Who might benefit from In Vitro Fertilization?
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for more than a year, but have yet to successfully get pregnant, one of the most effective methods in Assisted Reproductive Technologies is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
What is IVF?
IVF is a medical procedure that involves extracting a woman’s egg and man’s sperm, and then fertilising them in a laboratory. The fertilised egg, an embryo, would then be transferred back to the woman’s uterus. There are other less invasive methods to help you conceive besides IVF, but there are some individuals that need the help of IVF to conceive.
Who is suitable for IVF?
- Women with Damaged or Blocked Fallopian Tubes
When you have a blocked or damaged Fallopian tube, it will be difficult for your eggs to be fertilised, or for a fertilised embryo to travel to the uterus for a successful pregnancy. IVF is one of the best ways you can still be pregnant with your eggs.
- Women With Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a medical condition where a woman’s uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus. This often affects the function of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. Previous research has proven that IVF is successful for women with endometriosis.
- Older Patients
IVF is beneficial for women above the age of 40 years old, who usually have a lower ovarian reserve. With IVF, you can maximise the chance of conceiving. By stimulating your ovaries to produce a few eggs at the same time, your doctor can choose to fertilise quality eggs, which will help you conceive a healthy baby, despite your low ovarian reserve.
- Infertile Men
Couples with male infertility problems, such as below-average sperm concentration, poor mobility of sperm or abnormal sperm size and shape, find it difficult to conceive naturally. IVF can increase the chances of conceiving, as the egg will be fertilised in the laboratory, making it easier for the sperm to reach the egg.
- Fertility Preservation
If you are not in the right health condition or financial condition to start a family, you can choose to freeze your ovum and sperm, to be fertilised later in life. You can then use IVF to conceive when you are ready.
- Surrogate or Gestational Carriers or Same-Sex Couples
IVF can also be used by surrogate and gestational carriers, as well as same-sex couples who want to get pregnant, but are unable to. For surrogates and gestational carriers, you can choose to fertilise your and your partners’ eggs and sperm before transferring them to the carriers to help carry the baby to full term. Whereas, for same-sex couples, you can choose to get either donated eggs or sperm to be fertilised in the laboratory, and then transferred to your or another’s uterus.
If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year, but to no avail, do consult a fertility specialist or your doctor to see whether IVF is a suitable method for you.
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