There are multiple treatments for infertility, including taking medications, IVF, IUI, ICSI, GIFT, and ZIFT. The period and success rate of these treatments depends on the cause of infertility and its duration. Generally, each IVF cycle takes 6-8 weeks, IUI takes four weeks, and ICSI takes 4-6 weeks.
Polycystic ovary syndrome refers to having multiple follicles in the ovaries. It is associated with high androgen levels, irregular periods, BMI over 30, acne on the face and body, and severe hair shedding. PCOS can interfere with your fertility and cause sleep apnea, depression, diabetes, and other health issues.
A healthy eating pattern before embryo transfer boosts your immune system, improves blood flow in your uterus, and lowers the risk of gestational diabetes. You'd better have healthy fat, organic food, lean protein, plenty of fluids, and vitamin-rich foods, and avoid processed meat, refined sugar, raw food, soy-containing foods, and salty dishes.
IVF with frozen embryos is a perfect treatment for women over the age of 35 and couples who have a history of chromosomal abnormalities. In FET, the doctor first checks the endometrium with ultrasound imaging; second rinse the vagina to reduce the risk of infection; and finally, transfers the frozen embryo using a catheter. This operation takes 20 minutes, is painless, and has no complications.
The success of IVF depends on your activities, diet, and medications after embryo transfer. Although bed rest and using a wheelchair are unnecessary, you must limit your daily activities and avoid strenuous exercises post-embryo transfer. Also, have more legumes, chicken, and fresh vegetables, and take your prescribed medications on time.
Despite being helpful in stimulating ovaries to produce more eggs, IVF injections have some side effects. They may cause digestive problems, sudden weight gain, pelvic pain, breast tenderness, mood swings, and many more discomforts.
Egg retrieval means obtaining egg follicles from the ovaries by a needle. You should get enough rest, take your medications like antibiotics and painkillers on time, use progesterone supplements, inject calcium, etc. Also, you must avoid having intercourse for two weeks and quit smoking and drinking until your treatment is over.
The success of IUI highly depends on the quality of sex cells and embryos, but if you get an ultrasound regularly, take vitamin supplements, stay positive, be careful of what you eat, and avoid heavy activities, your chance of pregnancy after IUI increases. You should also be cautious about your sleeping position, daily habits, and your medications at this time.
IVF with donor eggs can help women with diminished ovarian reserve and poor egg quality to get pregnant. This treatment initiates with screening the egg donor and ends with transferring the embryo into the uterus. If the intended mother has a uterus or fallopian tube problem as well, the couple can use the surrogacy method.
In surrogacy, the baby grows in the womb of a surrogate because the intended mother has either a uterine problem or a life-threatening disease that prevents her from getting pregnant. Since this fertility treatment is illegal or too expensive in some countries, people travel abroad to have it. Iran is one of the most popular destinations for surrogacy as it has short waiting lists, low costs, and experienced fertility doctors.