In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro Fertilization (IVF) is part of the assisted reproductive methods. It has been carried out for 40 years all over the world. The first child, born with this method was Louise Brown. She was born in 1978. In Greece, the first IVF procedure took place on 20 January 1982. Stella Iordanidou, who was entitled to the first IVF procedure, Gave birth to Christina Iordanidou with c-section. This birth was the 13th with the IVF procedure worldwide.
Thanks to this method millions of couples fill their arms and their hearts up every day.
What does IVF mean?
We call this procedure IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) because it is based on the fertilization of the woman’s eggs by the man’s spermatozoon in the laboratory and not in the woman’s body.
Why do I need IVF?
When does a couple ends up choosing this method? How does the doctor decide to suggest this procedure? A lot of women wonder: “when do I follow an IVF procedure?”
The In Vitro Fertilization is not the first option of any couple. In addition, it is not the first option of the specialists either.
If a woman hasn’t conceived after a year of intercourse without protections, we start investigating infertility matters. After a woman turns 35 years old, this time period decreases to 6 months. This happens because a woman’s fertility is diminished year by year. According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) 1 out of 6 couples worldwide face infertility matters.
Our gynecologist specialized in IVF, after having analyzed the specialized examinations, analyzes the reasons of the couple’s infertility. He also analyses the causes and the medical profile of both the man and the woman, so he can come to a conclusion. After that, he proposes the best choice of assisted reproductive method.
About the exams that men and women must do, read more in the section Infertility.
We wrote a useful article for you that you have to read. Its title is In Vitro Fertilization causes and stages.
What does the couple need to know when starting an IVF attempt?
The drugs that doctors give to the woman are injected subcutaneously and easy to use. The woman can do it by herself. She doesn’t have to change anything on her daily routine.
The cure doesn’t affect at all the couple’s life. Apart from the ultrasounds and the medicine the couple can do everything they did. The woman can exercise, have fun and intercourse with her partner. At the last stage of the procedure, the embryo transfer, the doctor gives specific instructions to the couple. There aren’t any significant restrictions though.
The IVF procedure
The IVF procedure isn’t painful at any stage. It lasts 10 days or 20-30 days, depending on the chosen protocol.
The IVF steps are simpler than you imagine:
In our team we always use the ICSI where the embryologist amplifies the spermatozoa under a special microscope. This helps him choose the most suitable sperm.
It’s a critical moment, but with the experience of the embryologist, along with a fully equipped laboratory can contribute to a successful pregnancy.
Methods and Techniques: IVF
We can do the In Vitro Fertilization in these ways:
Fertilizatiοn in natural cycle: It takes place in the embryology laboratory. During a natural cycle IVF there is no ovarian stimulation with drugs. We use the single (predominant) follicle and of the endometrium. However, the disadvantage of this way is the low success rates compared to the conventional IVF method.
The conventional IVF method begins with ovarian stimulation with drugs in order to develop multiple mature follicles simultaneously.
IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): This method is used when sperm penetration to the egg is blocked due to male infertility. In this procedure the most mature eggs are chosen and carefully cleansed. The fertilization takes place 2-10 hours after egg retrieval. A hole is opened in the egg cover, so that the spermatozoon can enter the egg.
On what does the success of the IVF depend?
The reasons of a failure can be various and complicated. The age defines the outcome of the process, as it affects the quality of the eggs and the sperm.
Watch the video where Dr Evaggelos Sakkas explains the implantation failure.
This fact doesn’t exclude older women to experience the miracle of motherhood. The success of the In Vitro Fertilization depends mostly on the quality of the egg and the embryo. For this reason there are women who conceive on the first attempt, whereas there are other women who need to try more.
It is very important the fact that Athens is considered a reference point in assisted reproductive procedures. This happens because the cost in Greece is lower compared to the USA, but with the same success rates.
IVF: What happens if it fails?
The failure generates feelings of frustration and “mourning”. It is totally normal not just for the couple, but for the whole scientific team who feels your pain.
Our experience though makes us confident to reassure you that the one who insists, wins. Every couple that wants to fill their arms, will make it happen. It doesn’t happen the same way for all families… but the result is the same in any case.
- Hope is not lost in science.
- Regain you resilience and we will be by your side to support you by all means. Our psychologist Rozina Palaiologou can help you deal with every difficulty you face. Read her very helpful articles on our blog.
What are the steps after a failure?
First of all, we give yourself some time to deal your previous attempt. Most of the times IFV fails for reasons that the couple cannot control.
According to the British Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA), the IVF procedure is besides healing, a diagnostic method. So, depending on the stage of the process in which there was difficulty, we modify the strategy of the next attempt, request further examinations or invasive approaches.
IVF success rates
In our country, the success rates are usually between 25%- 45%. In more detail, with honesty and scientific evidence we have written the article “IVF and insemination” for you.
IVF Cost
How much does the IVF procedure cost?
The creation of a new life cannot be counted in numbers or money. Its value is priceless. However, the economic reality at the time has created obstacles and additional difficulties. The In Vitro Fertilisation is an expensive process. We may choose the techniques and the approaches during the process, so it is quite difficult to determine the cost from the beginning.
The Greek National health insurance system EOPPY engages to a considerable extent. About the drugs and the committee of EOPYY you can be informed here.
The GynCare team supportrs the couples who want to become parents by offering competitive financial service packages.
The reason we keep our therapy cost in low levels is mainly because:
- We only charge you for the services you really need and not for standard financial packages.
- We simplify the procedure through innovative methods
- High success rates on the first attempt.
Our values and vision lead us to offer the best at affordable prices.
We let nothing stand in your way…
IVF: when and how often do we try?
The time period of the next attempt depends on:
- The couple’s psychological situation
- The ovarian stimulation with drugs. We suggest 3-4 months between the attempts
- The protocol
- The existing frozen embryos
Our principle is 4 cycles per year.
Finally, the EOPYY committee defines the 4 months between attempts. It also covers 4 attempts in total.
In Vitro Fertilisation:
Myths and Truths
Finally, try to get information only by trusted sources because we can find many false information. We suggest you reading the article “In Vitro Fertilisation Myths and Truth” which is based on scientific facts.
Gyn Care Ivf
Which is the best IVF center in Athens?… Lots of anxious couples wonder.
The place where you will undergo the IVF procedure is a very important decision, in order to avoid the suffering and wasting money. What you have to know is that the success of any attempt depends, not only on proper medical care, but also on the combination of the specialized doctors and the scientific staff that you trust.
The GynCare fertility specialists commit to you the above. They:
- believe in Humanitarian values
- make decision according to medical ethics
- all members of our team do their best
- are trained in innovative techniques
- speak the language of scientific truth
- emphasize on your wide-range information, so you know all the choices at your disposal.
