In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure in which the male and female partner’s reproductive cells are isolated and combined outside the body to create an optimal environment for fertilization. This helps couples with infertility problems to conceive.
There are two methods of In Vitro Fertilization: IVF with egg donation and IVF with embryo donation. There are different stages that need to be cleared before proceeding ahead with IVF. These tests include general health checkup, blood tests, gynecological evaluation, endometrial biopsy, ovulation test and the final stage is In-Vitro-Fertilization or IVF itself.
Yes! There are several tests you need to clear before undergoing a full-fledged IVF cycle. Let’s take a look at them:
General Health Checkup
The first thing you need to do before undergoing IVF is to get a general health checkup done at a reputed hospital. During this, your doctor will assess your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. He will also check for other important parameters like your liver function, kidney function and make sure you have no other major diseases such as diabetes, hypertension etc. You must have a general health checkup done at least 4-6 months before you plan to undergo IVF so that any issues can be detected and treated in time. This will help you in getting a healthier body and may increase your chances of success while undergoing IVF.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are done to detect any abnormalities in your hormone levels. This is very important as your hormones play a crucial role in the process of IVF. Some of the important hormones that are tested during a blood test are Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estrogen, Progesterone, Thyroid stimulating hormone etc. Your doctor may recommend you certain other blood tests too.
Gynecological Evaluation
During this, your doctor will examine your vagina and cervix and also examine the structure of your uterus. This is done to detect any infection or cervical abnormality that you might have. It is very important to have a clear cervix during IVF as the pathologist who will do the biopsy needs to have a clear view of your uterine endometrial lining. During the gynecological evaluation, your doctor will also check your hormone levels and rule out any other abnormalities that can affect your conception.
Endometrial Biopsy
During an endometrial biopsy, your doctor will take a small sample of your uterine lining and examine it under a microscope to see if it is receptive for the embryo. If not, he may recommend you a course of medical treatment that will help your uterine lining become receptive to the embryo.
Ovulation Test
To determine when you will ovulate, your doctor will recommend you an ovulation test. This helps him to determine the exact date of when you will ovulate so that the partner’s sample can be collected ahead of that date.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
This is the final step to receiving the embryos that have been created in a lab. This is when your doctor will take an egg from your ovary and fertilize it with your partner’s sperm in a lab. This is done in a lab because it is easier to grow and mature an embryo in a petri dish rather than in your body. If the procedure is successful, your embryo will be transferred to your uterus a few days later when it is ready to implant.
Confirming Pregnancy After IVF
After all these tests, if you still get no positive signs of pregnancy, then you will finally be ready for an IVF cycle. You will have to undergo a full IVF cycle consisting of both ovarian stimulation and retrieval of embryos. After the embryos are created in the lab, they will be transferred to your uterus. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks to confirm whether you have conceived or not. If you have conceived, you will have to go for regular blood tests to check your HCG levels. Once they reach a certain level, your doctor will confirm that you have conceived. This is the best time for you to celebrate as you have finally achieved your goal of conceiving.
Conclusion
IVF is a process where the male partner’s sperm and the female partner’s egg are fertilized outside the body and then transferred to the female’s uterus. It is a complex process that requires the couple to go through a lot of medical screenings before they are ready to begin. These tests are necessary because they help determine the fitness of both partners and detect any abnormalities that can affect the outcome of the treatment. So, before you begin your journey towards parenthood with IVF, make sure you get these tests done at the earliest.