IVF Natural Cycle | Oocyte In Vitro Maturation
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description:
IVF Natural Cycle and Oocyte In Vitro Maturation (IVM) are innovative approaches in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The IVF Natural Cycle involves minimal or no hormonal stimulation, aligning more closely with a woman’s natural ovulatory process. Unlike conventional IVF, where hormone injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, this method relies on the natural selection of a single egg during the menstrual cycle.
In a natural cycle, the process begins with close monitoring of the woman's cycle using ultrasounds and hormone level tests to pinpoint the exact time of ovulation. Once the leading follicle reaches the optimal size, the egg retrieval process is performed without prior hormonal priming. This approach minimizes the physical and emotional strain associated with high doses of fertility medications.
Oocyte In Vitro Maturation (IVM) complements this by allowing immature eggs to be harvested and matured outside the body. This technique is particularly beneficial for women at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or those with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In IVM, eggs retrieved at an immature stage are matured in a lab for 24-48 hours before being fertilized and transferred.
Procedure Duration:
The IVF Natural Cycle typically follows the timeline of a regular menstrual cycle, which lasts around 28 days, but the specific duration may vary slightly from person to person. The process begins with initial consultations and fertility assessments. After identifying the natural ovulation window, the egg retrieval is scheduled accordingly, typically around day 12 to 16 of the cycle.
The egg retrieval itself is a short procedure, taking about 15-20 minutes and performed under light sedation or local anesthesia. This outpatient process allows the patient to return home the same day. Eggs retrieved in the natural state are either fertilized immediately or sent for in vitro maturation if immature.
Once fertilization occurs, embryo development is monitored over the next 3-5 days before the embryo is transferred into the uterus. The entire timeline from the start of monitoring to embryo transfer can span 2-3 weeks. Recovery after the procedure is generally quick, with most patients resuming daily activities within a day or two post-retrieval.
Benefits:
- Minimizes Hormonal Stimulation: Reduces the physical and emotional impact associated with high-dose fertility drugs.
- Lower Risk of OHSS: Particularly beneficial for women prone to ovarian hyperstimulation, such as those with PCOS.
- Natural Egg Selection: Aligns with the body’s natural processes, potentially improving egg quality.
- Reduced Cost: The lower need for medication can make it a more affordable option.
- Shorter Treatment Cycles: The natural approach may result in a shorter timeline compared to traditional IVF.
Potential Destinations:
- Spain: Known for its cutting-edge fertility clinics, Spain has become a favored destination for natural IVF and IVM. The country's clinics are equipped with advanced technology and adhere to strict medical standards, ensuring a high quality of care.
- Greece: Offering a combination of expert reproductive specialists and affordable treatment costs, Greece has positioned itself as a prime destination for medical tourists seeking fertility treatments.
- Czech Republic: With its highly reputable fertility centers and competitive prices, the Czech Republic is a popular choice for those pursuing IVF treatments. The country is also known for its supportive legal framework around ART.
- Thailand: Recognized for its excellent healthcare services and experienced specialists, Thailand provides comprehensive IVF solutions, including natural cycle and IVM, making it attractive for international patients.
- Turkey: With modern clinics and a reputation for skilled medical professionals, Turkey has emerged as a significant destination for fertility procedures. Its strategic location also makes it accessible to patients from Europe and the Middle East.
Risks & Considerations:
- Lower Egg Yield: Because it relies on natural egg selection, the number of eggs retrieved is typically lower than in stimulated cycles.
- Success Rates: While the procedure can be successful, the lower number of eggs may lead to fewer embryos, impacting overall success rates.
- Unpredictable Cycles: Natural ovulation can sometimes be challenging to track precisely, potentially delaying or impacting treatment plans.
- Immature Eggs in IVM: Not all retrieved immature eggs will mature successfully, potentially reducing viable options for fertilization.
- Patient Eligibility: Not suitable for all patients; those with specific fertility challenges may require conventional IVF for better chances.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital:
When selecting a doctor and hospital for IVF Natural Cycle and IVM, consider credentials and specialization in reproductive medicine. Verify the clinic’s success rates, but take into account factors such as patient demographics and treatment types. Ensure the facility uses state-of-the-art equipment and adheres to internationally recognized standards.
Patient reviews and testimonials can provide insight into personal experiences, but in-person or virtual consultations with potential doctors are invaluable for understanding their approach, expertise, and compatibility with your treatment goals.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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