Starting the fertility journey raises a crucial question: "Is IVF right for you?" Infertility affects numerous individuals and couples worldwide, prompting the search for effective treatments. The National Library of Medicine shows that 15% of couples (48.5 million) are affected by this around the globe, causing immeasurable distress.
In such a scenario, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) emerges as a potential solution. How? Let us answer that through this article.
Understanding Infertility
The World Health Organisation defines infertility as a medical condition that affects the male or female reproductive system. It is characterised by the failure to conceive after a year or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that about 19% of women in the United States are unable to get pregnant. These numbers reflect that infertility is a common issue. Infertility can cause a lot of anguish for individuals and couples grappling with the emotional, physical, and societal challenges it presents, and IVF offers hope in easing this distress.
Exploring IVF: What You Need to Know
In vitro fertilisation is a procedure to help individuals or couples who have difficulty in conceiving. During IVF, eggs are retrieved from a woman's ovaries and fertilised with sperm cells outside the body in a laboratory. Following that, embryos undergo cultivation and monitoring in a lab. The embryologist assesses their viability and health. After three to five days, one or more selected embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus for potential implantation and a viable pregnancy. Surplus high-quality embryos not used initially can be cryopreserved for possible future use, offering an additional chance for pregnancy without the need for further ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.The fertilised eggs, or embryos, are then implanted into the woman's uterus for successful implantation.
Assessing Your Situation: Is IVF a Fit?
Factors influencing the decision for IVF are multifaceted, like age, medical history, and the outcomes of previous fertility treatments. Here are some specific considerations:
- Age: Age is a significant factor influencing the success of IVF. Younger individuals generally have better chances with IVF, as the quality and quantity of eggs tend to decrease with age.
- Blocked Fallopian Tubes: For women dealing with blocked fallopian tubes, IVF is a good choice as this procedure does not require fallopian tubes for fertilisation.
- Infertility Disorders: For women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, IVF is a good choice.
- Irregular Ovulation Cycles: IVF triggers ovulation which makes irregular ovulation cycles a more predictable and controlled environment for fertilisation.
- Male Factor Infertility: IVF paired with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) can enhance the chances of successful fertilisation and conception when male partner has factors contributing to infertility. This technique injects a single sperm directly into an egg.
Understanding Success Rates
Realistic expectations are crucial, and individuals should be aware of the variability in success rates. Here's an overview of IVF success rates, taking into account different age groups and factors:
- Age: Age is a critical factor affecting IVF success. Women under 35 often experience higher success rates, with the likelihood of success gradually decreasing as age advances. Here’s the delineation of the ages based on success rates:
- Under 35 Years Old: For women under 35, the success rate per IVF cycle may range from 40% to 50% on average. Younger age is associated with better ovarian reserve and egg quality, contributing to higher success rates.
- 35 to 37 Years Old: In the age group of 35 to 37, the success rates may slightly decrease to around 35% to 40%. Fertility starts to decline more noticeably in this age range.
- 38 to 40 Years Old: For women aged 38 to 40, the success rate further decreases to approximately 25% to 30%. Fertility declines in the late 30s and early 40s.
- Over 40 Years Old: Individuals over 40 may experience success rates below 20%. Advanced maternal age is associated with diminished ovarian reserve and a higher likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, impacting the success of IVF.
- Other Factors: Besides age, other factors influencing IVF success include the cause of infertility, overall health, and the quality of the embryos. Additionally, the number of previous IVF cycles, lifestyle factors, and the specific clinic's expertise and protocols can contribute to variability in success rates. It's essential to note that success rates are measured per IVF cycle, and individuals may need multiple cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Are There Alternative Fertility Treatments?
While IVF is a groundbreaking option, it's not the only solution out there for you. Some alternatives include:
- Ovulation Induction (OI) stimulates ovaries with medication for irregular cycles.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) places prepared sperm directly into the uterus, suitable for mild male factor infertility.
- Fertility medications like Clomid boost ovulation, and surgery may address anatomical concerns. Lifestyle changes, such as weight management, can positively impact fertility.
- Egg or sperm donation is an alternative for quality issues.
- Surrogacy enables another woman to carry and deliver the baby to the intended parents.
Consulting with a Fertility Specialist
Consulting with a fertility specialist is pivotal to determining the most appropriate alternative recognizing the diversity of challenges couples may encounter on their path to parenthood.
They possess specialised knowledge and expertise in reproductive medicine, allowing them to assess individual circumstances and provide personalised guidance comprehensively. These specialists thoroughly evaluate medical history, reproductive health, lifestyle, and specific fertility challenges.
Find answers to all your fertility related questions. Consult our expert fertility specialists in Mumbai at Rotunda - the leading IVF clinic. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward realising your dream of parenthood.
