IVF may be an option if either you or your partner has been diagnosed with any of the following conditions which may contribute to infertility:
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During the process of IVF, fertilization of the eggs with sperm occur in a laboratory—“ in vitro”. Before fertilization, hormonal injections are administered for about 2 to 4 weeks to stimulate the follicles within the ovaries. Eggs are then collected and inseminated (IVF) or injected (ICSI) with the husband’s sperm in the laboratory. After fertilization, the embryos are incubated for 2-5 days before being replaced into the womb in a process called embryo transfer. A successful pregnancy can be confirmed 17 days later via a blood test. There are other procedures involved in IVF which are suitable for specific problems. Your doctor will advise you if any of the following are necessary for you:
OHSS refers to excessive stimulation of the ovaries during ovulation induction.
It is a side effect of the medications that are given to you.
Symptoms include
OHSS is usually mild and causes no more than slight lower abdominal discomfort in most cases. However, immediate medical attention is required should the symptoms persist or worsen. They include
A small percentage of patients undergoing IVF may need to be admitted due to severe symptoms of OHSS. If you experience any of the above symptoms, please inform your doctor.
Although the prospect of twins or triplets may seem attractive to some couples, multiple pregnancies are associated with increased risks of maternal and fetal complications. These include an increased risk of
The likely reasons for the failure are
This can be due to a significant portion of embryos poor quality or abnormal.
Failure of treatment can lead to emotional strain and depression. Psychological counseling and support is available. Do not hesitate to inform your doctors if you require help.
IVF increases the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy. Patients who become pregnant through IVF treatment are advised to schedule an early scan to make sure that the pregnancy is correctly positioned. If an ectopic pregnancy is detected at an early stage, a medication called methotrexate can be used to dissolve the pregnancy tissue. Otherwise, surgical procedures will be considered to treat the ectopic pregnancy. Your specialist will discuss the appropriate treatment should this happen to you.
Miscarriage is a common complication of pregnancy. You will experience some abdominal cramps and bleeding. This diagnoses needs to be confirmed by your doctor. Depending on your condition and assessment by your doctor, surgical procedures may be required. Please consult your specialist for further information.
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