IVF (Assisted Reproductive Technology)

· Those who can stay / revisit Mexicali for 3 weeks.
· Those with fertility problems.
· Those with blocked / damaged fallopian tubes.
· Those with failed attempts to achieve conception after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse.
· Those who wish to have children.

When couples have been trying hard for a child for over a year, the first treatment approach is usually controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with or without intrauterine insemination. However, half of the couples will continue to undergo In-Vitro Fertilization.

In-Vitro Fertilization or also known as IVF assisted reproduction technology is a popular treatment especially for those couples who has been struggling to conceive. The basic steps in an IVF treatment cycle are ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer

IVF involves several steps from start to end. One cycle of IVF can take about 3 weeks and in most cases, you will be required for a multiple revisits.

As an important note, IVF Cycle round always start on the first day of your period and as part of your fertility plan, you may have to take medications or injections prior your first day of cycle.

First day of your period cycle indicate the first official day to start your IVF treatment round. Since everyone's body has its uniqueness and always differ to others', you will usually be consulted on how to identify Day 1.

Naturally, your ovaries will produce 1 egg or oocyte every month. You will usually be required to take a medication for at least 8 to 14 days to stimulate the follicles in your ovaries to produce more eggs and avoid spontaneous ovulation.

Medication and treatment plan may vary depending on individuals. Transvaginal ultrasounds will be done to keep an eye on your ovaries and predict the time for trigger injection; a procedure that gets your eggs ready for ovulation.

The most common hormones composed in the medications are:
· FSH - Follicle Stimulating Hormone
· LH - Luteinizing Hormone

Retrieving of eggs is another procedure for eggs collection from your ovaries. This is usually performed under general anesthetic and takes about 30 mins to perform.

Latest ultrasound energy is used to guide a needle into your ovaries and this is where an experience specialist is really important in order to succeed this delicate work. Rest assured that our affiliated specialists are well experienced at it.

Usually before the retrieval procedure, the number of eggs can be predicted from the ultrasounds made in previous step and usually the average number of eggs collected is between 8 to 15.

This is optional for those of you who wish to use fresh sperm. In the morning of egg retrieval, your spouse will produce a sample. If you wish to use a donor sperm instead, our affiliated specialist will have it ready for you by then.

The best sperm will be selected to be introduced to the eggs. A perfect sperm is just nice in size, not too fat or thin with a tail that is not too short or long.

Fertilization is the procedure of having both egg and sperm be introduced to one another. This is done when the 2 are placed on a a dish and under a powerful microscope. Just like how they would naturally fertilize in your womb, this happens in our affiliated hospital's laboratory.

Upon the sperm successfully fertilizing the egg, they have both turned into 1 unit known as embryo. The embryo will be kept under a special incubator with optimized and controlled conditions just perfect for it to be grown and perfectly developed. Just like how your body would naturally nurture the embryo, a perfect growing conditions are created using a mix of amino acids.

Embryo transfer usually takes only about 5 mins since it is a very simple procedure, like pap smear. There wouldn't be anesthetic and you will be awake throughout.

By this stage, you may be worried if the embryo may slip out or fall if you stand or go to the toilet. Rest assured as our affiliated specialists would ensure that it is safe by placing the catheter through your cervix and into your uterus.

Normally, after 2 weeks of embryo transfer, you will be called again to measure your hormone hCG levels. A blood test will be done for this and the hCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin existence in your bloodstream indicates that the IVF treatment is a success and you are proven pregnant.

<Advantages>
· Increases chances of pregnancy / conception
· Includes screening test
· Considers all sources of infertility issues
· More successful than other forms of assisted reproductive technology
· Unused embryos can be donated for research or to another couple
· Does not require sexual intercourse

<Limitations>
· Many IVF cycles are usually required
· Possibility of emotional stress

· Consume your medications as prescribed
· Laugh and make yourself happy
· Take folic acid
· Avoid heat or anything that might raise your uterus temperature
· Avoid strenuous activities and have enough rest

Q1: What other treatments can my couple and I undergo if an intrauterine insemination and ovarian stimulation did not work for us?
A1: An Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection may also be helpful.

Q2: How long is 1 IVF cycle?
A2: 1 IVF cycle typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Q3: Is there a risk of ectopic pregnancy with IVF?
A3: About 2% to 5% of women who use IVF will have an ectopic pregnancy.

Q4: Will it be successful on my first attempt?
A4: This strongly depends on one's body and hormone condition. According to studies, the odds of having a baby on the first attempted IVF is around 30% successful.

Q5: Can I choose my baby's gender with IVF?
A5: It is possible if the fertilized eggs are genetically biopsied with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

Q6: Upon successful IVF, will my baby be healthy?
A6: Majority of IVF babies are very well and healthy.

Q7: How many injections will I need?
A7: Medications prescribed to you are usually in the form of injections. The dose varies as some may be prescribed 1 to 2 for the cycle and some may need 1 to 2 per day.

Q8: Will the injections hurt?
A8: Depends. Some may not consider it painful and some others may consider it as severe pain and it could actually be made worse if you are developing anxiety.

[Clinic Name] Hospital de la Familia
[Location] Mexicali, Mexico
[Nearest Stations / Attractions] The hospital is about 17 mins drive from Mexicali International Airport and 10 mins drive from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday - Sunday (24 hrs)