According to the Brazilian Society for Assisted Reproduction (SBRA), in Brazil, about 8 million people may suffer from infertility. However, many of these cases can be resolved through in vitro fertilization (IVF). If the doctor indicates IVF because it is the most appropriate treatment for the patient, it is essential to know the advice on how to prepare for the procedure, which increases the chances of success of the procedure. We spoke with Dr. Rodrigo Rosa, a specialist in human reproduction, to find out all about the lotion.
In Vitro Fertilization: Learn how to prepare it
According to Rodrigo, in vitro fertilization, in general, has a high probability of success, with a 50 to 60 percent chance of pregnancy. However, this rate can vary from patient to patient, as it depends on factors such as the woman’s age, health history, and the cause of the infertility. For this reason, it is important that the patient informs the doctor about the possibilities of pregnancy in her specific case”, continues the doctor.
The expert explains that human reproduction treatments are recommended in case of tubal changes, deep endometriosis, old age and cases of significant changes in the semen that prevent or impede spontaneous conception.
Therefore, following the medical recommendation, the patient must go through some specific procedures to prepare for fertilization. Consult the advice of Dr. Next Rodrigo:
Tests before treatment
For IVF to be the fertilization treatment recommended by the specialist, it will initially be necessary to carry out several tests on the couple.
“This complete investigation must include both clinical protocols and include a series of clinical protocols such as immunological, metabolic and hormonal profile, vaginal secretion tests, evaluation of vaginal flora, semen analysis and sperm DNA fragmentation index. Other complementary tests can identify sexually transmitted diseases’ says the doctor.
Medicine
Hormonal drugs stimulate the growth and recruitment of the follicles present in that menstrual cycle in the ovaries. As a result, more follicles grow and, during aspiration, more eggs are collected. Therefore, this stimulation is controlled with ultrasound and also with blood tests, which help to determine the correct moment for the egg collection”, explains Dr. Rodríguez-Rosa.
The duration of fertilization
The first stage is ovarian stimulation, oocyte collection and semen collection, with the union of both gametes in the laboratory and the development of these embryos.
This stage lasts between 13 and 14 days and the embryos develop in three to five days in the laboratory. Thus, embryo transfer can be performed in the same menstrual cycle, which occurs only in 10% of cases, or in the following menstrual cycle. In these cases, the embryos are frozen and the woman menstruates again, and the embryos are transferred 17 to 20 days after menstruation. Thus, the treatment as a whole takes 45 to 50 days”, says the doctor.
IVF (Vitro Fertilization) Powder Tips
What changes in the routine
Generally, a woman will not need major changes in her routine during IVF treatment. However, experts recommend that women avoid activities such as running or lifting weights, as these can cause the ovaries to swell and jeopardize treatment.
“During this period, it is also recommended that women not commit excesses, such as consuming alcohol, tobacco or medication without informing a human reproductive physician. Even exhaustion and anxiety can be harmful at this time, and it is important to avoid them” , emphasizes Dr. Rodrigo.
Diet changes
There is no specific diet to follow. However, you should have a healthy diet and avoid ultra-processed foods, according to the doctor.
A piece of advice is to consume between 60 and 70 grams of protein a day; Lean meats, fish, beans, eggs, and lentils are high in protein. Eating calcium-rich foods can also help; Doctor indicates its presence in foods such as yogurt, almonds, cheese and vegetables such as kale or spinach.
Side effects
The medication taken during the treatment can cause some mild side effects, such as swelling and fluid retention, which disappear shortly after the period.
More serious events, such as headaches, abdominal discomfort, and changes in appetite or mood, are associated with cases of overstimulation of the follicles, and it is important to notify a doctor if serious side effects, such as blood clots, occur. , bleeding and infections are rare, but can occur, which requires continuous monitoring by the attending physician”, says the physician.
Chances of successful fertilization
Finally D. Rodrigo explains that success varies with the age of the woman and the number of eggs collected, which in turn depends on the ovarian reserve (which is the reserve of eggs) and the ovarian response to stimulation. “The success rate can range from 60% in women up to 35 years of age to 10% around 43”, concludes the expert.
