In Vitro Fertilization or In Vitro Fertilization is the retrieval of the woman’s eggs (oocytes). For this purpose, ovarian production is stimulated by administering female hormones, similar to the way the woman’s own body produces them. The eggs are then extracted in the operating room under anesthesia. Subsequently, these eggs are fertilized in “a plate” spontaneously, or by introducing a sperm into the egg itself (ICSI).
Are there any risks involved?
The three main complications are:
- Ovarian overstimulation is the accumulation of “fluids” in the abdomen and sometimes in the lung. It occurs in 1% of patients and involves hospital admission.
- Hemorrhage during egg retrieval. We must admit and proceed to coagulate the bleeding area. This situation is very infrequent, occurring in one in a thousand patients.
- Multiple pregnancy. Fifteen to twenty percent of pregnancies are multiple, mainly twins, although the incidence is decreasing every day, since the tendency is to transfer one embryo.
Is it necessary to take any kind of care before and after the operation?
They are simple operations, so they do not require great care. It is only recommended to rest at home during the first or second day after the operation.
To which couples is it recommended?
In Assisted Reproduction, IVF/ICSI procedures are indicated:
- failure of artificial insemination
- tubal obstruction
- low sperm quality
- low ovarian reserve
What level of effectiveness does it offer?
Its effectiveness will depend on each case and on the quality of the egg and sperm, which together with the endometrium, are the fundamental elements in the reproductive process. Numerically, it can range from 40-45%, decreasing to 20-25% depending on age, ovarian reserve, male factor, etc. The fundamental thing is to evaluate each case and to be very clear in establishing real possibilities, without generating false hopes.