Conventional sperm preparation techniques, such as centrifugation using a density gradient, are not only laborious and challenging, but they additionally contribute to the fragmentation of sperm DNA and cellular stress, reducing the chances of success. ZyMot sperm separating devices are an innovative, effective, natural, and simple approach for isolating the healthiest sperm for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), intra-uterine insemination (IUI), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures with the lowest DNA fragmentation.
Insemination
In this process, the collected sperm and eggs are placed together in an ‘in vitro’ laboratory dish for fertilisation in a lab. The embryologist may place a single viable egg with around 10,000 healthy sperms in each culture dish. These are placed in special incubators for up to 24 hours. In case of severe male infertility, the embryologist will inseminate the egg with a robust sperm using a special needle; this process is called ICSI.
Embryo Implantation
After egg retrieval, embryo transfer usually occurs a few days later. You may receive a mild sedative to help you relax. The procedure is usually painless, but you might feel some mild cramping. During the transfer, the doctor will insert a tube called a catheter through your vagina, up to your uterus.
After The Procedure
After the embryo transfer, you may be advised to rest for the day, although most women can resume normal activities the next day. For 7 to 9 weeks after the embryo transfer, women undergoing IVF treatment may need to take daily shots or pills of the hormone progesterone. This hormone helps prepare the uterus lining for the embryo to attach and supports its growth after implantation. Progesterone is often continued for 8 to 12 weeks after pregnancy to prevent miscarriage.
Around 12 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test will be done at the clinic to check for pregnancy. During IVF, some may experience the following side effects from the fertility medications used during ovulation stimulation:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Headaches or hot flashes
- Enlarged ovaries, abdominal pain, and bruising from injections
- Breast tenderness, bloating, spotting, constipation & cramping
IVF can be physically and emotionally challenging, causing anxiety and depression for some. It's essential to discuss with your specialist about your feelings and seek support throughout the process.
How do you prepare for IVF Treatment
IVF treatment for pregnancy can be a physically demanding journey. There are several steps that you and your partner have to take to better prepare for the treatment.
1. Medical Tests
Couples may have to undergo the following tests before the in vitro ertilisation procedure:
- Uterine Exam: Your doctor may test the lining of your uterus. This may involve a sonohysterography, where fluid is injected through your cervix into the uterus for ultrasound images, or a hysteroscopy, where a thin, flexible, lighted telescope (hysteroscope) is inserted through your vagina and cervix into your uterus.
- Ovarian Reserve Testing: This test helps check the quantity and quality of your eggs before the IVF. It involves checking hormone levels like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen (estradiol), and anti-mullerian hormone in your blood during the early days of your menstrual cycle. An ultrasound of your ovaries might also be done to predict how the ovaries can react to medications.
- Semen Analysis: The specialist carries out semen analysis to assess the quality of the male partner's sperm. The test evaluates sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). This analysis helps determine the best approach for fertilisation. Your specialist can advise standard in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) if sperm quality is an issue.
- Screening: Both you and your partner will be screened for infectious diseases, including HIV.
2. Lifestyle Improvements
To better prepare and optimise the chances of success during IVF, patients should follow these guidelines:
- Food Intake: Patients are advised to adopt a healthy diet that includes whole foods. A diet packed with nutrients helps boost your immunity, which can help you fight infections while undergoing IVF treatment. Foods like refined carbs, fried foods, soda, alcohol, and fast foods are very heavy to digest and can hamper your sleep cycles as well. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Be Active & Exercise: Experts advise patients to engage in regular, light to moderate exercise like walking, yoga, and stretching before IVF. Avoid excessive or strenuous exercise, especially during the in vitro fertilisation cycle, until approved by the doctor.
- Lifestyle Improvements: You will be advised to stop smoking and drinking alcohol both, before and during the in vitro cycle as it can harm egg quality and reduce chances of getting pregnant. Couples undergoing the treatment will be briefed to take steps to improve their lifestyle and sleep hygiene, which can also mitigate many current lifestyle diseases. Research has found that corrective measures to improve one's health and lifestyle have reversed conditions like obesity, high BP, and certain types of diabetes, which may be playing an underlying role in your infertility issues.
- Manage Stress: It is essential to reduce stress by practicing meditation, yoga, or spending time outdoors. Also, those undergoing the treatment require adequate rest and relaxation time to improve overall health and minimise stress during the in vitro fertilisation IVF journey.
How much does IVF cost?
Generally, the charges for IVF treatment can start from Rs 1,45,000 per cycle. The costs may vary based on the fertility hospital you choose. For instance, in vitro fertilisation treatment in a tier I city will be more expensive than in a clinic in tier II and II cities.
The cost of your IVF treatment can vary as they depend on factors like:
- Specialist consultation
- Lab tests
- Medication
- Egg Retrieval
- Sperm prepping
- Anaesthesia
- Cost of embryo storage
- Preimplantation genetic screening and diagnosis (PGS and PGD)
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), if elected
- Your health insurance cover
- Non-medical expenses, like travel to and from your clinic to residence.
