In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), commonly known as “test-tube baby” treatment, was first applied worldwide in 1978 in England by Prof. Dr. Robert Edwards. In IVF treatment, eggs collected from the woman and sperm collected from the man are combined in a laboratory setting in a glass dish (petri dish). The term “in vitro,” a Latin phrase, translates to “in glass” in English. Approximately 40 hours after the egg and sperm are combined, it is checked whether fertilization has occurred and whether cell division has begun. The fertilized eggs (embryos) are then placed into the woman’s uterus.
Prof. Dr. Robert Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2010 for developing the IVF treatment method.
IVF Medications
Like all medical treatments, IVF also involves certain risks. Many women undergoing IVF treatment for infertility use ovulation induction drugs that stimulate the ovaries to produce one or more eggs. Possible side effects of these medications include:
- Bruising and tenderness at the injection site: Rotating injection sites can help alleviate these issues.
- Allergic reactions, gastrointestinal sensitivity, headaches, or mood swings: If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This occurs when the ovaries produce too many follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing eggs), causing the ovaries to enlarge. OHSS is a side effect of nearly all fertility drugs. It is usually mild and resolves once medication is stopped. However, in severe cases, OHSS can cause significant ovarian enlargement, dehydration, fatigue, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen and lungs. Rarely (in less than 1% of patients), OHSS can lead to blood clots or kidney failure.
Ways to reduce the risk of severe OHSS:
- Lowering the dosage of medications stimulating the ovaries.
- Preventing ovulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or canceling the treatment cycle.
- Collecting the eggs and freezing the embryos for later use.
Ovarian Cancer Risk
While older studies suggested a possible link between fertility drugs and ovarian cancer, more recent studies have found no such association.
Egg Retrieval Procedure
During the egg retrieval process, your doctor uses a vaginal ultrasound to guide a long, thin needle through the vagina into the ovary. The eggs are then collected from each follicle one by one. This procedure is typically performed under anesthesia.
Potential risks include:
- Mild to moderate discomfort during or after the procedure.
- Damage to surrounding organs, such as the bladder, bowel, or blood vessels.
- Bleeding in the ovaries or pelvic vessels (usually minimal and rarely requires surgery or blood transfusion).
- In rare cases, pelvic infections, which, if severe, are treated with intravenous antibiotics. In very rare instances, infected reproductive organs may need to be surgically removed.
Embryo Transfer
During embryo transfer, your doctor uses an ultrasound to guide an outer catheter (speculum) through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. A smaller catheter containing the embryos is inserted into the outer catheter, and the embryos are released into the uterus.
Prof. Dr. Ercan Bastu Nesta Clinic
, commonly known as “test-tube baby” treatment, was first applied worldwide in 1978 in England by Prof. Dr. Robert Edwards. In IVF treatment, eggs collected from the woman and sperm collected from the man are combined in a laboratory setting in a glass dish (petri dish). The term “in vitro,” a Latin […]){kind=link}