In vitro fertilization is a procedure that involves fertilizing an egg outside of the body. It is estimated that five percent of infertile couples choose to get in vitro. IVF was first introduced in 1981. It is estimated that 20,000 babies have been born as the result of in vitro.
Steps Involved In Performing In Vitro
There are several steps that must be taken before and during in vitro. The first thing that the healthcare provider will do is inject the woman with hormones. This will help increase the number of eggs that are produced. A woman will also be given injections that helps ripen the eggs.
Timing is extremely important. If the eggs are taken out too late or too early, then they will not develop properly. An ultrasound or blood test may be performed in order to ensure that the eggs have fully developed. The medical staff at the fertility clinic will inform women of what they need to do the day before their procedure.
The physician will use an ultrasound to locate the eggs in the ovaries. The eggs will then be removed using a fine needle. This procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour to perform. A woman will be either be mildly sedated or given full anesthesia before the procedure.
The eggs will then be mixed with the sperm. The doctors will observe the fertilized eggs for a few days. After the embryos are ready, they will be placed inside of the uterus using a catheter.
In most cases, two or three eggs are placed inside of the uterus. This is why many women who undergo IVF end up having multiple pregnancy. It is important to note that carrying multiple babies can be very risky.
How Successful Is Vitro Fertilization?
There are many factors that affect the success rate of IVF. One of those factors is the age of the mother. It is estimated that 40 t 43 percent of women who are under the age of 35 are able to conceive and have a live birth. The In vitro success rate is between 30 and 35 percent for mothers who are between the ages of 35 and 37. The in success rate for mothers who are over the age of 40 is between 13 and 18 percent. The fertility clinic one chooses also affects the success rate of this procedure.