What is the problem with us, why are we not able to conceive?
The female as well male partners both need to be assessed for the potential problems. First of all, history is taken which focuses on the duration of the marriage and since when the couple was trying to conceive. The menstrual history is taken to assess whether the female is normally forming and releasing one egg per cycle. The past medical/ surgical history or family history such as tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension is assessed. Also, previous treatment records are reviewed and documented. Some initial blood tests are done to know the general health of the patient. The male partner is advised to take a semen examination which includes sperm count, motility, and percentage of normal-shaped sperms. A baseline ultrasound of the female partner is done in the clinic to assess her ovaries and uterus.
What will be the next step and how are we going to proceed?
Based on the initial history and examination, the problems are identified in both partners. Depending on the problems, thorough counseling is done and step by step treatment plans are made.
When the problem is at the formation of an egg i.e. ovulation, then the drugs for ovulation are given to a woman and timed intercourse or IUI( Intrauterine Insemination ) at the time of egg rupture is offered. Similarly in patients where semen parameters are subnormal then IUI (separating and putting one of the healthiest sperm in the womb) is offered. Before IUI, a sonosalpingogram test is done routinely without anesthesia. It is a test to know whether the tubes are open or not.
4-5 cycles of ovulation induction and IUI can be offered to the patient depending upon the age and other factors. If the number of eggs is less in the ovary then treatment should be at the earliest and thus, IVF is offered. If both the tubes are blocked then, IVF is the only solution.
What is IUI? How is it done?
It is a technique where semen is prepared, concentrated and put inside the womb at the time of egg release. It has the advantage of directly putting sperms that are good in number and highly motile closer to the egg. It is an office procedure and is done without any anesthesia. There is no cut or pain involved. The patient needs to rest for 15 minutes and can carry out her daily routine.
How many cycles can I try for IUI?
The chances of conceiving are maximum within the first 4 cycles of IUI. However, a maximum of 6 cycles can be done depending upon the age and ovarian reserve of the patient.
What are the chances of us getting a baby?
In IUI chances are between 10-15% per cycle. In IVF, there is a chance of 40-45% per cycle .
What is IVF & ICSI? How is it done?
IVF is the technique where drugs are given to the female partner to produce many eggs. The eggs are then collected through the vagina. The procedure is called ovum pick up and it is done under general anesthesia. This procedure requires no cuts or stitches. The eggs are then mixed with the sperm to make babies. When the eggs are incubated with semen in a Petri dish then fertilization takes on its own, this procedure is known as IVF( In vitro fertilization). However, when one sperm is injected inside each egg then it is known as ICSI ( Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). The embryos are kept in an incubator and transferred into the womb on day 3 or day 5 depending upon the number and quality of the embryos.
What is the duration of the treatment?
The stimulation of the female takes 9-10 days. It starts from day 1 or day 2 of the cycle. Then the ovum pick-up occurs 34-36 hours after which the final injection is given to mature the eggs. The embryo transfer occurs from day 2 to day 5 after the pick-up. So the whole process takes around 12-15 days. Sometimes, when the female produces a large number of eggs, especially in the case of polycystic ovaries, then the embryos are frozen and transferred into another cycle, and it is known as the Frozen embryo transfer cycle.
What precautions do we need to take before starting the treatment?
The female is advised to take a healthy diet with regular exercise. Good sleep, yoga/meditation helps to relax oneself. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided.
How is the embryo transfer done?
It is a simple procedure without anesthesia. The woman is asked to come with a full bladder and with the help of abdominal scan guidance, the embryos are placed inside the uterine cavity in the right place. It is a painless procedure and one can go home or work after the procedure.
What are precautions after the embryo transfer?
Constipation should be avoided by drinking plenty of fluids and having a good diet rich in roughage. Rigorous exercises like lifting heavy weights should be avoided. The medicines and injections on the prescription should be taken diligently.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to us, our fertility experts at Pristyn Care Ferticity Fertility Clinics will be glad to help you.
We are one of the best IVF centres in South Delhi and have helped thousands of couples to build a happy family. You can be the next!