Nearly 1,20,00,00  babies have been born through IVF and other assisted reproductive technology treatments. It is increasing day by day as the infertility rates are increasing worldwide. The success rates of IVF treatment are increasing due to advanced technology that is available, though there are several factors responsible for the success. \nAdd-ons for IVF:\nERA - Endometrial Receptivity Testing: \nDuring this testing, gene expression of an endometrial wall biopsy sample is assessed to predict the best time for embryo transfer. This ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis) test is done to optimize the success rate after \nembryo transfe\nr for a patient who has had multiple miscarriages. \nImmunological Therapies:\nThe use of steroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, intralipids, or TNF alpha blockers has been suggested to correct the abnormal immune responses that may hinder implantation. \nPre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT):\nThis test is done for transferring the most viable embryo in IVF treatment. It is an advanced technology used by expert fertility specialists so that a positive pregnancy is achieved without any genetic issues. It reduces the risk of miscarriage in older women and women with a history of multiple miscarriages.\nIVF is a boon for couples to have a biological child of their own. The fertility treatments have evolved with advanced technology.  Innovations are happening every day.   It is becoming more and more accessible for couples. Couples are also becoming open about their fertility issues and are opting for fertility treatments. \nIVF is commonly used to treat:\n• Women of advanced reproductive age\n• Women with fallopian tube blockage or damage\n• Women with conditions such as endometriosis\n• Severe male infertility as a result of low sperm count or quality\nIn vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common form of assisted reproductive technology and is used in the management of patients with difficulty conceiving. This activity revolves around the etiology, evaluation, and the role of the interprofessional team in management strategies for IVF.\n
\nWhat is assisted reproductive technology? \nIt's a technique where the egg and sperm are fertilized outside the body and then transferred into the uterus of a woman. The term in vitro in IVF means outside a living being. IVF treatment is widely used to treat infertility in both men and women. Infertility due to a variety of causes, like endometriosis, male factor, and unexplained infertility, is treated successfully by expert doctors.\nWomen with ovarian insufficiency, or age-related decline in oocyte number, can now become successfully pregnant utilizing donor oocytes in IVF treatment.\n12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse in women less than 35 years with unsuccessful pregnancy or six months in women 35 years or older are considered as suffering from \ninfertility.\n Individuals planning for IVF undergo several evaluations before the start of the treatment cycle. \n
\nCryopreservation\nIVF is also utilized in women who desire to preserve their fertility. Women suffering from cancer or other chronic illnesses need to undergo treatments that pose a threat to ovarian function. These women can go for freezing either oocytes or embryos before chemotherapy or radiation, which can then be transferred at a later date.\n\nOocyte cryopreservation\n is also a viable option for women who wish to delay childbearing. It is a fact that women’s fertility decreases after the age of 35. This drop is a result of a decrease in both oocyte quantity and quality. Women who are not interested in pregnancy in the near future can freeze their eggs/embryos for use in the future.\nIVF Process:\nOocyte Retrieval\nInjections are given to stimulate the ovaries for the production of a larger number of eggs. After 34 to 36 hours, the process of egg retrieval happens. It is performed using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided technique under sedation. \nEmbryo Fertilization\nInsemination or ICSI is used to fertilize the oocytes. The semen sample is prepared by isolating the sperm by density centrifugation and washing it in media with a high protein concentration to promote capacitation, a process that is necessary for sperm to become fertilizable. Fifty to one hundred thousand sperm are incubated with an oocyte for 12-18 hours. \nMale factor infertility \nmay require ICSI, where one sperm is directly injected into the oocyte. \nFertilized embryos are transferred 3 days after fertilization or 5 days after fertilization. The blastocyst stage, ie, after 5 days of fertilization, offers higher live births per cycle and is achieved with fewer embryos. However, fewer embryos are available for transfer due to the loss of some embryos that could not survive for 5 days. Embryos are transferred under transabdominal ultrasound guidance into the uterus by a catheter passing through the cervix. Hence, the IVF process is nothing other than a replica of natural reproduction, just that some steps happen outside the body with minor intervention to aid in the process.\nTo optimize embryo implantation and a continuing pregnancy, luteal phase support medications are given. Excess good-quality embryos are frozen for future use.\nDuring IVF treatment, couples should be clearly informed and should be helped by the staff and the doctor to go through the process comfortably. Patients going through emotional stress, support is a must for relaxation. Many patients face increased psychological stress when going through IVF. It is, therefore, critical that all members of the treatment team take the time to have open lines of communication with the patients and provide patient-centered care.\n

Several advanced IVF treatments are available at GarbhaGudi IVF Centres in Bangalore, like PGT, ERA, Sequential transfer, etc.

One of the best fertility centres for ART is \nGarbhaGudi IVF centres\n, located at 9 different locations in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu\n

At GarbhaGudi, we have been giving a success rate of 65 to 75% on IVF treatments.

A Spotlight on IVF!