Introduction

Infertility is a growing issue in today’s world, due to the rapid changes in lifestyle and environmental factors. Couples are increasingly looking at fertility treatment solutions to become parents, and that has given rise to one of the most popular options for Infertility Treatment which is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) which is used to achieve pregnancy and helps couples in achieving their dreams of having a baby.

What is IVF or In Vitro Fertilization?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a procedure whereby a mother’s eggs are fertilized outside of her body, in a laboratory. This is usually done in cases of infertility, where the couple is having difficulty conceiving naturally. IVF has become increasingly popular over the last decade, and it has had a tremendous success rate. 

IVF is a complicated and delicate procedure that requires the expertise of trained professionals. The entire process begins with careful monitoring of the mother’s health and hormone levels. This information is used to determine the optimal time for the egg retrieval. The eggs are then retrieved from the ovaries, and placed in a petri dish with a sperm sample from the father. The eggs are monitored closely in the laboratory to ensure that they are healthy and viable for fertilization. 

Once the eggs are successfully fertilized, they are placed into the mother’s uterus, where they will hopefully implant and begin to grow. If all goes well, the mother will eventually give birth to a healthy baby. 

Here are the 5 Reasons why couples choose IVF treatment for Infertility-

1. The success rate of IVF

IVF has a higher success rate compared to other infertility treatments as the process allows for a thorough examination of the eggs and sperm, it can identify underlying issues that may be causing infertility. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), it is estimated that the success rate for IVF is about 40-50% per cycle. This success rate increases depending on factors like the age of the woman, the quality of the egg, and the fertility issue at hand.

2. Cost-effective factor

IVF is a cost-effective infertility treatment compared to other treatments available. While the cost of the procedure varies depending on the fertility clinic, the overall cost is still lower than other treatments resulting in long-term savings. This makes it affordable for couples who have limited financial resources. Furthermore, many insurance companies are now offering coverage for IVF, making it more accessible to those who need it.

3. Age-related Infertility

One of the major reasons why couples choose IVF is due to infertility issues that are related to age. It is one of the most successful treatments available for couples who have difficulty conceiving due to age-related issues such as low egg quality and quantity.

IVF is used to bypass the challenges posed by age-related infertility by using a combination of medical techniques to facilitate conception. This includes collecting eggs from the woman, fertilizing them outside the body in a laboratory, then transferring the embryo into the uterus.

IVF is more successful than other fertility treatments because it enables a woman to use her own eggs, which are generally of better quality than donor eggs, and it allows for a much higher number of embryos to be transferred into the uterus, increasing the chances of conception.

3. Tubal Factor Infertility and Ovulation Disorders

For couples facing tubal factor infertility, where blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent fertilization, IVF offers a direct solution. It bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely by combining the sperm and egg in a laboratory setting, paving the way for fertilization and embryo development. Additionally, IVF provides a lifeline for couples struggling with ovulation disorders like PCOS or hypothalamic pituitary axis dysfunction. These conditions can disrupt ovulation and egg production, making conception challenging. Through controlled ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, IVF can overcome these hurdles and facilitate fertilization.

5. Endometriosis and Male Infertility

Endometriosis, a condition where uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus, can create obstacles for embryo implantation. IVF offers a solution by directly placing the embryo within the uterus, bypassing the potential complications caused by the misplaced tissue. Similarly, male infertility factors like low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology can hinder fertilization. IVF, through techniques like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), directly injects the sperm into the egg, increasing the chances of fertilization and overcoming male infertility challenges.

6. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

IVF opens doors to genetic testing, allowing couples to make informed decisions about their family planning. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) involves analyzing embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation. This powerful tool helps reduce the risk of miscarriage and genetic disorders in the offspring, offering peace of mind and a chance for a healthy pregnancy.

7. LGBTQ+ Family Building

IVF plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and couples from the LGBTQ+ community to build their families. In same-sex couples pregnancy, the sperm or eggs from one partner can be combined with donor sperm or eggs, creating embryos for implantation, making the dream of parenthood a reality.

8. Healthier and safe pregnancy

IVF is a safe and effective procedure that has helped many couples become parents. During the procedure, the eggs and sperm are tested for any abnormalities. This helps minimize the risk of a genetic disorder or other health issues in the baby. It is important to remember, however, that it is not a guarantee of success. Every couple’s situation is different, and the success rate of IVF can vary. It is important to discuss the procedure with a qualified physician before attempting it.

9. Becoming a Parent when you want

IVF offers infertile couples a chance to become parents when they want. This is one of the major benefits of IVF. It is a great option for couples who want to have kids but are unable to conceive naturally. The process of IVF allows the couple to choose the gender of their child, and they can also select embryos with certain genetic characteristics. This means that the couple can have a child that is biologically related to them while avoiding certain inherited diseases. Also, due to the advances in medical technology, couples no longer need to wait years to conceive a child naturally. In vitro fertilization (IVF) also gives couples more control over the timing of pregnancies and the spacing between children.