IVF Treatment: Everything You Need to Know

What Is IVF Treatment

• The basics: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is the process of fertilising an egg outside the body — sperm and eggs are combined in a lab to form an embryo, which is then transferred back into the womb.
• An established option: IVF is one of the most established assisted reproductive technologies available to couples facing fertility challenges.
• Proven track record: Despite sounding complex, the concept is straightforward and has helped millions of families worldwide since the 1970s.

Why Couples Choose IVF

• Unexplained infertility: One of the most common reasons — no specific cause has been identified despite testing.
• Female factors: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, or premature ovarian failure.
• Male factors: Low sperm concentration, weak motility, or abnormally shaped sperm cells.
• Other circumstances: Couples who have undergone tubal ligation, or where previous fertility treatments have failed, may also turn to IVF.

How the IVF Process Works

• Super ovulation: Fertility hormones (gonadotrophin injections) stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs over approximately 12 days.
• Egg collection: Eggs are retrieved via follicular aspiration using ultrasound-guided needle suction — a minor surgical procedure.
• Insemination and fertilisation: Healthy eggs are combined with sperm and stored for 16–20 hours; fertilised eggs develop into embryos.
• Embryo transfer: One or more embryos are transferred into the womb via a catheter passed through the cervix; extra embryos can be frozen for future use.

Success Rates and Key Factors

• Age: The biggest factor — younger women generally have higher success rates due to healthier eggs and reproductive systems.
• Lifestyle: A healthy body weight, no smoking, limited caffeine, and no alcohol all improve your chances of a successful cycle.
• Pregnancy history: Previous successful pregnancies may also increase the likelihood of IVF success.

Advantages and Disadvantages of IVF

• Advantages: Offers a viable path to parenthood when natural conception or other treatments fail; bypasses blocked fallopian tubes without invasive surgery.
• Disadvantages: Higher chance of multiple births (twins/triplets), potential side effects from fertility drugs (bloating, mood swings, headaches), and risk of ectopic pregnancy.
• Cost: In Malaysia, IVF cycles range from RM8,000+ at public hospitals to RM15,000+ at private clinics — and multiple cycles may be needed.

Nutrition to Support Your IVF Journey

• Folic acid (400 mcg/day): Should begin well before embryo transfer to support early neural tube development once pregnancy is achieved.
• Iron and calcium: Essential to prepare your body for the increased demands of pregnancy — start building reserves early.
• Convenient support: A fortified maternal milk like Nestlé MOM — with 20 vitamins and minerals including folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA — offers convenient nutritional support before, during, and after your IVF cycle.
• Gut health matters too: Probiotics (such as BIFIDUS BL in Nestlé MOM) support nutrient absorption and overall wellbeing during this physically demanding process.