Assisted fertilization: hormonal stimulation

As Prof. MarcoFilicori explains, Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University of Bologna and an expert in MAP at an international level, normally the natural cycle leads to maturation of a single follicle with the production of only one oocyte, while with hormonal stimulation it is possible to obtain a sort of "enhancement" of ovulation, which increases the chances of conception, whatever the technique used. Naturally, the administration of hormones must be targeted and correctly calibrated, especially in the case of intrauterine insemination: with this technique, the production of an excessive number of oocytes could in fact involve the "risk" of multiple pregnancy.

© Thinkstock During the stimulation cycle, the effects on ovulation are constantly monitored: the development and maturation of the follicles are monitored with a series of ultrasound scans, so that the gynecologist can check that everything is proceeding correctly.
The hormones used for stimulation are absolutely safe, emphasizes Prof. Filicori; in practice they are the same as those naturally produced by pregnant women and in any case are eliminated from the body within a few days, with the elimination of any possible risk for the embryo that will be transferred to the uterus.

© Thinkstock This procedure is therefore not as aggressive as it is believed, and also generally lasts less than 2 weeks. In practice, the side effects are also null and the nervousness that is sometimes encountered during the stimulation cycle is more than anything else due to the emotionality and tension associated with such an important project.

As regards more generally the chances of obtaining a pregnancy through an MAP, the data show that the success rates are closely linked to the age of the woman: between 30 and 35 they are about 40%; between 40 and 44 they drop to 20%, while above 44 they become very scarce.

In collaboration with The Portal of Health