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Currently, IVF is one of the most popular methods helping women conceive in complex medical cases. The IVF procedure may be recommended when a woman experiences difficulties with conception, particularly if pregnancy does not occur despite regular sexual intercourse with one partner without the use of contraceptives. In such cases, the diagnosis of “infertility” may be established.
Indications for IVF
IVF is used when conventional methods of infertility treatment prove ineffective, as well as in some other situations:
Male and female infertility that does not respond to treatment, even with endoscopic and hormonal correction, within one year after diagnosis.
Diseases that make pregnancy impossible, including absence or obstruction of the fallopian tubes, pelvic diseases, endocrine disorders, surgical interventions.
A woman’s desire to have a child in the absence of a partner. In this case, donor biomaterial may be used for conception.
Conditions for IVF procedure
The woman must be capable of producing at least one oocyte.
The man must provide high-quality sperm capable of fertilizing oocytes. If this is not possible, donor sperm may be used.
IVF Procedure Stages
IVF is a complex procedure performed in several stages:
Examinations by specialists. The reproductive specialist prescribes a comprehensive evaluation of both partners, including consultations with a gynecologist, andrologist, and other specialists depending on individual health conditions. The program begins on the second day of the menstrual cycle. The woman undergoes a pelvic ultrasound, and in the absence of contraindications, ovarian stimulation is initiated.
Ovarian hyperstimulation. Conducted to obtain 10–20 mature oocytes suitable for fertilization in one IVF cycle, thereby increasing the chances of pregnancy. Hormonal medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries. Oocyte maturation usually takes 2–3 weeks but may extend up to 2–3 months.
Oocyte retrieval. Using a vaginal ultrasound probe, the physician evaluates the ovaries, identifying follicles containing fluid and oocytes. A puncture needle is introduced transvaginally through the uterine wall into the ovary. The needle is connected to an electric aspirator, which extracts the oocytes. The procedure is performed under short general anesthesia.
Oocyte fertilization. Retrieved oocytes are transferred to the laboratory for fertilization. This may be performed by insemination with selected sperm or via ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), in which the physician injects a single sperm directly into the oocyte. Fertilized oocytes are cultured for 3–4 days, followed by incubation up to day 5 for blastocyst development. Some embryos are transferred into the uterus, while the remainder may be cryopreserved.
Embryo transfer. Conducted 3–5 days after fertilization. An obstetric speculum is inserted into the vagina, and a syringe containing a special medium and 1–2 embryos is attached to a catheter. Once the catheter reaches the uterine cavity, the embryos are deposited. The procedure is painless, requires no anesthesia, but mild sedatives may be administered.
Post-transfer care. Pregnancy is supported by hormonal therapy. Two weeks after embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is performed, followed by ultrasound confirmation.
The average IVF program lasts 19–20 days. Despite its popularity, IVF does not guarantee 100% success: the first attempt succeeds in 30–35% of cases, the second in 35–40%, while by the fifth attempt, the success rate rises to 70%.
Tests and Examinations
For women:
Consultation with a gynecologist-endocrinologist.
Blood tests:
• complete blood count, biochemistry,
• HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C,
• hormone profile (TSH, free T4, FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin),
• TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, chlamydia, others such as syphilis, hepatitis, varicella, HIV).
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) to assess ovarian reserve.
Coagulogram (blood clotting).
Urine and stool tests.
Cervical and vaginal swabs for infections and flora.
Cervical scraping for cytology.
Folliculometry (ultrasound to monitor ovulation).
Hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy to evaluate tubal patency and adhesions.
ECG, chest X-ray.
Breast ultrasound (under 35 years) or mammography (over 35 years).
Mammologist’s clearance for ovarian stimulation.
For men:
Blood tests:
• complete blood count, biochemistry,
• STI panel.
Urine and stool tests.
Urethral swabs for infections.
Semen analysis (spermogram) after 3–5 days of abstinence, avoiding alcohol, heat exposure, and antibiotics for 10–14 days prior.
Preparation for IVF
Preparation should begin 2–3 months before the procedure. General recommendations:
Vaccinations (influenza, rubella, measles, rabies).
Psychological stabilization: positive thinking, meditation, or psychological support.
Healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and greens, avoiding fatty and fried foods.
Weight correction in case of obesity or underweight.
Individualized vitamin and micronutrient supplementation.
Regular physical activity.
For men: intercourse once every 3 days with one partner to maintain optimal sperm quality.
IVF at Expert Clinics (Moscow)
The Expert Clinics specialize in infertility treatment using a comprehensive approach, addressing both male and female factors. Their goal is not only to achieve conception but also to ensure the birth of a healthy child. In some cases, couples who come for IVF preparation achieve natural conception after health optimization.
As Dr. Olga Polyanina (obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, ultrasound specialist, and anti-aging physician) notes:
“Sometimes couples come requesting IVF paperwork, but after assessing weight, sleep, sexual activity, rest, and nutrition, and after evaluating both partners’ health, we often find and eliminate the real obstacles to conception. As a result, the couple achieves pregnancy naturally, without proceeding to IVF. Recently, a couple preparing for IVF achieved a spontaneous pregnancy after only two months of health correction.”
Indications for IVF
IVF is used when conventional methods of infertility treatment prove ineffective, as well as in some other situations:
Male and female infertility that does not respond to treatment, even with endoscopic and hormonal correction, within one year after diagnosis.
Diseases that make pregnancy impossible, including absence or obstruction of the fallopian tubes, pelvic diseases, endocrine disorders, surgical interventions.
A woman’s desire to have a child in the absence of a partner. In this case, donor biomaterial may be used for conception.
Conditions for IVF procedure
The woman must be capable of producing at least one oocyte.
The man must provide high-quality sperm capable of fertilizing oocytes. If this is not possible, donor sperm may be used.
IVF Procedure Stages
IVF is a complex procedure performed in several stages:
Examinations by specialists. The reproductive specialist prescribes a comprehensive evaluation of both partners, including consultations with a gynecologist, andrologist, and other specialists depending on individual health conditions. The program begins on the second day of the menstrual cycle. The woman undergoes a pelvic ultrasound, and in the absence of contraindications, ovarian stimulation is initiated.
Ovarian hyperstimulation. Conducted to obtain 10–20 mature oocytes suitable for fertilization in one IVF cycle, thereby increasing the chances of pregnancy. Hormonal medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries. Oocyte maturation usually takes 2–3 weeks but may extend up to 2–3 months.
Oocyte retrieval. Using a vaginal ultrasound probe, the physician evaluates the ovaries, identifying follicles containing fluid and oocytes. A puncture needle is introduced transvaginally through the uterine wall into the ovary. The needle is connected to an electric aspirator, which extracts the oocytes. The procedure is performed under short general anesthesia.
Oocyte fertilization. Retrieved oocytes are transferred to the laboratory for fertilization. This may be performed by insemination with selected sperm or via ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), in which the physician injects a single sperm directly into the oocyte. Fertilized oocytes are cultured for 3–4 days, followed by incubation up to day 5 for blastocyst development. Some embryos are transferred into the uterus, while the remainder may be cryopreserved.
Embryo transfer. Conducted 3–5 days after fertilization. An obstetric speculum is inserted into the vagina, and a syringe containing a special medium and 1–2 embryos is attached to a catheter. Once the catheter reaches the uterine cavity, the embryos are deposited. The procedure is painless, requires no anesthesia, but mild sedatives may be administered.
Post-transfer care. Pregnancy is supported by hormonal therapy. Two weeks after embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is performed, followed by ultrasound confirmation.
The average IVF program lasts 19–20 days. Despite its popularity, IVF does not guarantee 100% success: the first attempt succeeds in 30–35% of cases, the second in 35–40%, while by the fifth attempt, the success rate rises to 70%.
Tests and Examinations
For women:
Consultation with a gynecologist-endocrinologist.
Blood tests:
• complete blood count, biochemistry,
• HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C,
• hormone profile (TSH, free T4, FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin),
• TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, chlamydia, others such as syphilis, hepatitis, varicella, HIV).
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) to assess ovarian reserve.
Coagulogram (blood clotting).
Urine and stool tests.
Cervical and vaginal swabs for infections and flora.
Cervical scraping for cytology.
Folliculometry (ultrasound to monitor ovulation).
Hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy to evaluate tubal patency and adhesions.
ECG, chest X-ray.
Breast ultrasound (under 35 years) or mammography (over 35 years).
Mammologist’s clearance for ovarian stimulation.
For men:
Blood tests:
• complete blood count, biochemistry,
• STI panel.
Urine and stool tests.
Urethral swabs for infections.
Semen analysis (spermogram) after 3–5 days of abstinence, avoiding alcohol, heat exposure, and antibiotics for 10–14 days prior.
Preparation for IVF
Preparation should begin 2–3 months before the procedure. General recommendations:
Vaccinations (influenza, rubella, measles, rabies).
Psychological stabilization: positive thinking, meditation, or psychological support.
Healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and greens, avoiding fatty and fried foods.
Weight correction in case of obesity or underweight.
Individualized vitamin and micronutrient supplementation.
Regular physical activity.
For men: intercourse once every 3 days with one partner to maintain optimal sperm quality.
IVF at Expert Clinics (Moscow)
The Expert Clinics specialize in infertility treatment using a comprehensive approach, addressing both male and female factors. Their goal is not only to achieve conception but also to ensure the birth of a healthy child. In some cases, couples who come for IVF preparation achieve natural conception after health optimization.
As Dr. Olga Polyanina (obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, ultrasound specialist, and anti-aging physician) notes:
“Sometimes couples come requesting IVF paperwork, but after assessing weight, sleep, sexual activity, rest, and nutrition, and after evaluating both partners’ health, we often find and eliminate the real obstacles to conception. As a result, the couple achieves pregnancy naturally, without proceeding to IVF. Recently, a couple preparing for IVF achieved a spontaneous pregnancy after only two months of health correction.”