In vitro fertilization treatment methods, which offer an alternative solution due to many factors that prevent women from having children in normal ways, successfully conclude very complicated cases such as infertility. However, the success of in vitro fertilization treatment methods is shaped by the correct treatment method applied focusing on the couples' problems and the quality of the couples' reproductive cells. Although in vitro fertilization treatment achieves successful results in line with these parameters, it does not have a 100% guarantee of success. For this reason, when couples apply for treatment, they should be prepared financially and morally just in case, and obtain all the necessary information about the treatment from their doctor.
How is in vitro fertilization done?
A number of tests and examinations are applied simultaneously to the expectant mothers and fathers to determine the reasons why couples who apply for in vitro fertilization treatment methods cannot have children normally. In addition, a detailed research is conducted on other assisted reproductive methods that the couples have tried before and the medications they use. While determining the appropriate treatment method for couples according to the test results, it is aimed to eliminate the question marks in the minds of the couples about the treatment process. It is a method of assisted reproduction that supports These procedures are completed gradually, within a short period of approximately 1 month, by meeting the appropriate conditions for pregnancy and using some medications.
What are the stages of in vitro fertilization treatment?
The suitable conditions for pregnancy of patients applying for in vitro fertilization treatment are evaluated and the treatment process is started after determining their suitability.
1)Egg development
Following the examinations performed before starting the treatment, hormone injections are administered to stimulate the ovaries, taking into account the woman's age, egg reserves and hormone levels, in order to obtain egg cells of suitable quality for pregnancy. The dosage and method of use are determined.
It is usually taken on the second day of menstruation. After the hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries on the third day, the follicles are expected to reach a certain maturity. During this period, estrogen hormone levels and ovaries are monitored with ultrasound. While this process varies between approximately 12-16 days, the next stage, the egg collection process (OPU- oocyte pick up), begins 32-36 hours after the cracking shot.
2)Egg collection
32-36 hours after the cracking injection, the expectant mother's egg cells are collected through a thin cannula by vaginal ultrasonography under anesthesia. The collected eggs are transported in sterile tubes to the laboratory environment to be combined with the sperm cells obtained from the prospective father. Compared to previous years, egg collection is now performed more easily and painlessly. However, the pain that occurs in some patients after the procedure can be controlled with mild painkillers. In parallel with the woman's egg collection process, the process of obtaining sperm from the man is carried out.
3) Fertilization process
The reproductive cells obtained from the expectant mother and father are brought together in the laboratory environment and subjected to fertilization. At this stage, the development and quality of the embryos are monitored and the embryos with the best quality for pregnancy are determined. This process is completed after the embryo, which occurs 5-7 days after the egg collection process, is placed in the uterus of the expectant mother.
4) Embryo transfer
The embryo transfer process, which is the last stage of in vitro fertilization treatment methods, is the highest quality fertilized embryo. It is the detection of the embryo and its placement in the uterus of the expectant mother. Embryo transfer is a painless procedure that does not require anesthesia. Before the procedure, the expectant mother's cervix is cleaned with special solutions, and a thin catheter is inserted into the uterus under abdominal ultrasound guidance. As mentioned, since the procedure does not cause any discomfort to the expectant mother, the patient can go home 1-2 hours after the procedure. In addition, other than the number of embryos transferred, the remaining quality embryos can be frozen and stored for the next treatment or for reuse in the future.
5)Waiting period
In vitro fertilization treatment work after embryo transfer operations are completed. The next stage of this process only covers the day when the pregnancy test results will be obtained. The results of the treatment are obtained with a pregnancy test performed approximately 2 weeks after the transfer. If the pregnancy is positive, the pregnancy process begins with pregnancy follow-ups, as in normal pregnancies.
How long does in vitro fertilization treatment take?
Examinations and the doctor's advice before starting in vitro fertilization treatment. Except for the evaluation phase, treatment stages are completed in a short time of approximately 15 days. While the treatment period covers the procedures applied to the expectant mother, sperm is obtained from the expectant father within 10 minutes simultaneously with the egg collection process. However, this period may be extended due to some disruptions encountered during the treatment stages. The response of the ovaries affects this period, especially depending on the drug dosages used to stimulate the ovaries. Apart from this, OHSS, that is, overstimulation of the ovaries, which occurs as a result of incorrect dosage use, is called the main complication affecting the treatment process. If OHSS is the case, treatment steps are stopped and treatment is applied to eliminate this syndrome. After OHSS is resolved, treatment is restarted.
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