DEFINITION

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process by which egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside the womb, in vitro. IVF is a major treatment in infertility when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed.

Indications for IVF  

There are a variety of indications for IVF. Among these are: 

• Absent or Damaged Fallopian Tubes
• Endometriosis
• Unexplained Infertility
• Recurrent Intrauterine Insemination Failure
• Tubal and Pelvic Adhesions
• Sperms antibodies in wife's and /or husband's serum
• Male Factor Infertility
• Age-Related Infertility
• IVF also helps women who have absent ovaries or where there are no eggs in the ovaries
• Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) 

IVF Programme consists of the following steps:                                                                               

1) Initial Consultation
The couple should bring along their records of infertility workup that they possess, such as hysterosalpingogram films, semen analysis report,  previous laproscopy test results. The IVF team will counsel the couple about the program and some further investigations may be necessary like laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and ultrasonography.

The Preliminary Investigations are:-
For Wife:-
1) Hysteroscopy & measurement of uterocervical length.
2) Ultrasound Examination of uterus and ovaries
3) Hormonal Profile (TSH, Prolactin, DHEAS,Testosterone,FSH & LH on 3rd day of the period).
4) Color Doppler for endometrial blood flow in some patients.
5)  Routine tests like CBC, FBS, Blood VDRL, HBs Ag, HIV, Blood group Rh factor, HCV antibodies
For Husband:-
1) Semen analysis.
2) Semen culture and antibiotic sensitivity test.
3) Antisperm Antibody test for husband and wife.
4) Blood for  VDRL, HBs Ag, HIV,  HCV Antibodies.