IVF treatment: Step-by-step

Summary

Allison from Knott's Another Mommy Blog shares her IVF journey, discussing the process, challenges, and key insights. She explains IVF in simple terms, covering the steps from down-regulation and ovarian stimulation to egg collection and embryo transfer. Allison highlights the emotional and physical toll of IVF, including the two-week wait and the impact on daily life. She also provides helpful information on NHS treatment, private IVF costs, and success rates, offering valuable advice for women considering IVF. The video offers both practical tips and personal reflections on navigating the IVF experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 IVF is a process where fertilization takes place outside the womb, in a petri dish, typically used when couples face difficulties conceiving naturally.
• 😀 In the UK, women under 40 who have been trying to conceive for over two years may be eligible for free IVF treatment on the NHS, with up to three rounds provided.
• 😀 Women between 40 and 42 who have been trying for over two years may still be offered one round of IVF, depending on their circumstances.
• 😀 IVF involves a series of appointments, often dominating the first six weeks of the process, so it's important to plan time off work and avoid large holidays.
• 😀 The IVF process involves daily hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries and increase egg production, followed by egg retrieval and fertilization in the lab.
• 😀 Not all eggs will be successfully fertilized, and approximately 60-70% of eggs are typically fertilized in the IVF process.
• 😀 After fertilization, progesterone is taken to thicken the lining of the womb in preparation for embryo transfer, which is usually done when the woman is awake.
• 😀 Some successful embryos may be frozen for future use if the first round of IVF is unsuccessful, allowing a quicker process for future attempts.
• 😀 The two-week wait after embryo transfer can be a stressful and frustrating time, with strict instructions to avoid alcohol, smoking, and excessive physical activity.
• 😀 The success of IVF tends to be higher for younger women, and success rates decrease with age and the number of rounds attempted.
• 😀 While IVF is generally safe, there are risks such as multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins) and ectopic pregnancy, and some women may experience ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) due to the medications used.

Q & A

What is IVF, and how does it work?

IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a process where fertilization occurs outside the womb. Eggs are fertilized in a petri dish, and the fertilized embryos are then transferred into the uterus. It is commonly used by couples who have trouble conceiving naturally.

Can you get IVF treatment on the NHS in the UK?

Yes, in the UK, many women are eligible for free IVF treatment on the NHS. If you're under 40 and have been trying to conceive for over two years, you can be offered up to three rounds of IVF. If you're between 40 and 42, you may be offered one round, depending on your circumstances.

What are the criteria for NHS IVF treatment?

The main criteria for IVF treatment on the NHS include being under 40 years old and having been trying to conceive for more than two years. If you're between 40 and 42 and have been unsuccessful for over two years, you may be offered one round. Other factors, like being overweight, smoking, or already having children, can also influence eligibility.

What are some important things to consider before starting IVF?

Before starting IVF, be aware that it involves numerous appointments, possibly dominating your schedule for up to six weeks. You'll also need to prepare for regular injections, which can be challenging if you're not comfortable with needles. Additionally, consider taking time off work or planning around big life events like holidays.

What is the down-regulation process in IVF?

Down-regulation is the first step in IVF, where you take medication to suppress your natural hormonal cycle. This process prepares your body for ovarian stimulation, which is the next stage in the IVF process.

What happens during ovarian stimulation in IVF?

Ovarian stimulation involves taking daily injections for 10-12 days (sometimes longer) to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The goal is to have as many eggs as possible to increase the chances of a successful fertilization.

What is egg collection in IVF?

Egg collection is the procedure where the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries. This is typically done under sedation, but it may vary by clinic. The process involves a thin tube attached to an ultrasound probe, which is used to collect the eggs.

What happens after the eggs are fertilized in IVF?

Once the eggs are fertilized with sperm, the embryos are monitored for a few days to assess their quality. The best embryos are selected for transfer back into the uterus, and the patient is also prescribed progesterone to thicken the lining of the womb in preparation for implantation.

What is embryo transfer, and how does it work?

Embryo transfer is the procedure where one or more embryos are placed into the uterus. This is typically done while the patient is awake, and it's a relatively simple procedure. The goal is for one of the embryos to implant in the lining of the uterus and result in pregnancy.

What is the two-week wait in IVF?

The two-week wait is the period after embryo transfer when you wait to see if implantation occurs. During this time, you're instructed to rest, avoid alcohol, smoking, and sex, and refrain from testing for pregnancy too early. It's a tense and emotional time, as you wait for confirmation of a successful pregnancy.

What are the chances of success with IVF?

The success of IVF generally depends on the woman's age, with younger women having higher success rates. Success rates tend to decrease with age and the number of rounds of IVF attempted. After multiple unsuccessful rounds, it might be necessary to reassess whether to continue treatment.

Are there any risks associated with IVF?

While IVF is generally safe, there are some risks. These include a higher chance of twin pregnancies if multiple embryos are transferred, a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, and the possibility of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which can cause serious health issues. It's important to monitor for symptoms like shortness of breath, severe headaches, or sickness.