Infertility affects one in six people globally. If a woman under 35 has been trying to get pregnant for over 12 months without success, or for more than 6 months if over 35, they may be dealing with infertility. In these cases, treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) could help.
This article looks at the various causes of infertility that IVF can address to help achieve a pregnancy.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes
When the fallopian tubes are blocked, sperm cannot reach the egg for fertilization. IVF helps by retrieving the egg directly from the ovary and fertilizing it in the lab. This bypasses the fallopian tubes, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis can cause scarring and block the fallopian tubes, making it hard for the egg and sperm to meet. It can also affect embryo implantation. In such cases, IVF can help improve the chances of conception.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common cause of infertility in women. It causes the ovaries to enlarge and develop many small cysts, leading to hormone imbalances and irregular ovulation. IVF is often a good option for women with PCOS, and using birth control or other medications beforehand can help regulate hormones and prepare the body for IVF.
Unexplained Infertility
When the cause of infertility is unknown, it can be especially frustrating. IVF can be helpful in these situations, as it bypasses many natural barriers to conception and provides a controlled environment for fertilization and embryo development.
Male Factor Infertility
IVF can be very effective for male factor infertility, such as low sperm count or abnormal sperm. One advanced technique, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. This method ensures that even sperm with low motility or unusual shape can still achieve fertilization.
Who Might Not Benefit from IVF?
While IVF is a powerful fertility tool, it’s not suitable for everyone. Certain conditions can lower its success rates.
Fibroid tumors, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, can affect embryo implantation and may need to be treated before IVF.
Ovarian dysfunction, where the ovaries don’t produce eggs properly, can also reduce the effectiveness of IVF.
Morbid obesity can decrease IVF success rates, and weight loss is often recommended to improve the chances of success.
Each fertility journey is different, and treatments should be personalized. A consultation with a fertility specialist can help determine the best approach for each individual, and they may suggest other treatments to improve the chances of success before IVF. This can bring couples closer to their dream of having a baby.
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