IVF or in vitro fertilization has been thought by many to be their miracle solution to have children at their own pace. Eventhough IVF looks very complicated, with the current technology, it is quite a straightforward treatment process. It is also accompanied by its own costs, risks, and possibility of failure. On the bright side, for the past four decades, over 5 million much-wanted babies were brought into this world which means there are over 5 million success stories to look to for hope.
Which conditions are suitable for IVF?
Initially developed for women who had blocked fallopian tubes, today IVF can be used as the last resort when simpler treatments such as ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or surgical correction of anatomic fertility problems have failed.
The most important factors for a successful IVF are the age of the female partner—as both egg quantity and quality decline with age as well as the duration of infertility. Women under 35 should get themselves evaluated for infertility if they have not conceived in the first year of trying, while those over 35 should begin evaluation if they have not conceived after six months.
The diagnosis of the evaluation will determine the treatment plan which might involve going directly to IVF, especially if there’s a sperm issue, if the tubes are blocked, or if the woman is older and has a shortened reproductive window. For cases where the sperm counts are normal, the woman ovulates, and the tubes are open, artificial insemination might be suggested first.
Briefly, IVF helps tackle issues with:
- Problems with ovulation
- Problems with the fallopian tube
- Low sperm count or no sperm count
- Parents want to avoid passing hereditary diseases to their baby
- Unexplained infertility despite comprehensive investigations
- When other infertility treatments are ineffective
- When multiple artificial inseminations were unsuccessful
Preparation for IVF
There are a number of preparations that couples can do to increase the odds of a successful IVF.
1) Optimize your physical conditions
Both husband and wife must undergo a comprehensive physical examination to rule out any condition that might be risking the pregnancy. This includes adopting a positive lifestyle, healthy diet and weight management.
2）Mental and financial preparation
Take your time to understand everything about IVF including the related costs, potential risks, time consumption and possibility of failures. Supporting each other morally, physically and financially is crucial.
Would IVF be successful for us?
On average, the success rate for IVF depends on the patient’s age, male partner fertility issues, previous pregnancies, type of fertility problem, lifestyle habits and other physiological factors. The potential mother has to go through a comprehensive physical examination and examination of the egg reserve. The success rate for women is between 50 to 65 percent in women under 35, and it might be 10 percent in women over 43.
The success rate also depends on technical factors such as the doctor’s training and experience and quality control of the fertility center. A selected fertility clinic should be the one which is able to maintain the average success rate while at the same time doing their best for individual patients.
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“Empower your parenting journey with Mama Net! Whether you’re just starting your journey into parenthood or are a seasoned pro, Download our app for free on the App Store and Google Playstore for access to certified content, interactive tools, and a community of supportive parents and mothers.”
