In India, around 15% dealing with infertility, and most of them might have even started their search for treatment, or exploring their journey. But there is a misconception that is running around that, you can choose IVF treatment anytime in your life. In fact, couples over 30 should make an appointment with a fertility specialist if they have been trying to conceive for more than 6 months and are unable to get the desired results. The more you delay, the more you reduce your chances of extending your family.
If you are looking towards your journey, this article is for you.
Although In-Vitro Fertilization is a complex process, but is also one of the safest ones. IVF timeline is a journey of time that the procedure takes to give you an expected result. As it is designed to fulfill every person’s unique demand, the timeline varies. It is also influenced by numerous factors such as the condition of the couples, age, problem diagnosis, previous pregnancy, and quality of eggs and sperm.
Mostly the cycle usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, and during this period the stages are performed by the fertility expert. Every person has their own journey, so time may vary because how a body reacts to the treatment also impacts IVF. However, some get results in the first cycle while for some it takes 3 cycles to get results. So, don’t worry and enjoy your journey.
Before finalizing an IVF expert, it is necessary to go through several options and choose what suits you best. After multiple discussions, you can choose one where you feel comfortable and trusted. Make sure to raise queries so you know what is going to happen and how much time this process will take. Here are some of the example questions that can be asked-
Once you finalize the IVF Center, the next step is to reach out for consultation. After the initial stage and explaining the process, the fertility expert conducts an examination to analyze the situation.
There are several tests conducted by experts including-
This is one of the stages where the injection and medication are given to the patient to increase the number of eggs released from the ovaries. Before retrieving an egg, medications are prescribed by the doctors to ensure your health and ovarian stimulation. It typically covers two weeks before the egg retrieval. Moreover, the time varies from woman to woman, because everybody reacts differently.
If inadequate follicle development, medical issues, or premature ovulation occur within the period, the IVF cycle may need to be delayed. For better chances, fertility experts start a new medication. But everything is normal, the further process is implemented.
Frequent ultrasounds and regular blood tests are conducted to measure hormone levels, and growth of ovarian follicles.
Experts get a thin window after the last injection and the beginning of ovulation to retrieve the egg. It is around between 34 to 36 hours prior to ovulation. The whole process is conducted once anesthesia or sedation is given to women. Through transvaginal ultrasound, the whole process is performed, and identify the follicles. A thin and long needle incubates inside the vagina, suction out the eggs, and send them to the IVF lab where embryologists retrieve the eggs and isolate them. This whole process requires 20 to 30 minutes. Although women do feel a little discomfort for a few hours, but it heals over time.
On the same day, the partner’s sperm is also collected, it can be through testicular aspiration or another natural process.
On a very similar day of egg retrieval, embryologists fertilize the eggs naturally in the lab by mixing them with sperm. Experts ensure that the eggs are fertilized properly to provide the best chances. Some other processes are also used like Intracytoplasmic sperm Injection, where the sperm are injected directly into the mature egg. When the sperm count is compromised or quality is low, then this process is opted for.
The embryo creation requires a few days for better results. In the first 3 days, the embryos are developed in culture media, and these are designed similarly to fallopian tubes. On day 4th, an IVF expert cultures them, so they can reach to blastocyst stage. Now the embryo already started to divide into different cells, and this is the stage where couples can get the best results.
In the meanwhile, genetic testing is conducted to ensure that the couples are not carrying any sort of issue that can become a lifelong problem for the baby. Tests like PGT-M/PGT-A are conducted. If you are older or had multiple failed IVFs, then you should anticipate this test. You will get peace of mind after that. Not all the developed embryos are able to survive to day 5 of development (blastocyst stage). This is quite normal.
IVF experts start progesterone injections on a daily basis from the day of the egg retrieval process. It aids in nourishing the uterine lining and helps in preparing the body to introduce embryos. Additionally, to improve the blood flow, supplements are provided to grow thick endometrial lining to increase the chances.
If you want to get the best results, then the couple should start meditation as soon as they plan to go for this. Most couples feel stressed about the results, but this not going to help you. Rather, it is good to meditate, as it soothes the mind, and reduces anxiety and stress levels. Having a positive mental state and relaxed mind is vital, as it impacts the hormones directly. 10 minutes of your day is enough for you.
This is the final step of your IVF journey to start your family. After sedation, a speculum is inserted inside the vagina and a catheter is into the cervix to place an embryo fluid in the uterus. It takes 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t worry you will get enough time to take rest and ease yourself.
To do:
Not to do:
After embryo transfer, it typically takes 12 to 14 days after conducting a test. The result is highly dependent on several factors like genetics, quality of eggs and sperm, age, etc. If you conduct a test before the two-week time slot, then you might end up with false results. So, wait for at least 2 weeks to get the results. For accurate results, visit your fertility center.
If you started to experience heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and fever, then kindly seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms indicate issues with the process, and can also lead to comes serious complications like miscarriage, infection, etc.
If you are unable to get the desired results, no need to be hopeless, you can try again. And this time, you need to make sure that you have improved your overall health and lifestyle for better and more effective results. Moreover, it is always best to consult an IVF center. They can let you know when you can try again, and the improvement you can make for desired results.
Aveya Fertility Center believes that parenthood is a very beautiful journey and one should experience this one peacefully. Although IVF timelines are very crucial to start this journey, if you are thinking about this, then start focusing on the things that can give you positive results and vice versa.
For more accurate information, contact us today!
Disclaimer: The intent of this article is to give you basic knowledge about the topic. If you are looking for more precise and accurate information, kindly consult the professionals.