IVF is a term that has been around for a long time. Any couple that wants to hear happy screams in their home should be given the opportunity and support to do so. IVF is one such assisted reproductive technology that can help couples achieve their dream of becoming parents. IVF has helped more than 8 million babies worldwide and is one of the best options for couples who are unable to conceive naturally after more than a year of trying.
Using the expert insights of Dr. Muskaan Chhabra, a leading infertility specialist, at Birla Fertility & IVF we will learn more about the pros and cons of IVF.
Before we better understand the pros and cons of IVF, it is important to know what IVF is and the infertility treatment options available at Birla Fertility & IVF.
IVF is a medical procedure in which a sperm is attached to an egg for fertilization in a test tube or petri dish in a laboratory to form embryos. Fertility doctors offer personalized treatment plans to help ensure a successful pregnancy when it is recommended to see a fertility professional who can outline the entire procedure and point out all the pros and cons so the couple can make an informed decision. The following are the infertility treatment options offered to the couple:
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a treatment offered to couples before switching to IVF. Artificial insemination is a fertility procedure in which healthy and viable sperm are introduced directly into the uterus.
ovulation induction
Necessary hormones are given to the women to stimulate the development of the egg cells and to support ovulation. Doctors may suggest you take these hormone shots at home as these drugs are designed to induce ovulation in women who do not ovulate during their ovulatory cycle. These cases usually occur in women with irregular menstrual cycles.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection or ICSIis a procedure in which the IVF specialist injects a healthy sperm directly into the uterus for fertilization, bypassing the stage where the sperm has to penetrate the egg naturally.
Gefrorener Embryotransfer (FET)
Frozen embryo transfer is an option for couples who wish to conceive later in life or who have genetic disorders. People suffering from genetic disorders or ovulation disorders plan to freeze their healthy sperm and eggs to transfer the best eggs and sperm to the uterus.
Blastozystenkultur
Only a single selected embryo is placed in the uterus after fertilization, i.e. on the 5th or 6th day, in order to avoid multiple pregnancies.
LAH | Laser assisted hatching
Laser-Assisted Hatching is a producer performed after blastocyst culture. It is intended for patients with a history of repeated IVF failure or advanced age, or patients with reduced ovarian reserve.
Table of contents
Now let's understand the pros and cons of IVF
Benefits of IVF
Beneficial for patients who cannot conceive naturally
People who have been diagnosed with some of the other infertility issues can be hopeful when trying IVF. Patients diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, pelvic adhesions, age-related decreasing egg quality, endometriosis in women and low sperm count, sexual dysfunction and sperm deficiency in men may have a chance if their cause of infertility is diagnosed at the right time and a personalized treatment plan is conducted to help couples fulfill their dream of parenthood.
The correct diagnosis can be made
There are times when the cause of infertility is unknown and the couple keeps trying without consulting or being aware of the right reason why they cannot conceive naturally. Visiting the IVF expert can help uncover any fertility problem so that appropriate solutions can be provided to help them conceive using assisted reproductive technology.
Has been around for a while and has a sure track record
In this day and age, technology is advanced and all top-notch techniques are used to make the treatment safer and better for every couple. The centers are equipped with state-of-the-art IVF laboratories and the latest assisted reproductive technology, developed according to international standards for clinical excellence. We ensure that all patients receive personalized treatment plans according to their infertility concerns.
Transmission of only healthy sperm and eggs
With IVF, specialists ensure that the sperm and eggs are tested before they are transferred to the uterus. Embryos are tested for disorders that can be passed from generation to generation. Prior to IVF, pre-implantation genetic screening is performed to diagnose whether there are any genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome or Duchenne muscular dystrophy etc. to ensure that a child born will not suffer from the disorder.
Solution for premature ovarian failure
A doctor may start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve symptoms of premature ovarian failure. When a patient is planning a pregnancy, there are several options she can discuss with the doctor. There are medications that can help stimulate egg growth or release. However, it can be difficult for someone with premature ovarian failure to conceive a baby using their own eggs. All that remains is the search for an egg donor.
Elderly patients with low ovarian reserve
Patients whose ovarian reserve decreases with age have limited options and may find it difficult to conceive naturally. Therefore, IVF could be one of the options for older patients, or they can also opt for surrogacy or egg donor.
Can help single women
There are several advantages and disadvantages of IVF. Using sperm from a donor during IVF treatment can help a single woman have a healthy baby
Read about it tooovulation in hindi
Disadvantages
An IVF cycle can be unsuccessful
Patients who have been trying for some time are not very optimistic about their results. There is a possibility that patients may need to go through multiple cycles before they are successful. The success of each cycle varies from patient to patient and only a fertility professional can provide a more accurate and personalized chance of success. It's important to be both realistic and optimistic about your chances of success.
risk of multiple pregnancies
With IVF, as the cost and window of opportunity for pregnancy continues to shrink, couples typically choose to implant more than one embryo to increase their chances of conception. There are several risks when it comes to multiple pregnancies, such as preterm labor, miscarriage, immediate caesarean sections, stillbirth, and infant health problems. To reduce the risk and likelihood of multiple pregnancies, pregenetic screening and all other testing should be done to avoid miscarriage, stillbirth, and genetic disorders.
IVF can take an emotional toll on health
Thinking and going for IVF can be emotionally and mentally stressful and exhausting. You begin to feel that not everyone will understand what and why you need IVF. Both partners go through emotional and stressful experiences.
IVF can increase the risk of premature birth in the baby
With IVF, the risk of premature birth increases due to the high level of stimulation. Premature birth can increase the child's risk of long-term health problems. High levels of estrogen can affect the uterine environment of the womb. With the help of the right medication, it has been observed that born babies are more likely to be born without defects, but for this, estrogen levels should be maintained in order for the born baby to be healthy.
Possibility of an ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy after IVF appears to be associated with pre-existing tubal disease. If the embryo is transferred to the uterus, there is a chance that it will result in an ectopic pregnancy.
frequently asked Questions
Can IVF cause health problems?
Every patient's body is different, and therefore the effect of IVF on the body can also be different. Doctors do their best to determine if the delivered baby is healthy with the right tests, but getting the right diagnosis is essential.
Do IVF Babies Have Problems?
No, it's a myth that IVF babies have a problem. But they are as healthy as a naturally born baby. All tests and diagnostics are carried out before the embryos are transferred to ensure that only healthy sperm and oocytes are collected for fertilization.
Why is IVF high risk?
There may be a risk of ectopic pregnancy with IVF. This happens when the embryos are implanted in a fallopian tube instead of the uterus.
Is IVF better than natural conception?
Whether natural or IVF, what matters is the birth of a healthy baby. According to research, it was believed that IVF offers a better chance of a healthy birth because all the tests and genetic screening are done before the implantation.
Does IVF increase fertility?
With the right diagnosis and treatment completed, couples can even conceive naturally.