In vitro fertilization (IVF): what it is, when it is indicated and how it is done

Fertilization in vitroor IVF, is an assisted reproduction technique that consists of the fertilization of an egg by sperm in a laboratory, and may be indicated in cases of low semen quality, low egg reserves or risk of transmitting genetic diseases to the baby.

This procedure is normally done in stages that can take 4 to 6 weeks and involves the use of medications to stimulate the production of eggs, their fertilization in the laboratory and the implantation of the embryo in the uterus.

This is one of the most used assisted reproduction techniques today and can be performed in private clinics or hospitals or through the SUS after a detailed evaluation by the doctor. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to evaluate your indication.

When is it indicated

Fertilization in vitro may be indicated in case of:

• Sequelae of pelvic inflammatory diseasewhich can block passage through the uterine tubes;
• Gynecological diseases, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids;
• Low semen qualitydue to reduced sperm count, for example;
• Women who can no longer produce eggsusing donor eggs or embryos;
• Treatments that can affect egg reservefrom the use of eggs frozen before its start;
• Women who want to get pregnant after age 35because fertility typically declines with age;
• Risk of disease transmission geneticsin case of family history, for example.

However, especially in cases of suspected infertility, the doctor usually recommends tests for the couple to identify the cause of difficulty conceiving and assess whether fertilization is possible. in vitro It really is the best option. Find out about the tests that assess female and male fertility.

If you want to make an appointment, you can find the gynecologist closest to you using the tool below:

How is the preparation

Before carrying out fertilization in vitroit is common for women to undergo blood tests, such as measuring FSH and/or estradiol, to assess their egg reserve, in addition to imaging tests to check whether there are changes in the uterus that could interfere with embryo implantation.

For men, it is normally recommended to have a spermogram, to check whether the sperm produced are normal and assess the need for other assisted reproduction techniques. Understand better what assisted reproduction is and the indications.

In addition, the doctor usually also recommends tests for the couple for some diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis, which could interfere with the success of fertilization. in vitro.

How fertilization is done in vitro

Fertilization in vitro is a procedure carried out in the assisted reproduction clinic in three stages:

• Stage I: the ovaries are stimulated through the use of medications to produce eggs, which are collected through transvaginal aspiration and sent to the laboratory. At this stage, the man’s sperm is also collected;
• Stage II: The eggs and sperm are prepared and selected in the laboratory and fertilization is done by placing them together in a special container. At this stage, if the chances of fertilization are low, the sperm can be injected directly into the egg;
• Stage III: After fertilization, the embryos begin to develop and, after a few days, still in the initial stages of their formation, they are implanted in the woman’s uterus by the gynecologist at the assisted reproduction clinic.

Additionally, to check whether fertilization in vitro went as expected, a pregnancy test is usually done to measure the amount of beta-HCG in the blood about 9 to 14 days after the embryos are transferred to the uterus.

Possible risks

One of the most common risks of fertilization in vitro is a twin pregnancy due to the presence of several embryos inside the woman’s uterus. There is also a risk of miscarriage, and therefore the pregnancy must always be monitored by an obstetrician and a doctor specializing in assisted reproduction.

Additionally, although rare, medications used for fertilization in vitro as well They can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in some women, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, fluid accumulation in the body and shortness of breath.