If you think that it is really impossible for you to have a baby after different fertility techniques you've tried didn't work, in vitro fertilization may be what you've long been waiting for.
IVF has been recommended by most fertility doctors worldwide to treat infertility issues and its popularity continues to soar as successful cases continue to be widespread. The IVF process involves different stages and IVF follicles stimulation is the first stage.
Follicles are little sacs that contain the eggs enclosed in fluid inside the ovary. During the natural menstrual cycle, a solitary follicle will produce more fluid to stir egg maturity. Under IVF follicles stimulation, the development of follicles on ovaries is sparked by taking fertility medications. The follicular development will then be closely monitored by your doctor through ultrasound to determine the appropriate time of egg retrieval.
Although IVF can still be done even without the use of fertility medications, better chances of pregnancy are documented when multiple embryos are transferred into the uterus. Side effects due to IVF follicles stimulation medications are rare but there are documented incidences of slight irritation, weight gain, bloating and OHSS (ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome).
The goal of IVF follicles stimulation
The goal of follicular stimulation in IVF is to produce up to 15 follicles in order to get more eggs for fertilization. However, over stimulation must be avoided to prevent the occurrence of OHSS. Nonetheless, IVF can still be successful even if the retrieved eggs are lower in number. But there are greater chances of pregnancy if more eggs are retrieved.
Follicular development
There are several factors which can affect the production and quality of mature follicles. These include the woman's age, follicle stimulation medication being used, the woman's fertility issues and many more. The desirable number of follicles is approximately 11-30. However, when the number of follicles exceeds 30, this is an indication that your follicles over-responded to the IVF follicles stimulation thus putting you at risk of developing OHSS.
How many embryos will be transferred?
In the US, there is no restriction as to the number of fertilized embryos to be transferred in every IVF cycle. However, it is not always a blessing and could even be a curse to some patients. But the fact that you can transfer as many fertilized embryos effectively increases your possibility of conceiving. Along with this, the possibility of having multiple and high-risk pregnancy cannot be totally ruled out. Basically, the number of fertilized embryos to be transferred to your uterus relies on your personal circumstances.
What to do with the remaining embryo from IVF Follicles Stimulation?
If pregnancy occurs during the first IVF cycle, there are different ways to handle the remaining embryos. One way is by donating them to couples like you who are trying to settle their fertility problems. If you don't want to donate your fertilized embryos, you can follow what some couples have done. They have those embryos subjected to memorial services prior to taking them out from the storage.
If you've decided to undergo IVF procedure, understanding the process and details of IVF follicles stimulation will prepare you for what may happen during this early stage of the IVF process.