There is always a misconception that if you go to any fertility center, they will directly counsel for In-vitro fertilization (IVF). Based on your personal history, hormone reports, blood reports, semen report, and AMH (Anti Mullerian Hormone) report, doctors decide the treatment of plan.
IUI can be a good starting point for couples struggling to conceive naturally. If there is no male factor, than trying IUI for one or two times is favorable. IUI is the procedure where follicular monitoring takes place and semen sample is collected.
On the day of IUI, semen sample is collected with the abstinence of 3-5 days. After 15 to 20 minutes, once the liquefaction of semen sample is achieved, sample is washed; dead sperm & pus cells are removed. Motile sperm are directly placed into the uterus using the IUI catheter. After 15 days, B-HcG is measured in blood.
There is no need for hospitalization, no anesthesia is required. If husband’s job is demanding than husband can provide semen sample prior to office hours and leave.
In case of IVF, couple has to visit center on day two of menstrual cycle and follicular study is being done. Stimulation of ovaries is done by medication and injections to produce multiple eggs for retrieval. Semen freezing is always performed in IVF cycle prior to Ovum Pick up. On the day of Ovum pick up, patient has to stay for 4-5 hours in hospital and under anesthesia, follicles are aspirated. Fresh semen sample is collected. ICSI (intra cytoplasmic sperm injection) procedure is carried out where sperm is injected into ovum and cultured in IVF lab for 5-6 days. On 5th day, either blastocysts are frozen or transferred into uterus. After 15 days, B-HcG is measured in blood. In case of frozen embryos, couple can plan for embryo transfer when they are ready for the procedure.
NOTE* Each and every women is different. If one conceive in first cycle that doesn’t mean that another women will conceive in the first cycle.
Patience and Perseverance is the key to success. Have faith and trust on yourself and god.
