In vitro fertilization (also known as IVF) is a technique in which the ovum is extracted from the ovary and fertilized in the laboratory (in vitro) by the semen of the partner or the donor.
IVF treatment requires hormonal stimulation to obtain several ovules by physical extraction. Once fertilized in the laboratory, doctors will implant the zygote in the uterus to achieve pregnancy. This procedure aims to get quality embryos to increase the chances of pregnancy. In vitro fertilization is an appropriate treatment, both, in the case of male and female infertility.
When it comes to IVF technique, it is natural to do every possible thing to become pregnant successfully. Whether the person undergoing the procedure is a lesbian couple, a single woman or couple with infertility problems, efforts remain the same. Although doing some research on your own is always right. Specific sources on the internet advise on improving the success rate of IVF. Such sources can be unreliable and give incorrect information.
However, there are many IVF experiences that no one talks about. Thousands of hopeful parents are seeking the help of IVF treatment and other assisted reproductive techniques to start their family. It is essential that people are aware of the IVF procedure, and it means- the bag, the good and the ugly! Find out what to do and what not, to increase your chances of starting a family successfully.
Below are seven secrets of the IVF treatment that only a handful of people know about:
1. A careful evaluation of the couple can improve the chances of IVF success.
There is no guarantee of getting pregnant through IVF treatment. The success of an IVF cycle has some relationship with the fertility problems of the couple as well as with their lifestyle. A thorough evaluation of the couple by a doctor in a good fertility clinic is required to identify conditions that could prevent conception.
A couple can undergo several screening tests to diagnose any problem that could potentially lead to infertility. Semen analysis for quality assurance, sperm count, and sperm motility tests are performed to find out the ovule count in prospecting mother. Depending on the situation, couples may consider using a semen donor.
It is imperative that the woman who undergoes IVF maintain healthy habits. Recreational drugs, alcohol, some medicines, and poor diet could prevent a successful pregnancy. The male’s lifestyle also affects the quality of his semen. Other factors that can influence the success rate of IVF include extreme values of body weight and lack of sleep. It is recommended that the prospective mother sleeps between 7 and 9 hours per night.
2. IVF is successful even at the age of 40
It is true that the probability of conception through IVF decreases with increasing age (due to a reduction in the quantity and quality of the ovules). A woman over 40 years old can still become pregnant. Many women who have turned 40 can become pregnant with IVF treatment. It is also true that the success rate is rather low and plummets dramatically between the ages of 30 and 40 years.
The pregnancy rates using donated eggs are higher, so in women, over 40 years ovodonation is recommended. However, more and more women are deciding to freeze their eggs at a young age to preserve their fertility. This alternative allows women to choose when to become a mother. To increase the success of fertility preservation treatment, it is best to undergo the procedure before 35 years of age to maintain its quality.
3. After implantation, you can follow a daily routine
You do not have to stay in bed once the embryo transfer has been completed.
By contrast, women who rest in bed 24 hours a day after the embryo transfer are less likely to achieve pregnancy compared to those who return to their usual routine. In the ovarian stimulation phase, the patient can continue with her regular activity as long as she does not have discomfort. Patients whose work entails a crucial physical activity should reduce it as they feel discomfort.
The patient remains at complete rest to reduce the risk of ovarian bleeding. After the follicular puncture, it is necessary to do some rest (about 4 hours a day) to favor venous return. It will reduce the fluid retention characteristic of ovarian hyperstimulation. The physical activity of the patient does not alter the implantation capacity of the embryo. For this reason, in cryotransfer or ovodonation treatments, no type of rest is necessary.
4. Herbs cannot help IVF
Some websites claim that herbs help in conception. But, there is no scientific hypothesis to prove the effectiveness of herbal remedies. Also, there is also no evidence to confirm the safety of these infusions while trying to conceive. The experts at this time are not sure of the level of interference of these herbal remedies with medicines.
It is clear that you cannot solve a serious problem of infertility, but you can help these remedies as a supplement to increase female fertility.
Antioxidants present in the tea protect the body from oxidative damage and help you get active and healthy eggs. The result is none other than increased maturation and fertility of the oocytes, and a higher percentage of fertilized embryos. To sweeten the tea and further enhance its properties, you can add royal jelly.
If you are thinking about taking infusions during IVF, consult your doctor beforehand to avoid any possible risk.
5. No special diet is required to improve the chances of getting pregnant
So far, it has not been shown that any diet improves the chances of conceiving. The risk would be the lack of essential nutrients and vitamins in the diet.
Follow a balanced and healthy diet- rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins without fat. The lack of vitamin D can reduce your chances of conceiving. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, liver, egg yolks, some cheeses, and red meats.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also essential. To be sure of what foods to eat and what to avoid, it is best to ask your doctor for advice.
6. Stress reduces the chances of conceiving
Probably yes, stress can contribute to decreasing the success rate of IVF.
Many studies claim that stress plays a role in infertility problems, whether the partner is attempting pregnancy through IVF or not. Although there is not enough data at this time to show a clear link, most doctors believe that stress can reduce the chances of getting pregnant.
Although finding ways to reduce stress can help, but it will not solve fertility problems like low sperm count anyway. For conception problems, women should consider relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. Also, couples should not put pressure: Stress is not the only most critical factor for pregnancy.
Eliminating stressors before attempting to conceive could shorten the time from couples to IVF pregnancy. The good news is that women are most likely aware of which stress reduction strategy works best for them
7. Acupuncture helps women get pregnant
Perhaps. Doctors and scientists have varying opinions about whether acupuncture can play some role in improving conception rates or not. Acupuncture is the most used complementary therapy in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. It is believed to favor blood flow through the patient’s relaxation and, therefore, increases the possibility of implantation. However, scientific opinion is divided when considering whether this traditional Chinese therapy has a positive effect on the pregnancy rate. Acupuncture is completely harmless and is very likely to help you relax.
Some of the functions of acupuncture are as follows:
- Acupuncture improves the function of the ovaries. This can produce healthier egg cells
- The blood supply to the uterus is improved, thereby the uterine lining can build better, and pregnancy is favored
- Acupuncture has a very relaxing effect. This not only reduces the internal stress but also counteracts uterine contractions, which are often the cause of miscarriage.
- Acupuncture in men has been shown to improve sperm quality.
Conclusion:
In Vitro Fertilization is a popular treatment for couples who have fertility problems and still want to have their own child. People become more conscious when it comes to conceive with the help of IVF technique. They start to rest more, enjoy a special diet, go for acupuncture and many more. Are they worth investing? Read on to know the secrets of IVF treatment.
