When You Should Consider In-Vitro for Your Growing Family

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Infertility affects millions of people across the globe. There are various causes for infertility and treatments for couples struggling with conception. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most popular and successful treatments for infertility. While IVF is not a guarantee of pregnancy, it does have a higher success rate than many other commonly used treatments for infertility. But first, what is IVF?

IVF Explained

In vitro fertilization is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves taking eggs from a woman's ovaries and combining them with sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. After the eggs are fertilized, they are implanted into the uterus. With IVF, eggs can be taken from either the intended mother or an egg donor, and vice versa is also true with male counterparts. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often seen as the last-ditch effort for couples struggling to conceive. However, it is an effective option for couples seeking conception, even if they haven't been diagnosed with infertility. In a nutshell, you and your partner may want to consider IVF treatments if:

Diagnosed With Fallopian Tube Obstruction

If you have difficulty getting pregnant due to an obstruction in your fallopian tubes, IVF may be your go-by choice. We all know that the fallopian tubes are responsible for egg transportation from the ovaries to the uterus. However, if your fallopian tubes are blocked or otherwise damaged, this transport process doesn't work properly. IVF bypasses this problem by collecting your eggs outside of your body and then placing them in Pro Labs with sperms for fertilization. Once the embryos develop, they're placed directly into the uterus.

You’ve Had Trouble Getting Pregnant With Traditional Methods

If you've been trying to conceive naturally for more than a year without success, you may want to consider IVF treatments. However, many couples who seek assisted reproduction have already been diagnosed with infertility. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends that women under 35 see a reproductive specialist after 12 months of trying, while women over 35 should do so after six months.

You Have a History of Miscarriages

Miscarriage is a common occurrence, affecting about 8-15% of all pregnancies. But if you've had three or more consecutive miscarriages, it's time to talk to your doctor about potential causes and treatment options, including IVF treatments. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing or a karyotype analysis before you begin any fertility treatments — these tests will help your doctor determine if any chromosomal abnormalities could cause recurrent miscarriage and may influence the types of assisted reproduction.

Endometriosis

About 5 million American women are affected by endometriosis, which causes uterine tissue to grow outside the uterus. The tissue can attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other organs in the pelvic area. This leads to painful menstruation and can cause difficulty with conceiving. Treatment options may include hormonal therapy and surgery, but in vitro fertilization may be an option if other treatments fail.

Failed Other Fertility Treatments

Many couples try less invasive and cheap fertility treatments before turning to IVF. These may include medications like Clomid (clomiphene) or injectable gonadotropins that stimulate ovulation. There are also procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) that places sperm directly into the uterus to increase conceiving chances.

Your Spouse’s Semen Is of Poor Quality

If your husband's semen tests on the lower side or even below average, there is no need to panic. You can still get pregnant without issues. However, it may take longer than you expect or even take multiple tries. Nevertheless, if you have been trying for over a year without any success, then it is time to consider in-vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF has provided couples hope to conceive children they thought they would never have.

Conclusion

It's understandable to be apprehensive about preparing for IVF treatments. With careful planning and an understanding of what to expect, it can be a positive step in the journey towards starting a family. If you think that IVF may be right for you, take the first step and ask your doctor the questions on your mind. Working together, you can plan to get started and keep moving forward. You'll soon see that this is one journey that you never have to walk alone.