8902235337
5 Problems Related to Pre-term Labor: How a Fertility Specialist Can Help You
December 25, 2024
Infertility can be an emotionally and physically challenging journey for couples longing to start a family. Fortunately, advancements in medical science have given rise to various Assisted Reproductive Technologies or ART that offer hope to those facing fertility issues.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies encompass a range of medical procedures and laboratory techniques designed to aid individuals or couples experiencing infertility in achieving a successful pregnancy.
These technologies offer hope to those facing various fertility challenges, including issues with ovulation, sperm quality, tubal blockages, or unexplained infertility. Some of the most common ART procedures include:
In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is arguably the most well-known and widely used ART procedure. It involves stimulating a woman’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilized outside the body. After fertilization, one or more embryos are selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus.
IVF-ET can be the ideal choice for couples dealing with a variety of infertility issues, such as tubal blockages, male factor infertility, or unexplained infertility. The procedure’s success rate has improved significantly over the years, and it offers the possibility of achieving a pregnancy even when natural conception seems impossible.
Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) is a less commonly performed ART procedure. It involves the retrieval of eggs and sperm, which are then mixed together and immediately placed into the fallopian tubes. Unlike IVF-ET, fertilization takes place within the woman’s body.
GIFT is a suitable option for couples who have patent fallopian tubes but are unable to conceive due to other factors, such as male infertility or unexplained fertility issues. This method is often preferred by those who have religious or ethical concerns about fertilization occurring outside the body.
Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is a hybrid of IVF-ET and GIFT. In this procedure, eggs are retrieved and fertilized in a laboratory, similar to IVF. However, unlike IVF where embryos are cultured for a few days, ZIFT involves transferring the fertilized zygotes into the fallopian tubes within 24 hours of fertilization.
ZIFT is chosen when couples have specific concerns about embryo development in the laboratory setting or when they have failed previous IVF attempts. This method allows for the natural environment of the fallopian tube to support the early stages of embryo development.
Frozen embryo transfer (FET) has gained popularity in recent years due to its flexibility and high success rates. During IVF, multiple embryos are often created, but not all are transferred immediately. In FET, surplus embryos are cryopreserved for future use.
FET involves thawing and transferring one or more frozen embryos into the woman’s uterus during a carefully timed cycle. This minimizes the need for additional ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval procedures. FET offers several advantages, such as a reduced risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and the ability to space out IVF attempts.
The success of ART procedures can vary widely depending on various factors, including the age of the woman, the quality of the eggs and sperm, the cause of infertility, and the expertise of the surgeons in the clinic. It is important for couples to consult with a fertility specialist who can assess their unique situation and recommend the most suitable ART option.
December 6, 2024
November 25, 2024