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IVF – Everything you should know



Since the first ever IVF treatment, millions of couples and individuals have realized their dream of becoming a parent. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with infertility and find yourself in a dilemma whether IVF would be a safe option for you or not, this article outlines the most common questions, advantages and risk factors associated with the treatment.

IVF is a series of complex procedures used to help with fertility issues and help with conception of the child. It can be a time-consuming, expensive and invasive procedure. Your fertility specialist will guide you to understand how IVF works and if it is the right treatment option for you.

Advantages of IVF

Used since long: Louise Brown, first IVF baby was born in 1978 and since then the technology is advanced and has a safe track record.

IVF has helped patients unable to conceive:

  • Suitable for women with low ovarian reserve

Age, and some lifestyle and genetic factors, might lead to a decline in your ovarian reserve. IVF treatment includes collecting and implanting quality eggs rather than the quantity. On accessing your ovarian reserve, few tests and medications might be provided to improve the production of ovaries.

  • Blocked fallopian tubes or endometriosis

Women who have a damaged or blocked fallopian tube can opt for IVF as this treatment involves bypassing the tube and directly placing the fertilized embryos into the uterus, which is otherwise difficult through natural conceiving. Similarly, endometriosis involves formation of uterine lining to grow outside of the uterus and IVF helps overpass this condition.

  • Damaged sperm count or quality

IVF screens for the most motile and strongest sperm cell to be fertilized. It gives the ability to choose only the best sperm to fertilize the egg, hence maximizing your chances to a successful pregnancy.

  • PCOS

PCOS can cause irregular ovulation cycles hence making natural conception difficult for you. IVF involves drug interventions and sometimes, injections, to regularize your menstrual cycle and signal your body to release eggs.

It can help single women conceive: IVF with donor sperm cells can help single women realize their dream of becoming a mother.

It can help diagnose fertility issues: IVF is also recommended in cases where the reasons are unexplained. It helps in the study and getting to the exact cause of the infertility, hence pivoting you towards a successful treatment option.

It can help your child from genetic disorders: IVF helps screen for genetic disorders that might be carried forward with the embryo such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy.

Disadvantages of IVF

The success rate: There might be many reasons that might require you to go through multiple cycles of IVF treatment as the initial cycles may result in a failure. The reason may differ from woman to woman, and your fertility specialist will be able to rule out the reasons and success rate concerning your case.

It might be costly: IVF treatment can be costly. And during your cycle, you might be advised a few drug interventions, tests and therapies that may shoot up the cost. It is important to spend time at your fertility centre and discuss the estimate of the treatment beforehand.

Risk of multiple pregnancies: Since IVF involves placing the embryo back in the uterus, it may lead to multiple pregnancies, which is associated with premature birth, need for cesarean birth, and even stillbirth.

If you are one of the couples finding it difficult to conceive, or have been suggested IVF treatment to assist your pregnancy, don’t worry about its safety and efficacy. Talk to your fertility expert in detail and clarify all your doubts about the procedure, its risk, and the pricing.

Disclaimer: Indian Health Bureau does not claim any responsibility for the information contained in this article. The information may not hold good for everyone. The post is for general awareness only and should not be construed as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Please consult your doctor to know what is good for you.

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