What is Classical In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

It is the process of bringing together sperm cells and egg cells in a laboratory environment to achieve fertilization . IVF is an abbreviation of the word “in vitro fertilization” and refers to the union of the sperm-egg duo in the laboratory.

What are the stages of IVF?

In IVF treatments, the general health status of the mothers is very important. Biological factors belonging to the father are completed with sperm samples taken from the father. However, the process will be much more complicated for the mother. First, mature egg cells are obtained. These mature eggs are fertilized by the sperm and an embryo is formed. After the embryo is formed, the nine-month process begins with its transfer to the mother’s uterus and its ability to hold on in the mother’s womb. Major revolutionary changes occur over time.

Stages in classical IVF treatments:

First inspection
Afterwards, ovarian stimulation procedures are performed.
Collection of stimulated eggs
Bringing the sperm cell and egg cell together in a suitable environment and ensuring fertilization
Transfer of the fertilized egg (embryo) to the mother’s uterus

Pregnancy rates

In previous years, the success rate with IVF was limited to 20-30%. Women who started in vitro fertilization treatment and underwent egg collection were only able to get pregnant in 2-3 out of 10. With today’s technical knowledge combined with the experience of institutions, this rate has now reached 50%.

The success rate in IVF treatments will begin to decrease as the mother ages. The reason for this inverse proportion is the decrease in response to medications. Because as age increases, egg capacity decreases. While much more successful results are observed with IVF in women under the age of 30, the rate drops to 10% after the age of 40.

What could be the side effects of classical in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

If the eggs are subject to excessive stimulation, the risk of developing OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) will increase. If understimulated, the egg cell will not reach the desired maturity. However, if overstimulated, the medication given will bring about a serious syndrome. Here, the doctor’s experience comes to the fore. With OHSS, excessive fluid accumulation in the abdomen can occur. Nausea and vomiting complaints can occur. In advanced cases, fluid can accumulate in the lungs and shortness of breath can also be encountered. This side effect can often pass on its own in hospital conditions without the need for inpatient treatment.
Bleeding may occur during egg collection in only one in a thousand cases. If bleeding increases, intra-abdominal surgery may be required using laparoscopic techniques.
One of the side effects of IVF treatments is pregnancies that end in miscarriage. In fact, the treatment does not cause miscarriage. The reason for this is that the baby, which already has a genetic problem, is not accepted by the body and feels the need to be expelled.
There may be a risk of ectopic pregnancy. An undesired ectopic pregnancy may occur in 1 to 2%.