In vitro fertilization
Infirmity is an issue that plagues many couples and in vitro fertilization is one option that many couples have benefitted from. Also called IVF, in vitro fertilization is a method in which there is some assistance provided in the process of conceiving. The process uses the sperm from the man and the egg from the woman who are the parents and ensures that the child that is born is genetically and biologically associated with the parents. The process involves taking the sperm and the egg from the couple and then combining these in laboratory conditions. This obviously needs a fair amount of monitoring and careful handling since anything can go wrong. The fertilization does not occur in the fallopian tubes of the mother but a laboratory dish where the sperm is made to fuse with the egg. Once the fertilization actually takes place the embryo is than placed into the woman’s uterus and the normal pregnancy procedure starts. Even though this process is done carefully there are times when they may not be successful in the first attempt.
However, there is nothing to get worried about since doctor’s place 2 to 4 embryos in the uterus so that the chances of survival are higher. This is also done so as to ensure that the vitro fertilization cost remains low and that you do not have to do this process again and again. It might however surprise you that only 5% of the infertile couples actually use this process since it can be used only in cases where the fallopian tubes are damaged, non-existent or blocked. The problem in conceiving can also lie in other areas and therefore in those cases, other processes may need to be explored for treatment.
Babies born out of this process of invitro fertilization are also called test tube babies since they are actually created in a test tube or a laboratory dish. This term was used for the first time when the first test tube baby was created and given birth to in the 1980′s. While this process is relatively safe there are some factors that you may need to consider.
Vitro fertilisation should only be an option for women younger than the age of 35. There is also a possibility of multiple births that can happen and the couple should be ready to take on the responsibility of the number of children that are born in the process. The costs are as high as $12,000 or more and therefore repeated placements of single embryo cannot be considered.
The IVF procedure has helped many couples in the past and is likely to help many more. However, it should be mentioned here that if the problem that exists lies in the sperm count or the quality fo the sperm this in vitro fertilization process may not be helpful for you.