How do IVF fertility medicines help with egg retrieval?
The assisted fertility process begins by preparing the woman by stimulating her production of eggs with fertility drugs. These drugs cause the woman to produce many more eggs than she normally would, or causes her to produce eggs when she previously wasn’t. This happens by production of more of the egg containing structures, the follicles.
Generally, 2 IVF fertility drugs are injected by IVF protocols. One is a suppression of ovulation, a down-regulator such as Lupron or Femara. The other fertility IVF prescriptions are used to stimulate the eggs development with a FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), such as Gonal-F, Clomid, Follistim, Bravelle, or Repronex.
Follicular aspiration
The next step is to retrieve the eggs through a procedure called follicular aspiration. In this procedure a thin needle like device is inserted through the vagina into the ovaries and the eggs are suctioned from little sacs called follicles that hold the eggs. In cases where the woman doesn’t produce eggs, donor eggs may be used.
Once the eggs are retrieved they are inspected and only the best eggs are used. They are then mixed with the male’s sperm in order to fertilize the eggs. In some cases the doctor may perform an ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). This is a procedure where the sperm is injected into the egg. This virtually guarantees
fertilization of the egg.
The PGD before implantation
After successful fertilization the egg will divide, it is now an embryo. After three or four days of normal cell growth a procedure called a pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is usually performed to check for any potential genetic disorders. This is done by removing a single cell from the embryo for testing. In cases where many eggs have been fertilized this allows the greatest chance to implant an egg that is free of genetic conditions.
Embryo implantation
After the embryo has reached five days and has been cleared through PGD, it is then implanted into the woman’s womb. More than one embryo may be implanted depending on many factors such as the woman’s age. Unused embryos may be frozen for later use if necessary or they may be donated. Implantation is performed by inserting a thin tube through the vagina, through the cervix and into the womb.
What are the risks of in vitro fertilization?
There are some risks and side effects that are associated with in vitro fertilization. The most common side effects that the fertility drugs can cause the woman to experience are temporary: bloating, mood swings, headaches, and abdominal pain. Some IVF medicines must be given by injection, such as when they buy HGC injections for fertility, and so there may be light bruising at the injection site.
A more serious (but rare) side effect is a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This can cause weight gain, abdominal pain, and fluid buildup in the abdominal and chest cavities. Other symptoms of OHSS are decreased urination, vomiting, nausea, and shortness of breath. In severe cases the fluid may have to be drained with a needle.
Risks involved with the egg retrieval procedure include damage to the ovaries and damage to surrounding organs. Negative reaction to anesthesia is also possible. Other side effects post procedure could include pelvic pain, bleeding and fever, but that is rare.
Post procedure.
After the embryo implantation the woman must take progesterone for eight to ten weeks. If she takes too little of this hormone a miscarriage may occur. Prescriptions can be filled at most US pharmacies for IVF meds, or patients can order IVF medications online.
