnancy. IVF is frequently advised to infertility couples where the reasons have been diagnosed as blocked tubes, low sperm count or unknown causes of infertility. Dr Pratik Tambe uses a step-by-step approach in the treatment of IVF that enables him to tailor the procedure to the specific needs of each patient so that they are well taken care of during the process.
IVF Treatment Protocol at Dr Pratik Tambe’s Clinic
A patient seeking this route of conception should be aware of the general phases and procedures for IVF treatment. This includes:
1. Consultation and assessment
IVF treatment begins with an initial consultation and evaluation. Dr Pratik Tambe along with his team conducts a detailed examination of both partners, beginning with medical history, a physical examination and conducting any necessary fertility tests that may include blood tests, ultrasound scans and sperm analysis to find out what causes infertility and assess both partners health status. This initial check-up leads to planning a treatment that is uniquely designed for every individual.
2. Ovarian Stimulation
Following the initial check-up, the ovarian stimulation stage follows. Since one egg is released every natural cycle, the stimulation of the ovaries aims at producing more than one egg, which increases the chance of successful fertilization. This is done through hormone injections, managed by Dr Pratik Tambe with serial blood tests and ultrasounds to follow the development of the follicles (which contain the eggs). The stimulation of the ovaries usually takes about 10-14 days. By the end of that period, several eggs mature for retrieval.
3. Egg Retrieval
The size of the follicles is achieved and subsequently egg retrieval is scheduled. It is a minimally invasive process conducted under short general anaesthesia with minimal discomfort to the patient. In this process, Dr Pratik Tambe uses a thin needle directed under ultrasound guidance through the vaginal wall for the process of egg retrieval. The collected eggs are prepared in the laboratory for proper fertilization with due care.
4. Fertilization and Embryo Culture
The fertilization is performed in the laboratory. The eggs are mixed with the sperm of the male partner. In some cases, ICSI is used that is, the injection of a single sperm directly into the egg to help the fertilization process. Fertilized eggs, now known as embryos, are observed for 2-5 days to confirm normal development. The embryology laboratory facilities offered by Dr Pratik Tambe are the best quality, with optimal embryo culture conditions that increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
5. Embryo Transfer
The most viable embryo(s) are transferred after successful fertilization and embryo culture. Embryo transfer is a simple, pain-free procedure that rarely necessitates sedation or anaesthesia. Dr Pratik Tambe will use advanced techniques to make sure the embryo is accurately placed in the uterus under ultrasound guidance. After the transfer, the patient is encouraged to rest for a while and follow post-transfer care guidelines for a supportive environment that favors implantation.
6. Monitoring after transfer and pregnancy test
The treatment is confirmed through a pregnancy test, approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer. This waiting period is emotionally taxing; however, Dr Pratik Tambe and his team do not compromise and support the couples to get over the anxieties and concerns associated with the waiting period. In case of a positive test, the patient will be continued on follow-up care to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Factors Determining the Success of IVF Treatment
Several factors could impact the possibility of IVF success in a treatment cycle, including age, quality of the egg and sperm and pre-existing background health conditions of the patient. A healthy lifestyle, according to Dr Pratik Tambe, coupled with sound emotional wellness, enhances the prospects for a positive outcome. The experience that Dr Tambe has while dealing with cases of infertility also makes him the perfect support companion for patients.
FAQs
1. What is the success rate of IVF?
The success rates vary based on the various factors such as age, couple’s health and also the specific cause of infertility. Dr Pratik Tambe’s clinic ranks on par with international success rates with customized treatment procedures designed to help each couple in bringing out the best.
2. Is IVF risky?
Though largely safe, IVF includes risk factors, such as the possibility of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and the chances of multiple pregnancies. He takes care of every move; thus, all these probable risks are kept to minimum by ensuring the patients are safe in all aspects.
3. How many cycles of IVF will be needed?
The number of cycles differs from patient to patient. Some women conceive in their very first cycle, while some of them take extra cycles beyond the first one. As part of patient counselling, Dr Tambe and his team prepare their clients both financially and emotionally so that they can push ahead with the process.
4. Is IVF treatment a painful process?
Sure, IVF does comprise several procedures where injections and subsequent egg retrieval cause some discomfort. However, patients are taken care of during such procedures through the appropriate medication and sedation measures taken to ensure that this pain does not impact the comfort and overall well-being of the patient.
5. How long does an IVF cycle last?
It takes four to six weeks for a complete IVF cycle: preparation, stimulation, retrieval and embryo transfer phases. Other strategies including embryo pooling, segmentation and DuoStim may take longer and will be discussed with you depending on your individualised treatment plan.
Read more like this: How IVF is Done: A Step-by-Step Guide
