The success rate of the procedure is reported to be 10-15%, and cumulative success rate increases with repetition. Success rate of up to 20% can be expected in the case of artificial fertilization with ovulation induction. Commonly, 3 to 6 procedures can be performed, but this varies depending on the patient’s age, cause of subfertility and subfertility period.
Need for Artificial Fertilization
In most cases, artificial fertilization is necessary due to weak or slow sperm. It can also be performed in case the woman has antibodies against her husband’s sperm or in case of subfertility caused by an unknown factor.
Artificial Fertilization Method
Artificial fertilization based on the natural cycle is attempted when the patient’s menstrual cycle is regular and the patient does not want plural pregnancy. It is performed according to the patient’s ovulation cycle. On the other hand, ovulation induction involves administration of an ovulation-inducing agent or ovulation-inducing injections to induce the release of multiple eggs from the ovaries.
There are two methods: the “natural cycle” procedure performed according to the natural ovulation cycle, and the “ovulation induction” method which involves inducing the ovaries to release multiple eggs.
Sperm is collected through masturbation. Sperm with high motility are then separated after being treated with a special medium to enhance the likelihood of in vivo fertilization.
The embryo gets implanted in the uterus 5 to 7 days after artificial fertilization. After 10 to 11 days, blood hormone (β -hCG) is tested to check for conception. Even after confirmation of pregnancy, the patient must undergo about two more tests at an interval of 5 days.
Artificial Fertilization Procedure
After determining the ovulation date based on ultrasound exam, sperm are collected from the husband through masturbation. The collected sperm are then treated and screened to select only healthy sperm with excellent motility. The selected sperm are concentrated and directly inserted into the uterus using a thin tube.
Recommended in the Following Cases- Sperm count and motility are not too far from the normal range (excl. severe male subfertility)
- Minor case of endometriosis
- Sexual dysfunction (difficult or impossible to engage in normal sexual intercourse)
- The couple cannot get pregnant even after having sexual intercourse during the ovulation period
- A problem in the quantity or quality of the cervical mucus
- Subfertility caused by an unknown factor