Infertility affects about 1 in 6 people worldwide. If a woman under 35 has been trying to conceive for over 12 months without success—or for more than 6 months if she is over 35—she and her partner may be experiencing infertility. In such cases, treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) can help.
This article looks at different infertility causes that IVF can help overcome, increasing the chances of pregnancy.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Blocked fallopian tubes prevent sperm from reaching the egg. With IVF, an egg is retrieved directly from the ovary and fertilized in the lab. This bypasses the blocked tubes and can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis can cause scarring and block the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting. It can also make it harder for an embryo to implant. IVF can help increase the chances of conception in women with severe endometriosis.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common cause of infertility, affecting how the ovaries work. It can lead to enlarged ovaries with small cysts and cause hormone imbalances and irregular or absent ovulation. IVF is a helpful option for women with PCOS. Medications like birth control can balance hormones and prepare the body for IVF.
Unexplained Infertility
When the cause of infertility is unknown, it can be especially frustrating. In these cases, IVF can help because it bypasses many natural barriers to conception and provides a controlled environment for fertilization and embryo development.
Male Factor Infertility
IVF is also effective for male infertility, which can involve issues like low sperm count or abnormal sperm. An advanced IVF technique, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. This method ensures fertilization even with sperm that have low motility or abnormal shape.
Who Might Not Benefit from IVF?
While IVF can help many people, it is not suitable for everyone. Some conditions can reduce the success of IVF treatment.
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Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus, called fibroids, can interfere with embryo implantation. Treatment may be needed before proceeding with IVF.
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Ovarian Dysfunction: When the ovaries don’t produce eggs properly, IVF may not be effective.
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Morbid Obesity: Severe obesity can lower IVF success rates. Weight loss may be recommended to improve outcomes.
Every fertility journey is unique, and treatment should be tailored to each individual. Consulting a fertility specialist can help determine the best course of action. The specialist can also suggest other treatments that may increase the chances of success before IVF, bringing couples closer to their dream of having a baby.
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