In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most well-known and widely used methods of assisted reproduction. Since the birth of the first baby using this method in 1978, IVF has helped millions of couples around the world achieve their dream of parenthood. Below, we answer some of the most common questions related to IVF, covering key aspects of the procedure and the conditions under which it is recommended.

When is a couple considered infertile?

A couple is considered infertile and should seek the advice of a specialist when, after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse, they do not achieve a positive pregnancy test, assuming that they have 2-3 intercourse sessions per week. If the woman is older than 39 years, it is recommended to seek a consultation earlier, after about 6 months of trying.

What tests should the couple undergo?

The basic tests that a couple should undergo include a hormonal profile (LH, FSH, E2, PRL, TSH, and AMH), a hysterosalpingography, a transvaginal ultrasound of the internal reproductive organs, and a sperm analysis for the male partner. With these tests, the causes of infertility can be identified in 80-85% of couples, allowing for the appropriate treatment to be determined.

What are the most common indications for a couple to undergo IVF?

IVF is commonly recommended in cases where the fallopian tubes are permanently blocked, in cases of extensive endometriosis, and in cases of anovulation (when the ovaries do not release an egg). For male infertility, conditions such as severe oligoasthenoteratospermia or complete azoospermia can lead to the use of IVF. Additionally, IVF may be indicated for couples with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities that require pre-implantation genetic testing to ensure the birth of a healthy child.

What are the stages of IVF?

The IVF process involves several stages. It begins with the selection of an appropriate pharmaceutical protocol to stimulate the production of a sufficient number of high-quality eggs. The growth of the follicles is monitored through ultrasound and hormonal tests, and when the follicles reach a size of 18 millimeters, the eggs are retrieved under anesthesia. The eggs are then fertilized in the laboratory, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus, either on day 3 or at the blastocyst stage.

What side effects can this procedure have?

International research indicates that IVF drugs do not increase the risk of breast or ovarian cancer, except in cases where women have undergone excessive stimulations, exceeding six cycles. However, a possible side effect of IVF is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which primarily occurs in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Depending on the severity of OHSS, the woman may require hospitalization, a delay in embryo transfer, or other medical interventions to ensure her safety.

Is there IVF without medication?

Yes, it is known as a “natural cycle” IVF, which is recommended for women who cannot or do not wish to take medication. The main difference from traditional IVF is that only one egg is retrieved, the one naturally selected by the woman’s body. This egg is fertilized through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and the resulting embryo is transferred in the same way as in conventional IVF.

Can women without a partner undergo IVF?

Yes, women who wish to have children but do not have a partner can use donor sperm from certified sperm banks to undergo IVF.

Is childbirth after IVF only possible through cesarean section?

The mode of delivery after IVF depends on the woman’s medical history, the course of the pregnancy, and any potential complications, especially in older women. IVF does not preclude natural childbirth. However, in cases of multiple pregnancies, a cesarean section may be recommended.

Is success guaranteed through IVF?

Several factors influence the success of IVF, including the woman’s age, her hormonal profile, and the quality of the male partner’s sperm. Couples where the woman is under 35 years old have a high success rate, reaching up to 70%. For women aged 35-40, the success rate is around 60%. After 40, the success rate drops to approximately 35%, and for women aged 42 and older, the success rates are significantly lower.

What should I know about egg cryopreservation?

Egg cryopreservation is now a well-established option, utilizing the vitrification technique. This is especially beneficial for women who are about to undergo radiation or chemotherapy. Additionally, women without a partner or with significant professional commitments can preserve their fertility by freezing their eggs, allowing them to delay childbearing until a later time.