IVF refers to combining eggs and sperm outside of the body with the purpose of creating embryo. However, techniques to accomplish this aim have evolved and advanced over the years, expanding the list of terms related to IVF
Here, we look at the different types of IVF available to aid you in your path to parenthood – namely, the “IVF Menu” with the help of Dr. Meric Karacan M.D at IVF Turkey.
Conventional IVF: In this method, fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs for retrieval. The retrieved eggs are mixed with sperm in a dish and left to fertilize naturally. The resulting embryos are then transferred back into the woman’s uterus.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): ICSI is similar to conventional IVF, but in this case, a single sperm is directly injected into each mature egg using a very fine needle. This method is often used when there are issues with sperm quality or low sperm count.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): FET involves the freezing of embryos created during a previous IVF cycle. These frozen embryos can then be transferred into the woman’s uterus at a later time, without the need for another full IVF cycle.
Donor Egg IVF: This method is used when a woman is unable to produce viable eggs. In donor egg IVF, eggs from a donor are fertilized with the recipient’s partner’s sperm or donor sperm, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient’s uterus.
Donor Sperm IVF: Donor sperm IVF is a fertility treatment option that involves using donated sperm to fertilize an egg through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This approach is often chosen by individuals or couples who are experiencing male infertility, single women, or same-sex female couples who wish to have a child.
Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI): IMSI is similar ICSI. A high-powered microscope is used to magnify the sperm sample even further than in traditional ICSI. This allows embryologists to select and inject sperm with the highest quality and optimal morphology (shape and structure) into the eggs. IMSI is typically recommended for couples who have experienced previous failed IVF attempts or have male factor infertility, such as low sperm motility or abnormal sperm morphology.
Mild IVF: This is a modified approach to traditional IVF treatment. It aims to achieve successful fertilization and embryo development with lower medication doses and a gentler stimulation of the ovaries. In traditional IVF, high doses of fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs for retrieval. This can lead to a higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and potential side effects from the medications. In contrast, mild IVF involves using lower doses of fertility medications or even natural cycle IVF, where no medications are used to stimulate the ovaries. The goal is to retrieve a smaller number of eggs, usually one or two, but of higher quality. This approach may be suitable for individuals who are at higher risk of complications from high medication doses or who prefer a more gentle and less invasive treatment. Mild IVF is typically recommended for younger women with regular menstrual cycles and good ovarian reserve. It may not be suitable for individuals with certain fertility issues, such as diminished ovarian reserve or severe male factor infertility.
Natural IVF: In natural IVF, little to no fertility medication is used to stimulate the ovaries. The goal is to retrieve one egg that naturally matures during the menstrual cycle.
Mini IVF: Mini IVF is a step between natural and conventional IVF. It uses a slightly higher dose of fertility medications than natural IVF but lower than conventional IVF to stimulate the ovaries to produce a small number of eggs, typically 2-5.
Reciprocal IVF: Also known as partner IVF or shared motherhood, is a specific type of in vitro fertilization (IVF) that is designed for female same-sex couples who both wish to be biologically involved in the conception and pregnancy process. In reciprocal IVF, one partner provides the eggs while the other partner carries the pregnancy. Here’s how it typically works:
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): PGD is used to screen embryos for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities before they are implanted in the uterus. This can be particularly useful for couples at risk of passing on inherited genetic disorders.
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS ): PGS involves screening embryos for numerical chromosomal abnormalities (such as aneuploidy), which can lead to implantation failure or miscarriage. It helps select embryos with the highest likelihood of successful development.
As overwhelming as this may all sound, trust your doctor to make the best decision with you about what treatment to proceed with. A full screening prior to making a decision will allow you to see what form of IVF is best for your body.
Huge thanks to Dr Karacan for his guidance. If you have any further questions for him, drop him a line at IVF Turkey by clicking here.
