One of the most widespread and effective assisted fertilization techniques is represented by IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). This procedure involves the union, carried out in the laboratory, between the sperm and the oocyte with the aim of obtaining an embryo which will transfer to the mother’s uterus. It will be perform conventionally or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The latter technique allows the direct union between the oocyte and the spermatozoon through a microinjection, through which the second is injected directly into the first. If you are considering IVF Cost in Pakistan, it’s important to be aware of the associated costs and factors influencing them, ensuring you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Whether conventional IVF is used or ICSI is chosen, a preliminary phase is necessary which consists of ovarian stimulation through daily injections to facilitate and increase the production of oocytes and, consequently, to be able to obtain a greater number of embryos. A step of IVF that does not, however, involve any pain.
IVF: a brief historical overview
IVF is a technique that has made, and continues to make, the history of reproductive medicine. The first pregnancy obtained as a result of this procedure dates back to 1978 and in these 41 years there have been millions of treatments of this type carried out all over the world.
IVF: when it is indicate
According to studies and research by the Ministry of Health, IVF is indicating in the presence of a congenital tubal pathology or one that has develop over time, in the hypothesis of moderate male infertility accompanies by a failure of a procedure such as intrauterine insemination, in cases of endometriosis. This technique is use even if the cause of infertility has not identify and the previous assisted fertilization treatment was not successful. ICSI, however, is indicated in case of severe male infertility, in cases of azoospermia, if there is a reduce number of oocytes and if previous IVF attempts have not given the desired outcome.
However, it is important to be aware that only the specialist doctor, after having examined the couple’s situation, will understand which path is appropriate to follow.
The induction of follicular growth
The Ministry of Health also expressly provides that for the purposes of procedures such as IVF and ICSI the first phase consists of a spontaneous cycle or “with induction of follicular growth and maturation of multiple oocytes through the administration of ovulation-inducing drugs”. Basically, these techniques make use of an ovulation induction procedure which has the aim of stimulating the ovarian response to allow the collection of an adequate number of oocytes.
The procedure of ovarian stimulation in IVF: a premise
The first phase of IVF (in vitro fertilization) therefore consists of ovarian stimulation. From this point of view, it is necessary to specify that in the hypothesis of a regular cycle the maturation of an oocyte normally occurs every month. To favor the chances of success of assisted procreation, however, it is necessary for the woman to produce more eggs. This increase in production is inducing through a pharmacological stimulation procedure.
The ovarian stimulation procedure
Ovarian stimulation is achieving through the administration of a series of drugs such as gonadotropins which have the function of stimulating the ovaries to produce a greater number of oocytes to obtain in a second phase, a greater number of embryos. It is specified that this treatment is not uniform and generalize for every woman, but is define ad hoc patient by patient and has a duration varying from 10 to 20 days based on the responses.
Furthermore: in some cases, a preliminary pharmacological therapy with a progestin is also define to deal with any negative hormonal interference on the ovarian response. This phase of IVF, like the subsequent ones, does not involve any pain for the patient. The stimulation is concretely achieves through an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. In all respects similar to those using for the administration of other drugs such as antibiotics.
The drugs used and ultrasound monitoring
The drugs used for the purpose of ovarian stimulation are gonadotropins. In detail, in particular, hMG (the menopausal gonadotropin), uFSh, rFsh and rLh are using. Chorionic gonadotropin and choriongonadotopin alfa are also administer pharmacologically. To evaluate the progression and progress of ovarian stimulation, the patient is subject to continuous ultrasound monitoring.
In certain situations, your healthcare provider may request a blood sample to assess the estrogen levels produced by the follicles. Throughout this phase which can span from 10 days to 3 weeks. Regular ultrasound scans, typically numbering 2 or 3, are conducting. These sequential examinations serve the purpose of determining the size and progression of ovarian follicles. As well as assessing the appearance and thickness of the endometrium.
The follicles generally experience an average daily growth of 1-3 millimeters. This growth is less than expecting, following an ultrasound check, adjusting the dosage of gonadotropins may be consider. For those contemplating IUI Treatment Cost in Pakistan, it becomes crucial to understand the associated costs. Encompassing monitoring procedures such as ultrasound scans. This awareness ensures informed decision-making regarding both the medical and financial aspects of embarking on the journey of fertility treatment.
Egg retrieval
After ovarian stimulation and ultrasound monitoring and having ascertained the presence of a sufficient number of eggs. The oocyte retrieval can be carry out. This phase is precede by a further hormonal administration aims at determining the final maturation of the oocytes. The samples are carry out transvaginal using a probe insert up to the ovaries. This procedure, carried out using light sedation, is also completely painless and free of side effects.
IVI: the leading reality in IVF
The clinical results and the level of patient satisfaction have made IVI. The world leader in the field of in vitro fertilization, both conventional and through intracytoplasmic sperm injections. In particular, regarding IVF and ICSI, the chances of getting pregnant after one attempt in our clinics are 71.3%. A percentage that rises to 95.2% on the third attempt.
In 2017 alone, our facilities carried out 14,648 cycles of homologous in vitro fertilization. And 7,561 cycles of heterologous in vitro fertilization (i.e. with donated gametes) which led to a total of 5,847 pregnancies. An unparalleled result on a global level which confirms IVI as the most important reproductive medicine group in the world.
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