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The Role Of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) In Overcoming Infertility!

Written By Preeti Singh - November 17, 2023

Read Time - 4 min read

Dealing with infertility can be an emotional and challenging journey for those longing to have children. However, there's good news! Remarkable advancements in assisted reproductive technologies, such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), have provided hopeful solutions.¹

Let us delve deeper into the role of IVF and its connection to fertility in this blog.

What Is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to assist with fertility, prevent genetic problems, and aid in the conception of a child.

During IVF, eggs that have reached maturity are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting fertilized eggs, called embryos, are then transferred to the uterus. A complete IVF cycle usually takes about three weeks. However, the process can be longer if the steps are divided into separate stages: egg retrieval, sperm retrieval, fertilisation and embryo transfer.²

Before we dive into the IVF process, cost, and screenings, let's take a moment to understand the significance of World IVF Day.

World IVF Day

World IVF Day is a yearly celebration that honours the achievements of in vitro fertilisation. It is celebrated through awareness campaigns and events in hospitals, educating people about infertility issues and the role of IVF. It aims to raise public awareness and support for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges. After the first IVF baby named Louise Brown was born in 1978, the success rates of IVF have significantly improved. Earlier, it had very low success rates, but now it has become successful in almost 50% of cases where the woman undergoing the procedure is younger than 35 years old.³

Now that we know why World IVF Day is important, let's look at the step-by-step process involved in IVF.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Process:

The IVF process involves three main steps: stimulating ovulation, fertilising the egg, and transferring the embryos into the uterus.⁴^,5

1. Ovarian Stimulation And Egg Retrieval:

Medications are given to help the ovaries produce multiple eggs.
The eggs are gently collected from the ovaries during the egg retrieval procedure.
The male partner provides a semen sample for fertilisation.

2. Fertilisation And Embryo Development:

The eggs are mixed with sperm in a laboratory dish to fertilise them.
The resulting embryos are grown in a controlled environment.

3. Embryo Transfer And Support:

One or more embryos are placed into the uterus using a thin tube.
Hormonal medications or supplements are given to support embryo development and implantation.
A pregnancy test is done about two weeks later to check if the IVF was successful.

When thinking about fertility treatments like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), it's important to consider two things: the challenges you may be facing with getting pregnant and the costs that come with the treatment.

IVF Costs

IVF costs can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, the clinic, the treatment plan, and any additional procedures or services required. It typically includes fees for services like consultations, fertility medications, ultrasound scans, egg retrieval, embryo culture, embryo transfer, and follow-up appointments. To overcome the financial burdens of IVF, people often search for options such as insurance coverage, government programs, fertility grants and scholarships.⁶

IVF Due Date Calculator

The IVF due date calculator is a helpful tool for individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatments. It assists them in estimating the potential due date of their baby based on the timeline of their In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment.⁷

In IVF, there are two common stages of embryo development: 3-day embryos and 5-day embryos (blastocysts).^7,⁸

For 3-day embryos, the due date is calculated by adding around 266 days to the date of embryo transfer.
For 5-day embryos (blastocysts), the due date is calculated by adding approximately 261 days to the date of embryo transfer.

The IVF due date calendar provides an estimate and is not an exact prediction of the due date.

IVF Screenings

Before starting In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), you and your partner will have to undergo important tests that assess your fertility. These tests help ensure the best chances of success. They are as follows:^5,9,¹⁰

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): This checks embryos for genetic problems, ensuring healthier ones are chosen for transfer.
Hormonal Assessments: These tests measure hormone levels in the female partner, giving insights into fertility and response to medications.
Ultrasound Monitoring: Ultrasound scans track the growth of ovarian follicles, which contain the eggs, indicating fertility progress.
Semen Analysis: This assesses the quality and quantity of sperm, which is vital for fertilisation and healthy embryo development.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Benefits & Drawbacks

IVF Benefits - A Journey Towards Parenthood^11,12,13,14,¹⁵

IVF gives hope to people who have trouble getting pregnant, helping them have a baby.
It is helpful for various conditions like blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, low egg supply (poor ovarian reserve), male fertility issues, and more.
IVF has been used for a long time and is safe, with new improvisations making it better.
Compared to other treatments like IUI, IVF has higher success rates.
Sperm banking, an essential aspect of IVF, is recommended for men who wish to preserve their fertility for various reasons, such as delayed parenthood, medical conditions like cancer or undergoing surgeries that may affect reproductive health.
Sperm banking ensures that men can still pursue their dreams of fatherhood, even in situations where their fertility might be compromised.
IVF can help single women and same-sex couples have a family.
It can diagnose problems with getting pregnant and check embryos for genetic issues.
Extra embryos from IVF can be given to researchers or other couples who need them.
Techniques like Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) in IVF can check for inherited diseases and chromosomal problems, increasing the chances of success.

IVF Drawbacks - From Financial To Emotional Burdens^16,17,18,¹⁹

IVF doesn't guarantee success, and it may take multiple cycles to achieve pregnancy. Success rates vary for each person, so it's important to talk to fertility specialists for personalised information.
IVF has potential risks and side effects, such as the risk of severe ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, using safety protocols for such procedures with fewer medications can help reduce side effects.
IVF increases the chance of having multiple pregnancies, which can be risky for both the mother and babies.
IVF treatment can be expensive, leading some couples to borrow money and experience stress due to the financial burden.

Although IVF may have many challenges, the benefits it offers in overcoming infertility are greater compared to its drawbacks. Thus, this makes it a promising choice for couples undergoing IVF treatment.

Final Note!

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) offers hope for those struggling with infertility. Despite challenges, the benefits of IVF outweigh the concerns. When you wish to embrace parenthood later in life, LifeCell offers preservation and testing services such as SpermVault. It uses advanced cryopreservation technology to store and protect your sperm until you decide to have children in the future.

Alternatively, you may also consider services like LifeCell’s SpermScore and OvaScore when going for future IVF treatments. LifeCell’s SpermScore test is the most comprehensive semen analysis test that tests 10 different sperm health parameters and 14 sperm health conditions. LifeCell’s OvaScore kit helps women to test 9 hormones linked to their reproductive health and 9 conditions, including early menopause, PCOS, thyroid health, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperprolactinemia, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, egg freezing, ovarian reserve, and ovulation.

So why wait? Start your journey towards parenthood with LifeCell's innovative fertility solutions today and turn your dreams of having a family into reality.