Kathmandu – In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has now become an easily accessible technology in Nepal. It offers a highly effective solution for couples facing infertility.
IVF is particularly useful in cases where:
- The female partner has blocked fallopian tubes
- There are hormonal imbalances in the woman
- The male partner has a low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or absence of sperm in the semen
How Does IVF Work?
The IVF process typically begins on the 2nd or 3rd day of the woman’s menstrual cycle. The woman is given daily hormone injections to stimulate the development of eggs in her ovaries. After around 12 to 13 days, when the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from her body.
At the same time, sperm is collected from the male partner. The sperm and eggs are then combined in a lab to facilitate fertilization. The fertilized embryo is cultured for 3 to 5 days before being transferred into the woman’s uterus.
What If Sperm Can’t Reach the Egg Naturally?
The sperm duct and the semen duct are not the same. If the sperm duct is blocked, specialists can extract sperm directly from the testicles. A single sperm can be injected directly into the egg in a process called ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) — an advanced form of IVF.
What If the Egg Shell is Too Hard?
As women age, the outer shell of the egg can harden, making it difficult for the sperm to penetrate. In such cases, a technique called Laser-Assisted Hatching is used to assist the sperm in entering the egg.
What If the Woman Produces Fewer Eggs?
If egg production is low, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can be used. Blood is drawn from the woman, platelets are separated, and then injected into the ovaries via ultrasound guidance. This stimulates egg growth and improves fertility potential.
Can Post-Menopausal Women Also Have Children?
Yes, even post-menopausal women can conceive through IVF. In such cases, egg donation from a younger woman is used, and the embryo is implanted in the older woman’s uterus.
(Dr. Sharma is a specialist in gynecology and infertility.)
