Q Hello doctor, i am a 30 year old working woman and i am trying to conceive for the last 3 years. I recently consulted fertility expert who advised me to undergo in vitro fertilization. Could u please let me know more about this and the other options available for me?
In Vitro Fertilization(IVF) is a method of assisted reproduction. A mans sperm and the Womens egg are combined in a laboratory, where fertilization occurs. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the Womens uterus (womb) to implant and develop naturally. Usually, 2-4 embryos are placed in the Womens uterus at one time. Each attempt is called a cycle. IVF is usually the treatment of choice for a woman with blocked, severely damaged, or no fallopian tubes. IVF is also used to overcome infertility caused by endometriosis or problems with the mans sperm (such as low sperm count). The term Test Tube Baby is often used to refer to children conceived with this technique. The following procedures have been used as alternatives to IVF:- 1. Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT): GIFT is similar to IVF. It is used when a woman has at least one normal Fallopian tube. Eggs are placed in this tube along with a mans sperm to fertilize there. 2. Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT): ZIFT is tubal embryo transfer in which a Womens eggs are taken from her ovaries, fertilized in the laboratory, and put back in the fallopian tubes rather than the uterus. 3. Assisted fertilization techniques when not enough sperm are available or sperm quality is not sufficient. 4. Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation: This treatment is suggested for the couples with unexplained infertility. 5. Expectant Management: It is a kind of wait and watch treatment. 6. Adoption: If you can not manage to give birth to a new life you can always choose this holy option.