What is the difference between IVF and IUI

Infertility is a concern faced by many people all around the world. The use of Assisted Reproductive Technology for the treatment of infertility is one of the best methods. In the 1980s, there was a focus on the need to broaden the indications for treatment by Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Among the various techniques of science, IVF and IUI are the commonly used treatments to help a person who is struggling to conceive. People often don't know about the differences between an IUI and an IVF treatment and assume that both are the same. So, here are some clarifications about the terms IVF (In vitro fertilization) and IUI (Intrauterine Insemination).

Treatment

IUI is a simple and non-invasive treatment during which the processed and motile sperm is inserted directly into a woman’s uterus.  This procedure is repeated one to two times in the days immediately after the detection of ovulation, and after that woman’s egg is picked up by the fallopian tube and stays there until the sperm arrives.

Under IUI treatment, the higher concentrations of good quality sperm are made close to where the egg is waiting, and the chances that the egg and sperm will find each other are increased. 

This treatment is recommended in case of low sperm count or poor sperm health of men, which creates the need for an IUI to bypass sexual intercourse and inseminate the female partner with a potent sperm sample to increase the chances of getting pregnant.

Whereas in vitro fertilization is a process under which fertilization takes place outside of the body, where after the egg and sperm cells have been obtained, they are brought together in a laboratory and allowed the sperm to fertilize the eggs, and after 2 to 5 days of fertilization, one or more of the best-fertilized eggs are inserted into the uterus using a catheter and the remaining fertilized eggs may be cryopreserved for future use.

How does the cost of IUI and IVF Procedures Differ?

When comparing IUI and IVF process prices for an individual cycle, the total cost of IVF exceeds that of IUI by a significant amount. The IUI treatment is more economical or has less cost due to it being less invasive.  As under this, the male partner contributes a sperm sample that is directly injected into the uterus, and in this process, no incisions are required, and the couples will primarily pay for various medications, bloodwork, consultations, and the procedure. IUI can become more expensive if multiple cycles are needed, but couples who get pregnant with IUI will usually save more money than IVF.

In IVF treatment, couples are required to pay a significantly higher amount for their treatment. Since it requires advanced techniques and equipment and the pair have to pay the price for medications, bloodwork, consultations, the extraction procedure, fertilization, the incubation period, implantation, and the egg freezing processes.  

The duration of IUI is much shorter than IVF; if the first cycle doesn’t fail, it could be overwhelming. The IUI treatment is recommended in cases of cervical and mild ovulation issues, in case of sperm abnormalities and ejaculation problems in men.

In IVF, the treatment is suitable for patients who are over the age of thirty-eight, have blocked fallopian tubes, have reduced ovarian reserve, or suffer from advanced endometriosis or may require genetic screening.

Risk of multiples

Under the IUI procedure, fertility medication carries a significant risk of multiple pregnancies of triplets or more. Also, the doctor will carefully monitor follicles to ensure that only a safe number is mature, but it is difficult to eliminate the risk.

Whereas in IVF, most fertility clinics transfer only one or two embryos per IVF cycle, and it reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies for IVF patients, and IVF is generally recommended for couples, after the failure to conceive after three failed IUI cycles.

Both treatments, IVF and IUI, are the most commonly used methods of assisted reproduction, and the decision must be taken after analyzing the budget, age, and the conditions of the reproductive organs of both partners.

For more information visit our website - Zeeva Clinic

Quick Guide on What Happens After Embryo Transfer

IVF is a stressful period, and a lot of things go through our heads, which can distract us from our daily life. This article is aimed at exploring what happens after the embryo transfer, what you should look out for, and what to avoid. The embryo transfer is the last procedure in the IVF treatment. It is a simple and quick technique.

The Embryo Transfer Procedure

It is a simple procedure that does not require any anesthetic, a speculum is used to hold the vagina open so that the cervix can be cleansed. An ultrasound is used as a guide to transferring the embryos. The patient is now in a recovery stage and usually lies on her back for about 30mins and is discharged in 4-6 hours.

Progesterone is usually given to the patient until pregnancy is confirmed, or the body is making enough progesterone on its own. Progesterone is an essential hormone that is required to start pregnancy but also maintains it.

The patient is usually required to rest for 24 hours, and extensive physical activity is not encouraged from this point onwards.

The Embryo

The embryologist selects the healthiest embryo using photos and scanning. Most of the time, four embryos are transferred as this increases the chances of pregnancy higher than this number; there can be multiple fertilization that can lead to complications.

These are the various stages of the egg before the transplant.

· Day 1: -The process of hatching occurs as the blastocyst begins to hatch out of its shell. The cells will continue to divide.

· Day 2: -Hatching continues, and the blastocyst will begin an incredibly important part of the process, by attaching itself to the uterine lining.

· Day 3: -For implantation to successfully occur, the blastocyst attaches deeper into the uterus lining. Some bleeding or spotting is normal at this stage.

· Day 4: -The blastocyst continues to go deeper into the uterus to attach itself to the endometrial blood supply.

· Day 5: -Now attached to the endometrial blood supply, implantation is complete, and the blastocyst will begin to develop further. As well as the blastocyst, other cells will start forming the placenta.

· Day 6: -The hormone hCG starts increasing in the blood from the placenta cells.

Along with hCG, progesterone levels increase to strengthen and prepare the uterus lining for the first trimester.

· Day 7: -The blastocyst is now a fetus. hCG levels continue to increases as the placenta further develops.

Now the embryos can be transferred on day three and day 5. And there is a significant difference between them. Day 3 transfers are early-stage embryos that contain 8-12 cells, while day five are known as blastocysts, and they can be said as matured embryos that have begun their rapid multiplication. Day 5 transplant is a bit more successful for patients who have health complications or have failed in day three transfers.

After the entire procedure is completed, the couple has to wait for signs of pregnancy.

Pregnancy

The symptoms of pregnancy can be seen within 2-3 weeks after the transfer.

These symptoms include: -

· Mild cramping or abdominal pain

· Breast tenderness

· Food cravings/food aversions

· Frequent urination

· Morning sickness

· Headaches

· Fatigue

· Nausea/Vomiting

There are other symptoms such as slight bleeding, but that can indicate menses or menstrual blood. The patient should avoid any form of stress, and if there is, you may take a leave from the office or change the environment. Walks and meditation can help a lot during this period. Maintaining your health is extremely crucial, and the success rates of IVF treatment is heavily dependent on it.

IVF treatment success rates are quite good compared to other methods, but they are not guaranteed. Stay healthy, follow the doctor’s advice, and that should be it.

For more information visit our clinic Best IVF center in Noida, Call at +91 8377855100 to schedule an appointment now.

What you should know about embryo transfer

Assisted reproduction technology is a common practice nowadays. There are many procedures through which this can be achieved. Embryo transfer is one of them.  This process involves the transfer of embryos into the uterine cavity using a catheter that is inserted through the uterine cervix.

The first embryo transfer experiment was performed on a rabbit in 1890, yet, this technique was not efficient during that period and wasn’t intended to be applied to humans then. In 1977 a baby conceived through in vitro fertilization commonly referred to as IVF was born. The technique involved in the baby’s birth was embryo transfer.

Why is embryo transfer needed?  

The growing cases where natural fertilization wasn’t an option or was difficult gave rise to the need for an assisted reproductive method, which then led to the creation of embryo transfer.

There are several reasons for the need for embryo transfer. 

As the Fallopian tubes are the passageway for embryos to reach towards the uterus, any damage caused to them may disrupt the fertilized eggs from reaching safely to the womb. 

Some genetic disorders may also prevent pregnancy from occurring.

The failure of ovaries due to genetic disorders may result in improper functioning, unbalanced levels of estrogen production, or inability to produce eggs regularly. Due to impaired or low sperm production, poor movement of the sperm, damage to the testes, semen abnormalities, abnormalities in sperm size and shape in men can make it difficult for fertilization of the sperm and egg and lead to failure of natural fertilization. 

The process involved in embryo transfer 

The process is short and is usually pain-free. It rarely requires any sedatives. Embryo transfer usually takes place in three to five days after egg retrieval.

Firstly a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into your vagina through the cervix into the uterus, and syringe which has one or more embryos and is suspended in a small amount of fluid which is attached to the end of the catheter. 

The doctor places the embryo in the uterus and the embryo will implant itself to the lining of the uterus about six to ten days after the egg retrieval. 

After twelve days of the retrieval of the egg, the doctor will test a sample of blood to detect whether the lady is pregnant or not. In case of a positive result, the doctor will refer her to an obstetrician or another pregnancy specialist. If the results are negative, then it is advisable to stop taking progesterone and to consult a doctor. 

The chances of giving birth to a baby after using IVF depends on the age of the mother as in cases in which women older than forty-one years are often counseled using donor eggs during IVF to increase the chances of pregnancy. In cases of younger women, there are more chances to conceive and give birth to a healthy baby using your eggs during IVF. 

Certain lifestyle factors also decide the success of IVF. When women who are habitual of smoking have fewer eggs retrieved during IVF and may miscarry more often because smoking lowers the woman’s chance of success using IVF by fifty percent, consumption of alcohol, recreational drugs, excessive caffeine, and certain medications can also be harmful and reduce the chances of conceiving. 

Types of embryo transfer

Fresh embryo transfer

After the fertilization of eggs, they are cultured for one day, and the best embryos are selected and directly transferred to the woman’s uterus.

Frozen Embryo Transfer

Frozen embryos remain viable well over ten years or more after the initial freeze, and any healthy embryos that were not used in the first transfer can be frozen and stored for future use and can be easily transferred to the uterus.  It is a cycle where embryos that came from a prior in vitro fertilization cycle are thawed and transferred into the woman’s uterus.

Blastocyst Embryo Transfer

According to the study in the Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, blastocyst embryo transfer has a higher success rate than standard embryo transfer on day three but recent studies show that the patient may have risks later in pregnancy and is not always recommended by doctors.

According to a study by the International Journal of Reproductive Medicine, there is no statistical difference between using fresh and frozen embryos as fresh embryos had a 23 percent pregnancy rate. In contrast, frozen embryos have an 18 percent pregnancy rate. 

It shows that frozen embryos could also be used for additional embryo transfers, whereas fresh embryos could not be used Where the chances for pregnancy are low. The doctors may consider freezing embryos for a second attempt at embryo transfer at a later date.

Precautions to be taken after embryo transfer 

After about half an hour’s rest at the medical facility where the embryo transfer is done, the patient can go home and continue their normal daily routine activities like walking, going out, driving, and they can work but should avoid vigorous physical activities like sports and heavy lifting. 

Drinking an adequate amount of water is always recommended to maintain sufficient hydration status. Patients after an embryo transfer should avoid immersing themselves in hot water in bathtubs or swimming pools.

It is recommended that the patient’s obstetrician should prescribe the medications taken, and the consumption of any antibiotics should be done after consultation. 

Visit Zeeva Clinic a prominent IVF and Best IVF center in Noida for further assistance, call at +91 83778 55100 and schedule an appointment now.

How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy

In a world where being selfish is a dominant quality in most people, deciding to be entirely responsible for another human is a big step. It is terrifying, exciting, and nerve-wracking yet, is also a wonderful journey one can ever have the opportunity to experience.

Motherhood is a boon many women have the pleasure of experiencing. Carrying a child for around nine months and being responsible for them is a massive change for many women, yet, they do it with grace and love.

The merging of something as tiny as a sperm and an egg creates a human being. As trivial as it sounds, the pain behind it is known only by mothers. So, any first-time mothers feeling anxious and excited; this article has everything you need to know about how to have a healthy pregnancy.

Taking care of your diet

First and foremost, the mother’s health is essential. Consuming foods that are rich in all the vitamins and minerals is important. This is important for the development of the embryo, healthy food consumption by a pregnant woman is vital.

Consistency is key

Ensure you are incorporating fruits and whole foods as a part of your meals. Planning your meals well ahead is one way to keep your cravings fulfilled.

Some of the foods that are not only healthy but also tasty are dal, poha, oats, paratha, chicken rice or vegetable pulao, and curd or buttermilk.

Educate yourself

Knowledge is wealth. Keeping yourself educated with the required information will be beneficial and help in avoiding unnecessary tensions. Educating yourself shouldn’t be hard with all the resources available, the internet, books, and talks.

Though mothers are your best source, they paint a real and honest picture from their experience and give you an insight about the remedies that worked for them.

Shying away from asking questions is natural, yet, it is also why you shouldn’t. Voicing your doubts is better as it may help you out from tough situations.

The right amount of exercise

Exercise helps in maintaining your body and keeping it active. Rigorous exercise isn’t for all. Some pregnant ladies chose to exercise as usual during the early stages, and it is normal. Yet, giving up exercise completely isn’t healthy and is not recommended. 

Simple stretching poses and yoga are best suited for all, especially pregnant women. Thirty minutes a day is more than enough to help boost your energy levels.

Keeping away from drugs and toxins

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking are injurious to health; this is a well-known fact. Yet, during pregnancy, they are even more dangerous as your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, and keeping the toxins intake to a minimum will be beneficial. Caffeine intake should also be minimized.

Proper Sanitation

Sanitation is a necessity whether you are pregnant or not. When you are pregnant, it turns into a bigger need simply because your body undergoes changes and can be prone to infections quicker than before.  The germ-free environment is a must as it ensures better protection.

Regular weight monitoring

Maintaining a healthy weight cannot be stressed enough. The mother inevitably gains weight during pregnancy as they eat more and are carrying a child. Yet, excess of anything can lead to problems, and monitoring your weight regularly is important. Under-weight can also be problematic as it might hinder the baby’s growth.

Prenatal vitamins

Like said before, during pregnancy, a mother’s body undergoes various changes, and to maintain the level of nutrients, vitamins should be taken. Any medicines consumed should always be prescribed by a doctor or else can damage the mother’s or the baby’s health.  

Regular doctor visits

Visiting the doctor regularly irrespective of how you are feeling is advised. Sometimes, infections or any toxins may not affect the mother but the baby. So, a visit once every month is usually recommended.

Eat fish

Fish contain nutrients that are necessary for our body, consuming fish while pregnant is not only healthy but also increases the chances of your baby having a higher IQ level. 

A study held in 2007 shows that mothers who ate fish during their pregnancy had children with a higher IQ level.  

When to call the doctor?

Intense cramps, vaginal bleeding, or fluid leakage from your vagina, dizziness, or fainting are some of the symptoms that may require you to visit the doctor. A few other symptoms are contractions at 20-minute intervals, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. 

Consulting a doctor as soon as possible when one of these symptoms is encountered is crucial. Neglecting these can lead to complications, which sometimes can be a little challenging to deal with.

Being pregnant is a beautiful experience, but ensuring the safety and health of yourself as well as your baby is essential. Keeping the points mentioned above will help in having a healthy pregnancy. 

Visit Zeeva Clinic, a prominent IVF and Best IVF Center in Noida for further assistance, call at +91 8377855100 and schedule an appointment now.

All That You Need To Know About Recurrent Miscarriage

Recurrent miscarriage is two or more pregnancy losses in a row. This article gives a brief description of the causes, cure, and detection of recurrent miscarriages.

The causes of RPL are a lot; they are discussed in brief below: -

·    Lifestyle

Although there is no specific cause of RPL due to lifestyle, it is a factor that should be counted. Bad lifestyle is linked with a lot of health issues and, in turn, can cause RPL.

·    Anatomical Conditions

Anatomical conditions are the most common reasons for RPL, Damaged, or abnormal shape of the uterus have a significant effect on childbearing capacity. Cervical conditions are another cause of RPL; they are known to cause premature pregnancy and miscarriages.

·    Chromosomal Disorders

Abnormal chromosomes will result in a miscarriage, this is a natural process, but there are chances that this can happen multiple times. Abnormal chromosomes will result in a lack of genetic material for the proper growth of the embryo. This damage is usually caused in the egg maturation rather than sperm fertilization.

·    Thrombophilia

A condition where the chances of blood clots in blood vessels increases (thrombosis). Though it is not guaranteed that people having thrombophilia will have miscarriages most women give normal birth, but a sizeable amount has recurrent miscarriages. Almost 50% of frequent miscarriage cases can be linked to thrombophilia.

·    Immunity

Maternal immune tolerance consists of more than 15% of cases of recurrent miscarriages; in this condition, the body rejects the placenta and the fetus as the immune system considers them as a foreign body. This results in an immediate abortion.

·    Infections

Rather than recurrent miscarriages, infections are linked more to congenital disabilities and other related conditions. However, there are cases where maternal infections cause miscarriages.

Assessment

Ultrasonography is the most common test to determine the health of early pregnancy. There is another condition-specific test of the above conditions that include: -

·    Pelvic Exam

·    Blood Test 

·    Chromosomal Test 

·    Antibody Test

·    Thrombophilia Test

Treatment

·    Surgery: They are performed to fix the shape, add tissues, and address minor issues related to the shape of the uterus.

·    Blood-thinning medicines: - They are used to prevent clots. They include aspirin and heparin.

·    Genetic Screening: - Translocation is used to study chromosomal disorders and to identify the best solution that includes IVF.

·    Lifestyle Choices: - improving lifestyle by reducing the consumption of alcohol, quitting smoking can improve health significantly and can increase the chances of pregnancy as well as prevent miscarriages.

Consulting your doctor is the best way to know and understand the situation; this will allow you to take the best course of action that is suitable for you.

Visit Zeeva Clinic, a prominent IVF and Best IVF Center in Noida for further assistance, call at +91 8377855100 and schedule an appointment now.