Is IVF painful? All about In Vitro Fertilization?

Posted by Mangal Barot
6
Feb 7, 2020
644 Views
What is In vitro fertilization and is IVF painful?

In vitro fertilization (or IVF) is a technique of medically assisted reproductive technology (ART). Its aim to ensure the meeting of the oocyte and the sperm outside the woman's body (in vitro) that is in the laboratory.
In practice, sperm is collected and prepared in the laboratory while the collection of oocytes is done by puncturing the ovaries after ovarian stimulation. Within the laboratory, the gametes (oocytes and spermatozoa) are then fertilized, in vitro (in a container) via traditional technique or via ICSI. The fertilized oocyte then becomes an embryo, which is transferred into the uterus. For the people who ask- Is IVF painful process… the answer is No! It is not.

IVF, therefore, involves several stages: 
  • Ovarian stimulation  
  • Oocyte and semen collection
  • In vitro fertilization and embryonic culture
  • The transfer of embryos into the uterus

Is IVF painful? Let’s know when and whom to benefit from IVF?

IVF is indicated when "natural" fertilization becomes impossible

  • A tubal abnormality: the causes of these tubal anomalies (i.e. related to the tubes) are varied. It can be the sequelae of genital infections, adhesions after surgery or ectopic pregnancies. In one-third of cases, sperm damage to the partner is associated with it.
  • Endometriosis: it is a disease characterized by the abnormal presence of uterine lining on the peritoneum of the pelvis and the ovaries essentially, resulting in decreased fertility.
  • Spermogram anomalies: they alone are indications for performing a classic IVF in 20% of cases, while the fallopian tubes are perfectly healthy.
  • Unexplained infertility: in this case, the use of in vitro fertilization usually occurs after several failed attempts of simple ovary stimulation or intrauterine insemination.
  • For the people who might feel scared about this process and ask- Is IVF a painful process… the answer is No, it is a completely pain-free process.

Are IVF injections painful?
No! The answer is again NO. One might feel a little uneasy or a little uncomfortable while or after being injected but for the ones who ask “Are IVF injections painful”, for them, they really don’t need to feel scared or nervous because these are indeed not painful.

Is IVF painful? Let’s know when and up to what age can IVF be used?

Since the first birth through IVF, millions of babies have been born in the world, and their number continues to grow from year to year. About 30% of IVF pregnancy attempts will result in the birth of a full- term child, whose chances in life are the same as for any naturally conceived child.

Is IVF treatment painful? Let’s know how does it actually work?

To know the answer of this question- “Is IVF treatment painful”, let’s go through its various steps-

  • Each month, the female ovaries produce an oocyte. After maturation, the oocyte becomes an egg which can eventually be fertilized. In the case of IVF, the ovaries will be stimulated by injecting daily hormones to produce several oocytes. These oocytes will be collected at maturity in a hospital environment.
  • On the very day of their puncture, they are brought into contact with the spermatozoa (most often collected by masturbation). Then begins the race for fertilization, the results of which will begin to be apparent after sometime.
  • The embryos which then begin to develop are closely monitored, and moved to an environment favorable to cell division.
  • After 2, 3 or 5 days, an embryo (sometimes several) will be implanted in the woman's uterus. It is a painless medical procedure and does not require anesthesia. The answer to the question- is IVF painful? Is a big no!
  • Then, patience is required, since it takes twelve days to verify that the embryo implants correctly. These twelve days are necessary for the level of pregnancy hormone (Beta HCG) produced by the female body to be detectable in the blood and signal the start of gestation.
  • Finally, the pregnancy will be confirmed by performing an ultrasound, usually 4 weeks after the transfer.

The process of IVF might look complex and painful but the ones who are holding fear about opting this and having questions like Is IVF painful? No, you really don’t need to worry.

Is IVF painful? Let’s know in case of both female and male fertility disorders

From its inception, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has helped to resolve the dysfunctions of the fallopian tubes, which play a vital role in fertilization in women. Then it leads to other indications of female reproductive disorders.

As for sperm, some people sometimes find it difficult to develop all their energy to reach the oocyte. They can be too few, not be mobile enough or can have an inadequate shape, etc. Small defects that prevent them from being effective and that IVF can compensate for.  There is no age limit to attempt IVF. However, it is important to note that the mutual will not intervene beyond 43 years of age and that in vitro fertilization cannot be done after menopause except in the condition when it is done with the help of donor oocytes. To know more about IVF, visit the best IVF centres in India.

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