In Vitro fertilization (IVF) for 40 years gives a chance to women who cannot get pregnant to have a long-awaited addition to the family, because the probability of pregnancy with IVF is even higher than naturally – 35% versus 20%, respectively. In this article, a reproductive therapist answers questions that are important for everyone who plans IVF to know.
There is an opinion that children born using IVF have genetic diseases and develop more slowly than children conceived naturally. How fair is it?
This stereotype has developed due to the fact that two or three embryos were transferred earlier. And, as a rule, with multiple pregnancies, children are born prematurely with developmental delay, and require careful monitoring and rehabilitation.
Currently, the principle of selective single embryo transfer prevails all over the world.
Scientists have found that such children do not differ from their peers, conceived naturally, for health reasons.
Is it true that vitamin D can directly affect the ability of couples to conceive?
Vitamin D not only regulates calcium metabolism, as is commonly believed. Vitamin D receptors are present in the organs of the male and female reproductive system, as well as the placenta. Therefore, it is so necessary for the onset of pregnancy.
It has been proven that more than 90% of infertile women have a reduced concentration of vitamin D. And in pregnant women, vitamin D deficiency can lead to adverse outcomes for the mother and fetus.
Are there complications after IVF?
Unfortunately, complications may occur at each stage of the IVF protocol. At the stage of stimulation, allergic reactions and the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are possible. The stage of transvaginal puncture may be complicated by bleeding. After the transfer of embryos into the uterine cavity, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is not excluded.
These complications are rare. In the arsenal of reproductologists there are tools that allow you to reduce the occurrence of these complications to a minimum.
How many attempts of IVF can be done without harm to health?
Exactly as long as it takes to achieve pregnancy. The main thing is that the break between stimulations is 2-3 menstrual cycles.
Is it true that repeated IVF attempts can provoke cancer?
It has been proven that the drugs used to stimulate superovulation (clomid is not included in this list) they do not cause oncological processes. We manage to eliminate all the associated risks at the stage of examination before IVF, namely, when detecting formations in the mammary glands or in the thyroid gland, a specialist’s opinion is required on the absence of contraindications for IVF.
What is the difference between IVF and hatching?
IVF and hatching are two components of the embiological stage. Only IVF is a method of fertilization, and hatching is an additional procedure that is done before transfer in order to implant embryos into the uterine cavity.
The embryo is protected from the external environment by a dense shiny shell. To attach to the endometrium (pregnancy), the embryo must independently exit it. When the embryo cannot leave the shell on its own, the embryologist makes an incision in it with a laser, which contributes to the exit of the embryo.
There is a concept of “psychological infertility” — what does it mean?
This is an unspoken diagnosis, which is “made” if it is not possible to get pregnant even after a comprehensive examination of a married couple and repeated IVF attempts with genetically healthy embryos.
Sometimes patients too zealously pursue the goal of becoming parents and are constantly waiting for pregnancy, which leads to depression or stress. Here is the time to seek help from a psychologist.
How to prepare for a visit to a reproductologist?
It is necessary to schedule a visit to the doctor for the 2-3 day of the menstrual cycle. It is desirable for a woman to take hormones such as AMH, FSH, LH, Estradiol, TSH, Prolactin. To the man – a spermogram and a MAR – test. Do not forget to bring statements and the results of previously passed tests to the reception.