Ivf Is A Boon For Childless Couples

By Author: Dr Baidyanath Dastidar
Total Articles: 7
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It is in the natural progression of things that a couple desires to have a child. There can be instances when a couple is unable to conceive a baby naturally. In vitro fertilisation or IVF is a boon for such couples.

In vitro fertilisation or IVF is a medical procedure in which eggs of a woman and sperms from a man are combined outside the female body in a laboratory. Once the embryo forms it is placed in the uterus where this pregnancy is carried to term. IVF has made many a couple craving for a child, proud and happy parents.

During a natural conception, the man’s sperm and the woman’s egg meet in the fallopian tubes of the female. The fallopian tubes connect ovaries to the uterus. A single sperm needs to penetrate the egg for fertilisation. When this does not occur a child cannot be conceived. In the IVF treatment, fertilisation takes place outside the woman’s body in a lab.

By some estimates, over five million babies have come into the world through IVF methods. This is considered to be a milestone and it is projected that these statistics will keep rising in the future. IVF has proved to be ...
... a highly effective method for conceiving especially for couples who seek late parenthood.

IVF is sought as an option for having children in several conditions. The man may have poor sperm quality or quantity. There may be biological obstructions between the sperm and the egg. A woman may be facing ovulation problems or there may be tubal blockage.

Some other situations where IVF works out as a good option are in cases of Endometriosis, failed tubal reversal, pelvic adhesions, failed conventional therapy, unexplained infertility, cervical conditions and genetic testing for possible reasons for multiple miscarriages and inheritable diseases.

When a couple decide to go in for IVF they must keep in mind that it is a process that can be physically and emotionally demanding. Some couples, especially the female partner, suffer from anxiety and depression which will require rigorous counseling.

A very important factor to keep in mind is that IVF can cause multiple pregnancies. So, a couple will have to take the important decision at some point during the IVF procedure of whether they are ready to raise twins or triplets!

In IVF, certain drugs may be used to stimulate the ovaries. Sometimes this causes ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome or OHSS in a woman. In this condition, the ovaries enlarge painfully leading to abdominal discomfort. Another risk involved in IVF is that of infection. There is a fine needle that is passed through the vagina, into the ovaries, for removing eggs from the woman. This can cause an infection if surgical hygiene and antibiotics are not ensured.

It is important to remember that in-vitro fertilisation or IVF is not a fool-proof medical procedure and sometimes it does not even result in a pregnancy. When a couple chooses to go for IVF they need to be fully aware of their reasons for choosing the method; they should find out all possible details from their IVF clinic and doctor and they need to be psychologically and physically ready for this most important procedure.

A good IVF clinic in India will have an exceptional track record in delivering babies; it will have dedicated and reputed doctors; a caring staff; ultra-modern facilities; world-class laboratories for impeccable results; excellent counselling facilities and a clean comfortable environment for patient care. Research well, before choosing an IVF clinic in India to save yourself from any disappointments.

The author of this article is associated with the Ghosh Dastidar Institute for Fertility Research (P) Ltd. GDIFR is a leader in the treatment of infertility and Infertility Research in India. It has gained international recognition as a centre of excellence. Its IVF clinic in Kolkata has become a mecca for childless couples.