Are you undergoing Assisted Reproduction Treatment such as IUI or in vitro fertilisation (IVF)? Maybe you will be soon? If this is the case, there are probably a thousand questions running through your head. You may have forgotten to ask your doctor these questions. But don’t worry, here at URE Centro Gutenberg, we’ll answer them for you!
Q: How long does IVF treatment last?
Most fertility treatments are carried out over the course of one menstrual cycle. Treatment starts at the beginning of your period, with ovarian stimulation. This is where we encourage the follicles to grow to a certain size.
The treatment lasts between 8 and 12 days, but each patient is different; some may take longer. Once the follicles have reached the appropriate size, egg collection will take place.
After the eggs have been collected and the embryos monitored for 3 to 5 days, embryo transfer can take place. This does, nevertheless, depend on whether you are undergoing IUI or IVF. We also need to consider the time needed for the initial evaluation. We must conduct an analysis before deciding on the most suitable treatment. We will let you know the length of time we expect the whole treatment process to take.
Q: Can I have intercourse during fertility treatment?
Intercourse is not recommended on two specific occasions during treatment.
The first is at the end of ovarian stimulation, and the second is after egg collection. This is due to the fact that the ovaries are larger in size, which increases the risk of ovarian torsion (when the ovary and sometimes the fallopian tubes twist on the tissues that support them). It can also be quite uncomfortable for the female.
Although there is nothing published that suggests otherwise, we recommend avoiding intercourse following the embryo transfer. This is primarily for your peace of mind. However, following IUI, you need not refrain from intercourse.
Q: Do I need to rest after the egg collection and embryo transfer?
After the egg collection, as with any surgery involving anesthesia, it is recommended to rest. You should relax for about 24 hours. You do not need to stay at the clinic overnight. You also do not need to stay in bed.
After embryo transfer, it’s important that you stay calm and relaxed and keep yourself busy. Rest has not been shown to improve the chances of pregnancy. Following your “normal” daily routine will not have an impact on treatment results. Please feel free to carry on with your daily life.
Q: Are all medications equally effective?
The hormones that are used to stimulate the ovaries are based on two natural hormones.
These are FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). They can also be a combination of both. These hormones may be sold under different names depending on your part of the world, but they are still equally effective. The doctor will decide the use of one hormone, another, or both. This decision will depend on the individual patient and their diagnosis.
Q: Can genetic diseases be prevented with IVF?
Technology has advanced significantly. It is now possible to take a biopsy from an embryo. This allows testing for many different abnormalities. With PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis), conditions like cystic fibrosis can now be identified. Additionally, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X, among many more, are also detectable.
Q: Is the egg collection painful?
The egg collection is a painless surgical procedure that requires sedation and generally lasts between 15 and 20 minutes.
Q: What are the success rates for IVF?
Results will depend on each patient’s diagnosis and the individual clinic. At URE Centro Gutenberg, the average pregnancy success rate with IVF is around 50 to 55% per embryo transfer. We have a cumulative success rate of over 80%. For IVF with donor eggs, the chance of pregnancy is between 60 and 70% per transfer. It has a cumulative success rate of over 90%.
Q: Should I stop smoking during treatment?
We recommend that you stop smoking or cut down the number of cigarettes that you smoke each day. It has been proven that tobacco is harmful to fertility, as it reduces sperm and egg quality. It decreases the chances of the embryo implanting successfully. It also increases the chances of miscarriage or other problems during pregnancy and birth.
Q: Can I exercise during treatment?
Several studies have linked a balanced diet and regular physical activity to an increased likelihood of pregnancy. We recommend that you maintain regular, moderate exercise. This can include a brisk walk.
Q: Does IFV put babies at an increased risk for birth defects?
To date, IVF has not been shown to increase chances of birth defects in children born from fertility treatment compared to children born from natural pregnancies. Several scientific associations, including ones from Spain, constantly monitor these possible issues.
Q: Does the ovarian stimulation produce side effects?
As with any medical procedure, ovarian stimulation is not without its risks. The most serious risk is ovarian hyper‑stimulation syndrome (OHSS). A condition which years ago was the cause of treatment cancellation, hospital admissions and even serious health problems. Nowadays, it is possible to predict, manage, and almost 100% prevent OHSS from occurring.
We would like to thank URE for taking the time to share this blog with us.
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