IVF (In-vitro Fertilization) Treatments in Cyprus
IVF, or in-vitro fertilization, is one of the most widely used assisted reproductive technologies (ART) worldwide. It involves the fertilization of an egg with a sperm in a controlled laboratory environment to create an embryo, which is then transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter. This method offers individuals and couples facing infertility the opportunity to achieve pregnancy through advanced medical intervention
- 1) What Is IVF Treatment?
- 2) IVF Treatment Costs
- 3) IVF Processes and Procedures
- 4) How Is IVF Done?
- 13) Why Is IVF Performed?
- 14) Can You Get Pregnant During IVF?
- 15) Is IVF Safe for Mother?
- 16) Is IVF Painful?
- 17) Is IVF Pregnancy the Same as Normal Pregnancy?
- 18) Who Is In-Vitro Fertilization Applied?
What Is IVF Treatment?
IVF is the most popular fertility treatment performed globally. This type of assisted reproductive technology, or ART, has completely changed the field of fertility treatment.
Individuals/couples suffering from infertility issues avail themselves of the IVF process to not only improve the odds of pregnancy but also to ensure that genetic diseases are not transferred to the baby.
Although theoretically, the IVF procedure has a few steps, these steps are very complex and require access to qualified healthcare professionals and fertility hospitals/clinics.
Eggs and sperm from the couple’s own reproductive system can be used for in-vitro fertilization. Also, sperm and egg can be donated. Therefore an IVF pregnancy can be achieved through a gestational carrier as well.
IVF Treatment Costs
In-vitro fertilization treatment costs are subject to several factors. These include medical history, age, cause of infertility, etc. Therefore, IVF cost may vary from case to case.
At the British Cyprus IVF Hospital, we evaluate our patients based on existing medical conditions, the need for additional fertility procedures, and supportive treatments. This is followed by a comprehensive treatment plan, and a quote for the overall cost of IVF treatment is provided.
IVF Processes and Procedures
If we observe the timeline of IVF process closely, it can broadly be divided into the following steps:
- Preliminary testing of the prospective parent/parents
- Hormonal treatment
- Ovarian stimulation
- Egg collection or retrieval
- Fertilization
- Embryogenesis
- Embryo transfer
- Pregnancy test
How Is IVF Done?
In-vitro fertilization has several stages. The step by step IVF process begins with a thorough preliminary interview and examination by a qualified fertility specialist.
Consultation with a Fertility Specialist
The IVF timeline begins with a consultation with a fertility specialist. During this consultation, several tests are conducted for the prospective mother, including hormone and thyroid tests, prolactin levels, and assessments of ovarian reserve using tests such as FSH, estradiol, or AMH. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) may also be performed to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Hormonal Treatments
During the IVF process timeline, hormonal treatments are employed. Depending on the specific requirements of the patient, these drugs may be administered orally or via injection. They assist with ovulation, prepare the uterus for implantation, etc.
These hormonal treatments may include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG), leuprolide acetate, progesterone, etc., to name a few.
Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval
During natural menstruation, with each cycle, several eggs are produced. Only one of these eggs matures, and the rest regress spontaneously. Ovarian stimulation aims to mature all the eggs produced during the menstrual cycle. This is done with the help of hormones.
Using ultrasound images and blood tests, professional embryologists keep a careful eye on the process. When the eggs are close to maturation, a hormone injection is given to complete the process, and the mature eggs are retrieved after 36 hours of the hormone injection. In cases of low ovarian reserves, the option of donor egg IVF may be available.
Semen Sample
The male partner provides a semen sample for the process of IVF treatment. During semen analysis, the sample is tested for sperm count, motility, and morphology. One option for treating male factor infertility is to use donated sperm.
Fertilization
The fertilization process can be done in two ways. The first is that the fresh egg and sperm sample are fertilized through intracytoplasmic sperm injection, leading to embryonic development. The other way is to use frozen donor eggs or sperm, in which case both have to be thawed before fertilization.
Embryogenesis
This is one of the very important stages of IVF. At the British Cyprus IVF Hospital, embryonic development is closely monitored by ESHRE-certified embryologists. After five days of fertilization, the embryos reach a stage of maturation where they are ready to be implanted.
Embryo Transfer
The IVF embryo transfer may be a fresh embryo transfer or a frozen embryo transfer. Frozen embryos are thawed before the process commences. The frozen embryos may be from a previous IVF treatment or maybe from donor eggs.
Either way, the uterus is prepped for implantation with the help of fertility medication, and the embryo transfer occurs on the 5th day after fertilization.
Pregnancy Test
An IVF pregnancy test is performed approximately two weeks after embryo transfer and implantation to confirm an IVF pregnancy.
Why Is IVF Performed?
A prospective mother can expect to be on fertility medication for approximately 8–14 days during IVF. The IVF success rate by age is decreasing. To boost this success rate, donation procedures, surrogacy, etc., may be used.
Prospective parents may also be able to choose the sex of their baby during IVF (not all fertility centers and countries provide this service).
Can You Get Pregnant During IVF?
The IVF patient pool usually consists of individuals or couples struggling with fertility issues, though there is some chance of a spontaneous pregnancy during IVF treatment.
This probability is minimal in most cases.
Is IVF Safe for Mother?
It is true to say that one extremely popular fertility procedure is IVF. In this procedure, both the mother and the baby are safe. However, the risk of any complications in this procedure is negligible. If the IVF process results in multiple pregnancies, it may add to the risk of some complications.
Prospective couples are given thorough advice regarding the risks and benefits of IVF in British Cyprus.
Is IVF Painful?
Like any medical treatment, there may be a chance of experiencing some level of pain. Generally, IVF is a painless procedure for most. Some women may complain of mild discomfort or cramping during or after IVF.
Is IVF Pregnancy the Same as Normal Pregnancy?
Every pregnancy experience is different from the other. It is a very individual experience and differs from person to person.
Some women feel the initial pregnancy symptoms, like mild discomfort, breast tenderness, etc., come on quicker in an IVF pregnancy. After the first few weeks, for all intents and purposes, there are no differences between a natural/normal pregnancy and an IVF pregnancy.
Both pregnancies progress the same way, and the baby is either delivered naturally or by a caesarian section.
Who Is In-Vitro Fertilization Applied?
IVF is a very effective fertility tool that is used by many individuals or couples for a variety of fertility-related reasons. Most of the time, either one partner or both are suffering from low fertility or infertility and use IVF as a way to get pregnant successfully.
Some of the indications for in-vitro fertilization include:
- Structural issues of the fallopian tubes (blocked or damaged)
- Unexplained infertility
- When using a donation process or gestational carrier
- Carriers of genetic disease
- Endometriosis
- Male factor infertility (low sperm count, motility, or morphology issues)
- Tubal ligation or vasectomy
- Low ovarian reserves
- People undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- Fibroids
- Advances age
A well-equipped fertility lab is a necessity for successful fertility treatments. The labs at British Cyprus IVF Hospital are outfitted with the latest in fertility technology. The staff at the fertility labs is certified by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology to provide exceptional fertility care to all patients. Over the years, a multitude of couples have found fertility success in British Cyprus, which reflects our unmatched expertise and success rates.
