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In vitro fertilization or reproduction

In vitro fertilization or reproduction

Top Doctors
Top Doctors editorial
Top Doctors
Created by: Top Doctors editorial Sources: Top Doctors CO
Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 10/10/2023

In vitro fertilization or reproduction

Dr. Gerardo de Jesús Reyes Díaz

Assisted reproduction or in vitro pregnancy consists of the fertilization of the gametes (ovum and sperm) outside the body, that is, in an artificial way.

 

 

What factors influence fertility?

There are several factors and habits that help increase the chances of success of assisted reproduction , among them are:

  • No Smoking
  • Perform physical exercise
  • To eat healthy
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages

    Phases of assisted reproduction

    To achieve an in vitro pregnancy, the technique of assisted reproduction consists of three rigorous phases:
  1. Ovarian Stimulation : Pretends a supra-physiological ovulation (since normally a woman ovules only one cell per month). This is the controlled administration of drugs known as FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) or menotropins (purified FSH derivatives of postmenopausal women) and verify the response by means of ultrasound and hormonal monitoring in each query that on average can be 4 to 5. 
  2. Follicular aspiration : It consists of the extraction of the ovules (it is realized in an operating room, under intravenous sedation and puncture of the ovaries by transvaginal route with echographic guide). The duration is 15 minutes. Subsequently, the embryo laboratory performs the in vitro fertilization, where they evaluate the evolution, characteristics and quality of embryos to carry out the transfer of embryos every 24 hours. 
  3. Embryo transfer : In this phase the selection and application of the embryos in the assisted reproduction laboratory is carried out . This is a painless process that occupies the same position as other gynecological scans and lasts an average of 15 minutes.

Potential Disadvantages of Assisted Reproduction

The incidence of risks in in vitro fertilization is minimal but not zero, there are some factors to consider that depend on each phase mentioned above:

  • In the first, there is ovarian hyperstimulation occurring in 2 to 10% of cases.
  • In the second stage the main risk is the puncture of organs contiguous to the ovaries (such as the digestive or urinary system) with a rate less than 1%
  • In the third stage there is risk of multiple pregnancy when the transfer has been of more than 2 embryos (its incidence is less than 4%).

It is important to note that artificial insemination is a technique of gynecology and obstetrics that can be performed even when the tubes are obstructed. However, to perform an assisted reproduction you should analyze your case and consult with a good specialist .

Obstetrics & Gynecology