In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Aas Fertility & IVF Center - a story of compassion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of creating families
What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves combining a woman's eggs and a man's sperm in a controlled laboratory environment to create an embryo. The term "In Vitro" literally means "outside the body," so the entire fertilization process takes place outside the human body. Once fertilization occurs, the embryo is closely monitored in a laboratory setting until it reaches a suitable stage for transfer into the woman's uterus.
The concept of fertilization outside the human body gained momentum in the 1960s, leading to the birth of the first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, in the United Kingdom in 1978. This breakthrough marked a significant advancement in the field of medicine and infertility treatment. Since then, assisted reproductive techniques have continued to evolve, with IVF and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) becoming widely recognized and accepted as effective methods for couples struggling to conceive.
Who Benefits from IVF?
IVF can benefit couples who are unable to conceive naturally or carry a pregnancy to term. It may also be considered by couples with certain fertility issues, such as:
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Low sperm count or motility
- Advanced maternal age
- Genetic disorders
The Role of Fertility Specialists:
Fertility specialists are trained medical professionals who diagnose and treat infertility and reproductive issues. They play a crucial role in IVF treatments, providing expert guidance, advanced treatment plans, and emotional support to couples throughout their journey. Fertility specialists offer comprehensive care, including diagnosis, treatment options, and counseling on reproductive health and infertility.
The IVF Process:
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): Plays a role in egg maturation and luteal phase support.
- Progesterone and Estrogen: Support the uterine lining and maintain early pregnancy.
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH): Helps predict ovarian response to fertility drugs.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Administered for final egg maturation and release.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Used to stimulate the production of multiple eggs.