World IVF Day 2023: Do I need IVF? When Is IVF Recommended?

#KhushKhabriWithIVF: For the millions of couples worldwide who are struggling with fertility issues, assisted reproductive technologies are currently providing a ray of hope and game-changing solutions. In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) stands out as the state of art technology giving couples an opportunity of achieving their long-cherished parental desires. IVF is not a-one-size-fits-all treatment, though, and that must be understood. According to Allied Market Research, the market for IVF services in India was estimated to be worth $793.27 million in 2020 and is anticipated to grow to $3,721.99 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 16.45% between 2021 and 2030. 

Let us take a look at the critical factors that determine the need for IVF and when this assisted reproductive technique is genuinely recommended as a viable and potentially successful option for achieving pregnancy.

Understanding Infertility

According to Dr Raajam Murali, Reproductive Medicine, Milann Fertility & Birthing Hospital, Kumarapark, Bangalore, millions of people worldwide struggle with infertility, which is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of routine, unprotected intercourse (or six months for women over 35 years of age). Numerous conditions, such as endometriosis, low sperm counts, blocked fallopian tubes, problems with ovulation, and age-related loss of fertility, can cause infertility. Thus, individuals and couples should undergo a complete review by a reproductive professional to identify the underlying reason for their fertility issues prior to attempting IVF.

Also Read: 5 Interesting IVF Facts That You May Not Know

Tube Factor Infertility

Meeting of sperm and egg (fertilisation) happens in the tube and infertility is caused by blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes. In These circumstances, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is advised because it enables direct fertilisation of eggs with sperm in a controlled laboratory setting, and transferring the embryos to the uterus avoiding the blockage in the fallopian tubes and enhancing the likelihood of successful pregnancy.

Male Factor Infertility

Male factor infertility refers to conditions that impede natural conception, such as low sperm count, weak sperm motility, or sperm morphology. In these cases, IVF is recommended as it allows the selection of the healthiest sperm to fertilise the egg. By avoiding potential sperm-related barriers, IVF increases the chances of successful fertilisation and the possibility of achieving a viable pregnancy.

Also Read: 6 Questions About IVF Cost That Couples May Want To Ask The Expert

Advanced Maternal Age

As women age, their fertility naturally declines, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs increases. IVF is often recommended for women of advanced maternal age, as it offers the option of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). This screening process allows the selection of chromosomally normal embryos, significantly improving the chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Endometriosis

Infertility results from endometriosis, a medical condition in which tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. For people with endometriosis, IVF is advised, given that it bypasses any challenges that the ailment might cause to impair fertility. IVF improves the chances of a successful conception and pregnancy despite endometriosis-related difficulties by retrieving eggs, fertilising them with sperm in a controlled setting, and transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus.

Also Read: Expert Debunks Common Assumptions About Infertility

Embracing New Avenues of Parenthood

Infertility treatments have been transformed by IVF, which has also made numerous families delighted all over the world. For couples struggling with various infertility issues, it provides hope. IVF should not, however, be used as the initial treatment for all types of infertility problems. To identify the underlying reason for infertility and the best course of treatment, it is imperative to undergo a full evaluation by a skilled fertility specialist. Remember that there are many ways to become a parent, irrespective of whether IVF is advised and that getting assistance and guidance from medical experts can make all the difference in this incredibly private and personal process.