Understanding IVF: A Comprehensive Guide to Fertility Treatment

IVF stands for 'In Vitro Fertilization'. IVF is the process of creating an embryo by combining a woman's egg and a man's sperm in a laboratory and then placing it in the woman's uterus.

This is also known as artificial insemination technology in common parlance. In Nepal, IVF is often understood as 'test-tube baby', but there are various types of IVF.

'Conventional IVF' is when sperm fertilizes the egg on its own after being placed around the egg in a laboratory. This IVF method is used when the woman's fallopian tubes are blocked.

The method of creating an embryo by injecting high-quality sperm into the egg using a needle is called 'Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)'. This method is used for IVF, especially when the man has a low sperm count and motility, previous IVF has failed, or the man has infertility problems.

Another method of IVF is 'Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection', or 'PICSI'. In this method, like in ICSI, embryos are created by selecting high-quality sperm. PICSI is used for IVF when there is a high probability of low quality and chromosomal defects in the sperm.

In Nepal, IVF is understood in only one sense. However, not all infertile couples have the same problem or the same type of treatment; they differ.

• In which problems is IVF necessary?

Recently, a couple came to Norvic for IVF procedure. The husband had a low sperm count, and his sperm size and morphology were also abnormal. Similarly, the wife had a low 'AMH' (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) level, meaning only 5-6 eggs were visible. In such a situation, if the couple does not undergo IVF in time, the possibility of not having children is high. We have provided them with treatment services through the IVF procedure.

Infertility is considered a problem when a couple cannot conceive even after trying to conceive without using any family planning method. For women under 35 years of age, if conception is not achieved within one year, and for women over 35 years of age, if conception is not achieved within 6 months of trying, they should consult an IVF specialist.

IVF procedure is necessary for conception when a woman has fewer eggs, damaged fallopian tubes, or both tubes have been removed for any reason, and when a man has a low sperm count or motility, or defects in his sperm.

IVF is performed for those who have not conceived even after taking ovulation induction medication up to 6 times and undergoing IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) for up to 6 cycles. In such cases, it is advisable to consult an infertility specialist, undergo a physical examination, and undergo IVF in a timely manner.

The injections used in IVF also vary according to the couple's problem. Medications used before and after embryo creation in the IVF process are different. The timing of embryo transfer to the woman's uterus, whether on day 3 or 5, can also vary. Similarly, if there was a genetic defect or disability in a previous child, or if there were three to four miscarriages, 'Pre-Genetic Testing' can also be done.

• Cases that failed elsewhere have succeeded at Norvic

Norvic IVF Center is special compared to other centers. Couples whose IVF failed elsewhere have found success at Norvic. The specialty of Norvic IVF Center is its ability to achieve successful IVF for those who have faced multiple failures.

Recently, we have made the IVF procedure successful for a couple whose IVF had failed twice. Norvic's IVF protocol is special compared to others. We provide treatment services according to international standards. For this, Norvic constantly encourages us to participate in international conferences and training. At Norvic, we have succeeded in helping hundreds of couples facing infertility problems conceive through IVF.

(The author is an IVF Specialist and an Obstetrician & Gynecologist. She works at Norvic IVF Center.)