Thanks to the techniques of Assisted reproduction, many couples in the world have been able to fulfill their dream of being parents. In Spain, the most used technique is in vitro fertilization (IVF), although it will always be the specialist who determines which is the most appropriate option depending on the case.
This type of procedure is highly advanced, so it is normal for all kinds of doubts to arise. Any couple that goes to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)You will receive all kinds of information from qualified personnel. However, if it is still a project and you want to answer some questions before starting this process, here are the most frequent ones.
What is in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
This assisted reproduction technique consists of extracting the mother's oocytes to fertilize them with male sperm outside the body of the woman. In the laboratory, once the embryos are obtained, a selection is made. Some of them will freeze for future inseminations, others will be transferred to the woman's body.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is used for many cases of infertility, both male and female. Even when other assisted fertilization processes have not been successful.
How is in vitro fertilization (IVF) performed?
It is a process that is divided into three phases. In the first, hormones are administered to the woman to stimulate ovulation. The second phase consists of the extraction of the woman's oocytes. This process is fast, lasts between 5 and 10 minutes, local anesthesia is applied and they are extracted vaginally. The third and final phase takes place in the laboratory.
First, the oocytes are analyzed, then they will be inseminated so that the gametes carry out their natural fertilization process. They will spend 3 days in the incubator, where they will be monitored and evaluated daily, until the third day arrives and a selection of the most suitable is made. exist several important criteria for the choice of embryos that will be transferred to the uterus, genetic, morphological, etc.
Usually, one or two embryos are usually transferred in each process, although the law sets the limit at 3. The reason is to avoid the risks of multiple pregnancy.
What is the success rate of IVF
Whether in vitro fertilization is successful depends on many factors, each couple is different. However, there is an important factor by which reproduction can have a higher or lower success rate, and it's about the woman's age. The younger the woman, the greater the chances of a successful pregnancy. In the case of 35-year-old women, the approximate percentage is 45%.
In the case of older women, the success rates are markedly reduced. For this reason, in many cases egg donation is often used to increase the chances of pregnancy.
What tests are done before IVF?
Before starting the process, some medical tests are needed. On the one hand, a medical history is made to have all the important data, both from the father and the mother. In addition, the man will undergo a sperm test or sperm count, in which the quality of the semen is assessed. The woman will undergo a gynecological examination, where various elements will be analyzed.
Is it possible to choose the sex of the baby?
Parents do not have the possibility to intervene in the choice of embryos to be implanted in the uterus. Therefore, the sex of the baby cannot be chosen. In Spain, the selection of embryos of a specific sex is only allowed, when there are risks of diseases associated with the X chromosome that determines sex.
How much does the process cost?
Assisted reproductive techniques are very expensive, they have very advanced processes that are not easy for many couples to assume. Prices may vary, as it is the private clinics themselves who regulate prices. The amounts also vary greatly depending on the city where the clinic is located. In addition to the possible complementary tests that may be required, which are expanding the amount. It can be around 3.500 or 5.000 euros, even more, depending on the clinic.