What is IVF and what are its characteristics

To date, virtually every inhabitant of the planet knows what an IVF is, even if he has never directly encountered this technique. In vitro fertilization (IVF) in modern medicine is considered as the most effective way to conceive a child in any forms of infertility. If a man is sick in the family, this technique is practically the only way to solve the problem.

This method of treatment was first used in 1978 in the UK. However, some attempts to use it were recorded about 200 years ago.

Such artificial insemination is that the egg meets spermatozoa in a test tube, and then the ready embryo is inserted into the uterus. Since several eggs are involved in this, the birth of twins or triplets is very common. Sometimes, if a woman expresses desire, it is possible to carry out a reduction, that is, extraction of extra embryos. But such a procedure is not safe, because it can cause the death of the remaining and provoke a miscarriage.

Explaining what an IVF is, it should be noted that the procedure is successful in about 30% of cases.

The use of in vitro fertilization is clearly recommended when it is impossible to eliminate the cause that prevents conception. This applies to situations after an ectopic pregnancy, when one or two fallopian tubes are removed, or diseases that result in a violation of patency of the fallopian tubes.

Even though women know what IVF is, they do not always agree on the procedure. There are several reasons for this:

1. ECO is a rather expensive technique, which, moreover, is not carried out in all hospitals at all.

2. In view of the fact that centers for in vitro fertilization have practically no state support, a very limited number of them are located on the territory of the country.

Before the procedure, the couple is sent for examination. A woman must do ultrasound, take a blood test for hormones, a virus of hepatitis, syphilis and AIDS. A man gives a spermogram. If indicators require it, genetic tests are assigned. After the examination, which takes about two weeks, the doctor is determined with the treatment method that is shown to this particular pair.

If IVF is recommended , a woman is prescribed a drug that stimulates the maturation of several follicles. Course - 2 weeks. After this egg with a needle that is inserted through the vagina, extracted from the ovaries. This procedure is characterized by a low degree of pain and should not have negative consequences.

Immediate fertilization is carried out by embryo physicians in a special laboratory. On the third or fourth day, embryos are ready for transfer to the uterus, however, before that they are diagnosed, which is aimed at identifying gross developmental defects, genetic diseases. As a result of the study, the sex of the child is also determined.

As for the transfer procedure, it is very simple: with the help of an elastic catheter embryos are inserted into the uterus. This does not require anesthesia. After the procedure, a woman can go to work, but it is contraindicated emotional and physical overstrain.

Note that each woman in order to recreate the full picture of what is IVF, you should know about possible complications, although they are few. The most important of them is a multiple pregnancy. Sometimes after the reduction, miscarriage of the remaining embryo occurs. After hormonal therapy, which is performed before IVF, the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can develop , which manifests itself in abdominal pain and flatulence. If it is diagnosed in time, it can be corrected. Therefore, at the appearance of the slightest unpleasant sensations, one should consult a doctor.

As for ectopic pregnancy, it is extremely rare with IVF.