IVF was created for treatment of tubal infertility. At present IVF can be applied in treatment of all forms of infertility.Ifacouplehas notbeenabletogetpregnantfor 2 years (afterhaving unsuccessfully appliedthe othermethodsoftreatment - laparoscopy, insemination and the others),the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology recommends applying IVF.

Superovulation induction (hormonal ovarian stimulation) is carried out for obtaining several oocytes at once in the course of one menstrual period. It increases the probability of pregnancy in IVFprograms.

At present the transvaginal methodis mostly applied. Ovarian puncture in this case is made through vagina with the help of a special needle with ultrasonic guidance.  Due to minimal injury and painfulness,transvaginal method of ovarian puncture is convenient for patients and doctors. It is made     out patiently. For a greater degree of comfort the puncture can be conducted under anesthesia.

On the date offollicle puncture a couple come together. The husband provides sperm. An essential condition is abstaining from sex for three days before the puncture. The sperm is prepared in a special way, the healthiest male gametes are chosen. Oocytes obtained in the course of follicle puncture are kept in special cups with nutrient medium, which are placed in an incubator, where the conditions, similar to those of the mother’s organism, are maintained (the same temperature, carbon content).

After fertilization the process of embryo development starts by way of cell division. In 48-72 hours after insemination embryos consist of 4-8 cells and can be transferred to the mother.

After ART (assisted reproductive technologies) cycle the most valid way to determine pregnancy is ultrasound diagnosing of fetal heartbeats, which can be registered from the 6th week of pregnancy. Less valid method is the HCG blood test (it determines pregnancy only given the absence of HCG medication support of the second phase), which is conducted on the 10th-12th day after ET or urine test (determines pregnancy after 12-14 day after ET).

The effectiveness of ART cannot be subjected to firm statistics. Many clinics overstate the percentage of successful cases to advertise themselves.  However, it is possible to state that the number of successful programs is constantly increasing owing to appearance of new and more progressive nutrient media, medications, equipment and medical consumables (catheters, needles, plastic).

Success of IVF depends on many different factors: parents’ age, reasons and duration of infertility, ovary reaction on stimulation, quantity and quality of oocytes that mature in follicles, sperm quality. Quite often the procedure outcome cannot be explained from the scientific point of view. The technology of the process, the character of hormone medications being applied, medium quality, provision of clinics with laboratory glassware and plastic ware are very significant for the increasing of IVF effectiveness.

Possible complications of IVFare:

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
• Bleeding in case if a blood vessel is injured by a needle
• Extrauterine pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancy
• Exacerbation of chronic female genital inflammatory diseases

Surgical trauma at the time of transvaginal follicle puncture is minimal and is merely connected with tissue puncture by a needle. Some women notice a bloody issue from vagina on the first day after the ovarian puncture, but it is normal. To avoid a serious bleeding caused by possible larvated disorder of blood coagulation, thorough investigation before treatment is necessary.