Embryos are graded based on their cells' number and appearance, inner cell mass quality, trophectoderm quality, and degree of blastocyst expansion. Fertility specialists examine three or 5-day-old embryos under a microscope to grade them as excellent, good, average, and poor.
Laparoscopy is done to either find the cause of infertility or to treat the reproductive system. In this operation, the surgeon makes a small cut near the belly button and pumps carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen to have better operative space and visualization. Then, a surgical laparoscope is inserted in the abdomen to examine the organs or take samples from them. In the last step, the incisions are sutured and bandaged.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome happens when the ovaries swell and leak. Pain in the lower abdomen, bloating, rapid weight gain, and upset stomach are the main signs of OHSS. The doctor can prevent the advancement of OHSS by cutting or reducing HCG medications, prescribing low doses of gonadotropins, adding certain medicines like aspirin and cabergoline to your diet, and freezing eggs for future IVFs.
ICSI is a perfect treatment for couples whose infertility is mostly associated with sperm parameters, like low sperm count and abnormal shape of the sperm. In this method, a healthy sperm is directly injected into the center of an egg to fertilize it. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the mother's womb. The success rate of ICSI depends on several factors, but generally, it ranges between %70 and %85.
Age is an important factor in female fertility as the number and quality of eggs decrease as she ages. However, you can increase your chance of pregnancy after 35 by taking pre-pregnancy tests, improving your diet and lifestyle, exercising regularly, keeping your weight at a normal range, avoiding smoking and drinking, etc.
In IVF with donor sperm, the specialist fertilizes the intended mother’s egg with the sperm of a donor who has high-quality sex cells and no genetic diseases. This method is usually used when the male partner has azoospermia, an inherited disorder, or a chromosomal abnormality. The success rate of IVF with donor sperm ranges between %60% to 80, while this number is lower in IUI with sperm donors.
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.
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.