Requirements for Undergoing IVF Programs You Need to Know

2023 Author: Autumn Gilbert | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:39

The IVF program is often an option for married couples who have difficulty having children. Although relatively expensive and there is a risk of failure, this program is still in great demand. The following are the conditions that must be met by a married couple if they want to carry out the IVF program

Egg cells are normally fertilized by sperm in a woman's body. However, this process does not always result in pregnancy, especially in couples who have fertility problems or infertility.

This is what makes many couples try assisted reproductive technology (TRB), such as IVF or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

IVF Procedure

In the laboratory, the husband's sperm cells are injected or combined with the wife's egg cells so that fertilization can occur. After fertilization occurs, the egg will develop into a fetus (embryo). This embryo will be implanted into the wife's womb to develop into a fetus.

However, the success of IVF depends on many factors, such as the age of the partner and the cause of infertility.

So, make sure you and your partner understand what are the requirements for undergoing IVF before doing it.

Requirements for IVF Program

To obtain optimal results, there are several conditions that must be met by husband and wife before undergoing the IVF program, namely:

1. Must be a legal married couple

In Indonesia, IVF programs and other natural methods of pregnancy can only be carried out by legally married couples. This is in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 36 of 2009 concerning He alth.

In the IVF program, the results of the fertilization must be implanted in the wife's uterus where the egg comes from. Therefore, this program cannot be carried out using donor sperm, egg cells, or embryos.

2. Female age should be under 35 years old

The IVF program is recommended for couples of childbearing age who have not had children, even though they have regularly had unprotected sex during their fertile period for approximately 2 years.

Some research says the success rate of IVF program is related to the age of the woman who undergoes it. Here are the chances of success of the IVF program according to the woman's age:

• Age 30–35 years: 41%–43%
• Age 35–37 years: 33%–36%
• Age 38–40: 23–27%
• Over 40 years old: 13%–18%

In women under 35 years old, usually the doctor will implant 1 embryo in the uterus. Meanwhile, in women aged over 40 years, more than 1 embryo may be implanted. The implantation of more than 1 embryo in the uterus can increase the risk of having twins.

3. He althy egg and sperm condition

Before undergoing the IVF program, married couples need to ensure that they have he althy eggs and sperm. This can be known through fertility tests, such as checking the number and quality of eggs, ovarian reserve tests, and sperm analysis.

The ovarian reserve test is performed to determine the amount of fertility hormones in a woman's body, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and anti-mullerian hormone. Meanwhile, sperm analysis aims to determine the number, shape, and activity of sperm.

4. The he alth condition of the husband and wife's body is maintained

A he althy body is one of the requirements to undergo IVF program that must be fulfilled by husband and wife. They must also maintain their weight, limit alcoholic beverages, and stop smoking.

If you suffer from diabetes and hypertension, married couples must control blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Doctors may also recommend that married couples undergo examinations for certain infectious diseases, such as sexually transmitted infections.

5. Understanding the risks and costs of the procedure

In vitro fertilization can cause side effects, such as hot flashes and headaches, due to the consumption of drugs during preparation and treatment. In addition, this program can also increase the risk of multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and congenital abnormalities in babies.

It should also be considered that the IVF program requires a lot of time and money. However, doctors will usually recommend other cheaper and less invasive infertility treatments before suggesting IVF.

Some Important Causes of Infertility to Know

One of the reasons for IVF procedure is infertility. This condition makes a woman does not get pregnant after 1 year of trying. Infertility can occur due to fertility problems in women, men, or both.

Infertility in women can be caused by several conditions, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovulation disorders, and thyroid disease. Meanwhile, fertility problems in men can be caused by disorders of sperm count and quality, genetic disorders, or problems with reproductive organs, such as the testes or testicular duct.

In addition, there are several things that can also increase the risk of infertility in both men and women, namely:

• Certain diseases, such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or sexually transmitted diseases
• The habit of smoking or consuming alcoholic beverages
• Obesity
• Old age
• Side effects of treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy
• Exposure to toxins from the environment, such as pesticides or heavy metals

Infertility does not always have to be treated with IVF. If infertility is caused by irregular ovulation, your doctor may prescribe medication. Meanwhile, if infertility is caused by endometriosis, surgery can be a solution.

Therefore, you and your partner should consult your obstetrician first if you want to undergo the IVF program. Later, the doctor will perform a series of tests, such as a sperm analysis, blood test, hysteroscopy, or a transvaginal ultrasound.

After you and your partner meet the requirements for the IVF program, prepare yourself to face whatever the outcome.

Going through an IVF program can be very mentally draining. Support from the closest people is needed to help you and your partner go through all the processes smoothly.