Procedures -> IVF

In Vitro Fertilization

What is a IVF?

IVF is an assisted reproductive technique that aids infertile couples in achieving parenthood. It is considered the most efficient type of ART (administered reproductive technology) as it has helped over 50% of women under 35 achieve parenthood. IVF treats numerous causes of infertility, including damaged fallopian tubes, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovulation disorders, uterine fibroids, and premature ovarian failure. The significance of IVF (in vitro fertilization) can also be assessed because it helps infertile couples experience parenthood.

IVF Process & Working

As the name suggests, ‘in vitro’ means outside the human body. The IVF process consists of a series of stages. The ovaries are first stimulated to obtain more than one egg per cycle. After about 8-14 days, they are retrieved with a sperm sample. Mainly, in IVF (in vitro fertilization), the eggs and sperm retrieved from the couple are combined in laboratory petri dishes where the sperm fertilizes the egg on its own. The embryos resulting from the fertilization process are monitored for several days, and the highest quality embryo is chosen to be implanted into the uterus to achieve pregnancy. The couple is advised to take a pregnancy test two weeks after the embryo transfer.

Causes of Infertility in Male & Female

Infertility affects both men and women and has many causes. In men, low testosterone levels can affect sperm count and motility, leading to fertility problems. A blockage of the male urethra or varicocele can prevent a couple from getting pregnant. Endometriosis is a disease in women that affects ovulation and causes abnormalities in the uterus or cervix that can affect pregnancy.

Male

Low sperm count
Low testosterone
Poor sperm motility
Testicular failure
Varicose veins
Health problems
Age & Life Style

Female

Endometriosis
Ovulation disorders
Premature ovarian failure
Uterine fibroids
Blockage of cervix
Damaged fallopian tube
Age & Life Style

Who needs IVF

IVF offered as an infertility treatment for couples with age 35 or above age couple. It is used to treat many causes of infertility: Older women damage or blockage of the pelvic arteries (which may result from pelvic inflammatory disease or past surgery)

How Successful is IVF?

The Society for Reproductive Technologies (SART) says the birth rate via in vitro fertilization for women under 35 approx 55.7%. The birth rate in the first embryo transfer approx 41.3%. Birth rate in second embryo transfer is around approx 47.1%.

IVF Medications and Timeline

IVF medications and timelines may vary with each case. Our IVF specialist will discuss the IVF procedure and treatment plan with you during the consultation, depending on your circumstances. We require our patients to undergo pre-cycle tests, including blood tests and semen evaluation. Some other tests are also required, such as AMH, AFC Ultrasound, TSH, Hepatitis, Gonorrhea, HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Genetic carrier screening. Various IVF medications are given to female partners to stimulate egg production. These drugs aid in releasing hormones that increase egg production and maturation. Our specialists recommend the medicines depending on your unique case, which may include FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), hMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin), and hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). Egg retrieval occurs on day 2/3 of your menstrual cycle, for which ovarian stimulation medication is administered. After the egg is fertilized, it undergoes PGT-A testing for any abnormalities. The patient is prepared for embryo transfer when the test results are known.

Navigating IVF Pregnancy

Couples are often afraid and more conscious about IVF pregnancy, but after the first two weeks, it is the same as natural conception. Couples who undergo IVF should take a pregnancy test after about two weeks of embryo transfer. IVF couples should not panic if they experience bloating, mood swings, cramping, or exhaustion during the first two weeks of IVF pregnancy.

IVF Injections Treatment

About 80-90 IVF injections are administered over 14 days. However, the dosage and frequency of such injections may vary with each case. IVF injections consist of injectable hormone medications which stimulate egg production and maturation. During IVF cycle, injectable hormone medications to encourage the entire group of that cycle's eggs to mature simultaneously and fully.

IVF Success Rate

There are several factors upon which IVF success rates depend, the major one being age. IVF success rate is about 50% in women under 35. With the increase in age, the chances of IVF success decrease. Other than age, the IVF success rate depends on lifestyle, pregnancy, and medical history.

IVF Risks and Complications

IVF is a safe procedure, but there are some potential IVF risks and complications, such as; IVF risks and complications are negligible, and they fade with time

Calculating IVF Treatment Cost

Being one of the most efficient treatments for infertility, IVF is also expensive. IVF treatment cost in Islamabad, Pakistan, starts from 700k as of 2023. Australian Concept Islamabad believes no couple should remain childless just because they cannot afford treatment; therefore, we offer our clients financial assistance and flexible payment methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a candidate for IVF?

IVF is often recommended for couples facing infertility due to various reasons such as blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, male factor infertility, or unexplained infertility.

Is there an age limit for IVF?

While there’s no strict age limit, IVF success rates tend to decline with the woman’s age, especially after the age of 35-40. However, eligibility is usually assessed based on individual health factors.

What is the cost of IVF?

The cost of IVF can vary widely depending on the clinic, location, and specific treatments needed. On average, a single IVF cycle can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.