In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology that helps individuals become pregnant. During this process, a fertility specialist tests couples to identify any issues affecting fertility to tailor the treatment plan. Here are some ways to know if IVF is right for you and your partner:
Long-term Fertility Challenges
If you’ve been trying to conceive over a long period without any success, it could be a sign to try in vitro fertilization. When one or both tubes are blocked, the sperm cannot reach the egg, preventing fertilization from taking place. The benefit of IVF is that it involves fertilizing the eggs outside the body and placing embryos into the uterus. For women with endometriosis, in vitro fertilization improves the chances of conception by managing egg retrieval and implantation. During this procedure, a specialist prescribes medication to stimulate ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which manages the unpredictability of natural ovulation in women with PCOS.
Advanced Maternal Age
As women age, the quality of eggs is reduced, which lowers the possibility of natural conception. With age, a woman’s natural levels of follicle-stimulating hormone may decline, impacting the reproductive system. In vitro fertilization screens embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation, allowing only the healthiest embryos to be selected. To help prepare the uterine lining for implantation, a healthcare provider administers hormonal medications that support a healthy pregnancy. Specialists monitor the thickness of the uterine lining and transfer the embryo when the lining is ready to accept it. In situations where the ovarian reserve is too low, egg donation through IVF is also an option.
Unexplained Fertility
If you’ve undergone evaluations and there’s no clear reason for infertility, you may choose in vitro fertilization. During in vitro fertilization, a professional measures sperm count, motility, and morphology to determine if the sperm is healthy. This expert monitors menstrual cycles to confirm regular ovulation and the presence of adequate progesterone levels. To help overcome male factor infertility issues, a provider injects a single sperm directly into an egg, improving fertilization chances. IVF cycles involve regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds that help specialists adjust medications to attain a pregnancy. Couples undergoing in vitro fertilization can try multiple cycles with adjusted treatments to help them become parents.
Genetic Issues
During an in vitro fertilization cycle, a professional tests couples for gene disorders and chromosomal issues. These tests help fertility specialists transfer healthy embryos, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. Screening for specific genetic conditions prevents genetic disorders from being transferred to the baby. If one or both partners are carriers of genetic disorders, they may use donor eggs or sperm from healthy donors. Unused embryos that are genetically normal can be frozen for later use, helping couples plan for additional pregnancies.
Book an Appointment for an IVF Procedure
Whether you are facing fertility issues or unexplained infertility, in vitro fertilization uses different techniques to manage these barriers. You and your partner can discuss with a fertility specialist a treatment plan that meets your health needs. To attain a successful pregnancy, call a trusted clinic today to learn more about IVF.
