In vitro fertilization: what is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a technique of assisted procreation. It consists of putting eggs in contact with spermatozoa in a laboratory, in order to give birth to an embryo which will be implanted later in the uterus of the mother or in that of a surrogate mother.
This technique aims to recreate in the laboratory the stages of natural fertilization while maximizing the chances of success. This technique, called “in vitro” because the fertilization takes place outside the body of the woman.
In vitro fertilization cost in Tunisia
With Cosmetica Travel, the price of FIV in Tunisia is an all-inclusive price with no additional costs. Our price includes 5-star hotel stay, transfer fees, surgeon fees and intervention fees which will be fixed after the diagnosis of the surgeon.
In vitro fertilization in Tunisia
The best expert medical team
Cosmetica Travel puts you in contact with a multidisciplinary medical team composed of highly skilled and experienced gynaecologists, doctors, and geneticists who have been practicing for over 10 years in Tunisia and abroad.
Modern and well-equipped partner clinics
Our agency collaborates with the best In Vitro Fertilization clinics in Tunisia which are equipped with the most advanced techniques and equipment.
Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection: what is ICSI?
In some cases, instead of a simple In Vitro Fertilization, the doctor recommends an ICSI. The “Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection” technique involves the injection of a single spermatozoon into the oocyte. The spermatozoon is introduced directly into the egg by a micro-needle. ICSI requires special preparation of eggs and spermatozoa.
ICSI is recommended in cases of male infertility where sperm cannot fertilize the egg. It is used for men whose sperm is of poor quality, because it allows choosing a spermatozoid of the best possible quality. ICSI is sometimes also used when several classic IVF attempts have failed.
How is IVF performed?
Before starting IVF in Tunisia, women will first make an ovarian reserve test. This involves taking a blood sample and analysing it to determine follicle-stimulating hormone “FSH”. The results of this test will provide the surgeon with the necessary information about the size and quality of eggs.
The surgeon will also examine the uterus. In some cases this may involve doing an ultrasound. The surgeon can also insert a telescope into the vagina and into the uterus.
These tests are intended to reveal the health of your uterus and help the surgeon determine the best way to implant the embryos.
Male partners will also have sperm tests. This means analysing a sperm sample to determine the number, size and shape of the sperm.
If sperm are weak or damaged, an ICSI may be required. During ICSI, sperm is injected directly into the egg. ICSI can be part of the IVF procedure.
The In Vitro Fertilization technique has four steps:
- Step 1: Stimulation of the ovulation
A woman normally produces an egg during each menstrual cycle. However, in vitro fertilization requires several eggs. The use of multiple eggs increases the chances of developing a viable embryo.
Fertility medications are given to increase the number of eggs the woman body produces. During this time, the surgeon will perform blood tests and regular ultrasounds to monitor egg production and know when to retrieve them.
- Step 2: Egg collection
The egg collection is called follicular aspiration. It is a surgical procedure performed under anaesthesia. The surgeon will use an ultrasonic wand to guide a needle that will pass through the vagina then through the ovary and into a follicle containing eggs. The needle sucks the eggs and the liquid from each follicle.
The male partner will have to give a sample of his sperm. In some cases, the surgeon may prescribe a testicular sperm extraction. This technique should be done in clinic under general anaesthetic.
A technician will mix the sperm with the eggs. If this does not produce embryos, the surgeon may decide to use ICSI.
- Step 3: In Vitro Fertilization
The surgeon will monitor the fertilized eggs to ensure that they divide and grow. Embryos may be tested for genetic conditions at this time.
- Step 4: Embryo Transfer
When the embryos are big enough, they can be implanted. This normally occurs three to five days after fertilization. Implantation involves inserting a thin tube called a catheter through the vagina, beyond the cervix. The surgeon then releases the embryo directly into the uterus.
Pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants itself in the uterine wall. It can take 6 to 14 days. A blood test will determine if you are pregnant.
In vitro fertilization: success & results
The success of the In Vitro Fertilization procedure depends on:
- Woman’s age;
- The reasons behind infertility;
- The number of successful embryos implanted in the uterus.
- Your gynaecologist will give you a successful rate based on your medical file.
It is very difficult to evaluate in advance the chances of success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). What is certain is that woman’s age plays an important role. The more the woman who starts an in vitro fertilization treatment is “young”, the greater her chances of getting pregnant.
The nature of the fertility problem and the treatment proposed play also a role in the success of in vitro fertilization. Chance can however be favoured by the removal of a harmful practice like smoking. And both partners of the couple are concerned.
The man who smokes sees the quality of his semen significantly lower than that of a non-smoker.
The woman who smokes takes much longer to get pregnant. On the other hand, nicotine alters her reserve of oocytes more rapidly. This is why women smokers arrive more quickly at the time of menopause. Stopping smoking is therefore the most effective decision to increase the chances of a successful IVF.
If a woman is overweight, it is better to start a diet before she starts IVF treatment. Overweight is indeed a factor that reduces the chances of pregnancy by IVF.
Stopping smoking is therefore the most effective decision to increase the chances of a successful IVF.
If a woman is overweight, it is better to start a diet before she starts IVF treatment. Overweight is indeed a factor that reduces the chances of pregnancy by IVF.
Do not hesitate to contact us, to answer all your questions and request your personalized quote.