IVF FAQS

IUI is more like a pap test. If required your doctor might give you anesthesia. In majority of the cases, when an injection for rupture is given, the follicles rupture between 36-48 hours. The inseminated semen sample has viable sperms for atleast 40-72 hours. 

There is not much difference rather both are procedures of In-vitro Fertilization. In IVF, the egg and sperms are allowed to fertilize naturally. This method is indicated when the sperm parameters are normal. ICSI is primarily for Male Factor Fertility, where egg is injected by using a needle with the sperm.

To determine how many times you can try IVF, you will be judged on certain parameters like:
o Clinical profile of patient
o Age of Female partner
o Response to the previous IVF cycle
o Financial position
If the above criteria are met then at the most you are eligible for 3-4 attempts. It is true that any surgical procedure has its inherited risk but the overall rate of surgical complication during egg collection is minimal.   
 

There are primarily two protocols: Long and Short. The short protocols begin within the first 3 days of menstrual cycle while the long protocols (conventional) begin after 21 days of previous cycle.  

Usually, the first signs of pregnancy occur after 2 weeks after the embryo transfer. While the signs may vary from case to case, the most common one are:
• Missed period – IVF patients often have missed or irregular periods two weeks after the embryo transfer.
• Breasts Change – Changes in your breast may vary from size, sense of fullness, or being very tender to touch.
• Headaches/Fatigue/Nausea – Usually caused by a surge of hormones, which indicate that either you’re ready to menstruate or you are on hormone therapy. Your IVF was successful and your body is getting ready to nourish a new life.
• Frequent Urination and excessive thirst – Another sign would be excess urination since your metabolism is changing and is preparing to handle the baby growing inside of you. You will urinate frequently and feel thirsty.
• Bleeding or spotting –Bleeding is a good indication if you are undergoing hormone therapy.
• Mood swings -Probably the most common signs in pregnancy, occurs even after undergoing IVF. 
 

Although exercise generally helps in healthy conceiving, it is a tricky situation and needs to be strictly monitored while undergoing IVF as too much exercise seems to have an effect on reproductive hormone production that affects the ability to conceive. It is advised that you discuss an exercise plan with your doctor to avoid a miscarriage. However, be prepared that you will have days when there will be no exercise. 

During egg retrieval, you will be sedated and given pain medication so you will not feel anything. However, after the procedure/surgery is done, you may experience cramping, feeling of fullness or soreness.

After egg retrieval, usually patients feel cramped since the eggs in the body are enlarged due to excess hormone production. Vaginal bleeding or spotting is common but it is similar to the bleeding experienced during the time of periods. However, if there is excess bleeding, then inform your doctor immediately.

There are many myths related to conceiving and success rates of IVF which may or may not be true. However, there are a few natural methods which can be followed to increase your chances of success.
• Be stress free – Easing stress helps to speed things. A study proves that women who watched funny performances for about 15 minutes after undergoing IVF were nearly three times more likely to become pregnant. However, don’t stress too much on de-stressing yourself. Take out 15 – 20 min every-day to ease your mind and figure out what keeps you relaxed.
• Don’t over-exercise– Exercise is good and can increase your chances of fertility but too much of it is counter-productive. It is a form of physiological stress which can harm your chances of becoming pregnant. A better alternative would be to do Yoga for half an hour everyday.
• Vitamin D dosage – Most commonly consumed to increase bone health, Vitamin D also affects the chances of reproduction. Women with Vitamin D deficiency have a low chance of getting pregnant than women who have sufficient amount of Vitamin. Therefore, it is advised to consume Vitamin D but careful not to overdo it.
• Establish a healthy weight – It is very important to maintain a healthy weight if you’re planning to have a baby through IVF. Being overweight has been linked to negative outcomes of IVF, decrease in pregnancy rate, delivery rate and increase in miscarriage. Obesity appears to hurt the eggs and maybe the endometrium. 
 

The IVF procedure does not require any hospitalization. It is done on an OPD basis which requires regular visits with the doctor for a couple of hours or more. A normal IVF cycle takes around 18 – 20 days but may vary from case to case.

This is one of the most sought after questions during the initial stages of consultation and many are under the impression that it does increase the chances of multiple birth. There is no guarantee that you will conceive multiple births after the doctor has transferred the embryo. It is advised not to have any expectations but hope for the best in such cases.

There are various risks associated with IVF. Some of them are mentioned below.
• Hyperstimulation Syndrome – Usage of injectable fertility drugs to induce ovulation can cause the ovaries to swell and be painful. This will make you feel nauseated, experience abdominal pain, vomiting etc.
• Birth Affects –There are chances that your baby might have a premature birth or have a low birth weight which may ultimately lead to birth defects.
• Ectopic pregnancy – If you have undergone IVF procedure, chances are you will experience ectopic pregnancy. This refers to when the embryo implants itself in the fallopian tube. This results in pain in the stomach area, vaginal bleeding or dark vaginal discharge.
• Miscarriage – This is more likely to occur in older women since age plays a major role in IVF and the success rate decreases with increase in age. 
 

Once the embryo transfer is done, you can resume a normal life. You may experience cramps because there can be a minor swelling in the ovaries. Stick to a mild routine and avoid exertion as it can affect your chance of getting pregnant. 

A positive pregnancy test is just one step in the process of IVF. The doctor will check your level of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in your blood. There is no magic number to ascertain or guarantee your pregnancy but the idea is that it should double every 48 hours. If that is not happening then the doctor will conduct a blood test. Based on you hCG level, the doctor will take various measures to ensure that the pregnancy is stable and successful.