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How many myths soar around in vitro fertilization! Take, for example, its first stage – controlled ovarian stimulation, which is carried out to ripen more eggs. “This is harmful to women’s health,” some say, “Stimulation of ovulation brings menopause closer,” others add fuel to the fire. But how are things really?
Anna Aleksandrovna Ryzhova, a well-known reproductive specialist at the IVF reproductive health clinic, helped to objectively understand this issue, with more than 15 years of experience.
“Where does any IVF program begin? From a procedure that is complex, and for some, a frightening name – controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. But in reality, this manipulation is not at all terrible. Its essence lies in the fact that the reproductive specialist, with the help of special preparations, achieves the growth and maturation of a large number of eggs in the ovaries – by the way, hence the prefix “hyper”. In addition, the doctor fully monitors the situation, making this manipulation safe for the patient. The fact is that in ordinary life, a woman of childbearing age matures one, maximum two eggs in one menstrual cycle. And, as we know, not every cycle ends in pregnancy. But when it comes to fertility treatment, doctors cannot rely on chance and risk. To increase a couple’s chances of success with IVF, more eggs are needed. It’s simple: the more eggs there are, the more embryos from which embryologists will choose the best and most viable ones for transfer to the uterine cavity. “
“What is the dosage regimen for ovarian hyperstimulation? It is assigned individually. When choosing one or another option, the reproductive specialist is guided by several criteria, including the age and weight of the patient, the structure of the ovaries and the supply of eggs in them (this can be understood by the number of antral follicles on ultrasound and by the level of blood hormones). Concomitant gynecological diseases are also important – for example, uterine fibroids or endometriosis. And, of course, the experience of previous IVF programs, if any, is taken into account. After analyzing these data, the reproductologist chooses a drug prescription scheme, as well as its type and dosage. There are many options – and yet there are two main protocols that are used most often: “long” and “short”. For the first one, you need to prepare the ovaries for stimulation a few days before the next menstruation – so it takes longer. The short one begins immediately from the 1st to the 3rd day of menstruation. These two regimens also use different drugs. ”
“Each protocol has its pros and cons, so the choice is always individual. And here the competence of the doctor is very important, since the quantity and quality of the cells obtained, the result of the IVF program in general and even the likelihood of complications depend on the correct decision of the reproductologist. “
Anna Ryzhova, reproductive specialist at the IVF reproductive health clinic
Clinic for reproductive health “IVF”
Samara, 443030, Karl Marx Ave., 6
Тел./факс 8 (846) 247-90-01/247-90-33