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In-Vitro-Fertilisation (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure in which the man’s sperm and the woman’s eggs are brought together outside the body to fertilize them. This process requires the woman to undergo prior hormone treatment for a period of approximately 10-14 days. During this time, the woman gives herself a daily subcutaneous (under the skin) injection to promote the maturation of several follicles in the ovaries. The maturation of the follicles is monitored through ultrasound checks and hormone levels.

Egg retrieval is carried out under short anesthesia, during which the follicles are punctured through the vagina under ultrasound guidance. At the same time, the man gives a semen sample to provide sperm for fertilization. In the laboratory, the sperm are brought together with the eggs, whereby natural insemination (fertilization) occurs as in a natural pregnancy. The success of the fertilization is checked the next day. Not every egg cell can be fertilized, and the fertilization rate is around 60%. It is therefore important that there are several eggs. Fertilized eggs develop into embryos, and after a few days, 2 embryos are usually inserted into the uterus in a short, painless procedure (embryo transfer). This can be done either on the 2nd-3rd. Day after egg retrieval or on the 4th-5th day (blastocyst stage). In Germany, a maximum of 3 embryos may be inserted, although the risk of multiple pregnancies should be taken into account.

To support the implantation of the embryo, progesterone (luteal hormone) is often administered after the embryo transfer. This is usually done through hormone capsules that are inserted into the vagina. About 17 days after egg retrieval, a blood test for the pregnancy hormone HCG can be used to determine the success of the treatment (pregnancy test).

The chance of pregnancy through IVF treatment is approximately 30% per cycle. This success rate depends largely on the woman’s age at the time of egg retrieval and other factors.

IVF therapy is recommended in the following cases:

  • Fallopian tube occlusion, fallopian tube removal, female sterilization
  • Endometriosis
  • slight restriction of the sperm cells (ICSI is often recommended if the restriction is severe)
  • long-standing unexplained unfulfilled desire to have children
  • unsuccessful previous treatments
  • reduced chance of natural pregnancy due to the woman’s age
 

Half of the costs for IVF treatment are covered by statutory health insurance companies for up to three treatment cycles. The remaining costs must be borne by yourself. A medical consultation about the therapy that is not carried out by the treating doctor himself (certificate of consultation from your gynecologist) is required. In addition, there must be sufficient prospects of success for the realization of the desire to have children.

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