In Vitro Fertility Treatments

If you have been frustrated by your inability to conceive, then you’ve probably turned to “Dr. Google” to figure out why this is happening or to learn about ways to achieve pregnancy outside of natural conception. 

The words in vitro or in vitro fertilization have probably popped up quite often as you’ve searched for a solution to your challenges. This is because in vitro fertilization treatments (IVF) is one of the most widely used procedures to assist with the conception of a child. 

In addition, it has proven to be the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology, or “ART”.

All infertility treatments can result in highs and lows in the lives of those who opt to seek assistance with conception, and all have pros and cons associated with them. That is why it is important to understand the ups and downs of in vitro fertility treatments so that you and your partner can determine whether it is something that’s right for you.

The Positives of In Vitro Fertility Treatments

You probably know the basics of IVF: eggs and sperm are collected separately and placed together to fertilize in a laboratory dish. 

This procedure benefits some couples with physical issues and other reproductive challenges with which to contend.

• The fallopian tubes are not involved in IVF. This is especially important for women whose tubes have become blocked, including scarring from prior pelvic surgeries, endometriosis, pelvic infections, or even diseases such as chlamydia. IVF removes the eggs directly from the ovaries and implants the fertilized ones directly into the uterus. Therefore the condition of the fallopian tubes does not interfere with this process. The one exception is if the fallopian tube is swollen and blocked, resulting in a hydrosalpinx that your physician may recommend surgically treating to prevent the inflammatory fluid within this tube from negatively affecting pregnancy potential.
• The chance of birth defects or other genetic abnormalities can be reduced. When using in vitro fertility treatments, can test embryos before they are implanted in the uterus. This can be a huge relief for parents who are already having challenges conceiving and want to ensure their long-awaited baby is as healthy as possible when born.
• Low sperm counts won’t matter. If the problem with conception has to do with a male partner’s sperm, IVF is an EXCELLENT option. Sperm is collected and injected directly into the egg, so how much sperm the male is producing or its motility (movement), or morphology (shapes) are much less critical.

The Negatives of IVF

Like other fertility treatments, in vitro fertility options may not always be for everyone. Here are a few of the issues to consider for some couples.

• Sometimes, egg collection may result in fewer eggs than expected. This can be quite disappointing for those undertaking this procedure. Of course, the fewer the eggs, the less chance of finding viable ones, which can render a cycle of IVF less successful despite the effort and time spent on the procedure.
• Multiple pregnancies are possible with IVF. While having two babies at one time might sound like a good idea, multiple births come with risks, such as pre-term deliveries and potentially life-threatening complications. During assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization, multiple births primarily result from transferring more than one embryo during the procedure. This is why many fertility clinics now concentrate on performing successful single embryo transfers.
• The emotional toll of IVF can be high. It can take several courses of in vitro fertility treatments to be successful, and as with all fertility therapy, there can never be a 100% guarantee of success. Depending on their reproductive status, this is a risk couples opting for IVF may need to be prepared for and should discuss with their physician before starting the treatments.
• The monetary cost of IVF can be high as well. While more healthcare policies have begun covering at least one or two rounds of IVF, others still do not provide coverage; therefore, couples need to be prepared for the expenses and plan accordingly. 

Whether or not to try in vitro fertility treatments is a very personal decision that demands a good deal of discussion with each other and a reproductive specialist.

At Advanced Reproductive Medicine, we assist couples or individuals with fertility testing and the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. We are eager to help you realize your dream of becoming a Mom or Dad to your very little one.

In addition, we are proud to offer the most affordable and cost-effective pricing for IVF throughout the entire geographic area. For more information or schedule a consultation, call us at 732-339-9300.