What is IVF and What are its Advantages and Disadvantages?

INTRO TO INVITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF)

In vitro fertilization which is also commonly known as IVF is a series of complex medical treatment procedures used in the treatment ofinfertility. In vitro fertilization is one of the most effective forms of treatment for infertility, which involves managing of the embryos/eggs and sperm. This set of procedures of infertility treatment in totality is known as assisted reproductive technology (ART).In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most well-known and common forms of assisted reproductive technology [ART].

In vitro fertilization procedure is also used sometimes as a preventive method in avoiding of passing over of genetic problems to the offspring.

A major groundbreaking achievement in the field of reproductive health was made in the year 1978 with the successful delivery of the first healthy IVF baby. An approximate estimation suggests ofmore than 8 million kids born successfully through the IVF method since then.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment has been a boon and a wish come true for many childless couples world overof having their own biological children. In vitro fertilization works best with the combination of medicines and medical procedures.

IVF – FOR EVERYONE?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment is most certainly not for everyone, i.e., not for all the patients with infertility as it is not the first mode of treatment for infertility. Generally, IVF procedure is for those couples/patients who have failed with all the other treatment modalities of infertility treatment. IVF is also used for those patients who have damaged and/or blocked fallopian tubes. This is also used in treating men with sperm issues, such as low sperm counts or for those who have normal sperm count with abnormal movement and shape.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF IVF

We all know, anything and everything comes with its own set of pros and cons, positives and negatives, advantages and disadvantages, so does IVF. Though it can be asserted that the advantages of IVF far outweigh the disadvantages of IVF, it is debatable. Let us try to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of IVF a little more elaborately.

ADVANTAGES OF IVF

Now that we know what is IVF, let us know a bit about its advantages

• Winning over Infertility: In vitro fertilizationis a hope for so many individuals undergoing the trauma of infertility due to issues with ovulation, blockage of fallopian tubes, age factor, low sperm count, low ovarian reserve, etc. IVF provides the right pathway to parenthood.
• Higher chance of successful pregnancy: The higher rate of success through in vitro fertilizationcan be termed as its most significant advantage. In vitro fertilization treatment increases the success rate of conception because of the selection of the healthierviable eggs for successful fertilization. In vitro fertilization boosts the chances of delivery of a healthy baby.
• Higher rate of healthy babies: Major advantage of in vitro fertilization is the concept of genetic testing and screening which helps in analysing the embryos of birth defects, genetic abnormalities, reducing the miscarriage risk. IVF uses the process of PGT which is preimplantation genetic testing which helps in identifying/selecting healthy embryos for transfer.
• Family planning in future: Thanks to IVF, embryos or eggs can be frozen, till they want to start the family. This enables individuals to postpone the parenthood journey up until they are ready without the fear of biological clock ticking off. Sometimes individuals are not well settled to bring another life into this world or they could be facing some serious medical conditions due to which they want to defer the parenthood and IVF just provides this flexibility.
• Parenthood bliss to all: Most people recently are opting to stay single. Some are couples from the same sex. In this scenario, if they choose parenthood, IVF is the solution. As IVF is the only option which can offer or provide the opportunity for having biological offsprings where donor sperms/eggs are used for creating embryo and later transferred to the individual’s womb/uterus for pregnancy. This method ensures people to enjoy biological parenthood in a safe manner.

DISADVANTAGES OF IVF

As discussed above, there are undeniably some disadvantages of IVF. The disadvantages and risks of IVF treatment can be as follows:

• Expensive: As opposed to conceiving/birthing in a natural way, In vitro fertilization treatment turns out to be an expensive affair making it unaffordable for everyone. Most often insurance does not cover this procedure. Due to the high cost of IVF, it is not a viable option for all.
• Multiple Pregnancies: There is an increased chance of multiple pregnancies such as twins/triplets, etc., through IVF which may sometimes cause complications for the mother as well as the babies.
• Stressful: As it is not a natural form of conception, the process poses emotional challenges. The emotions run high due to enthusiasm, disappointment, hope, despair, anxietyduring the cycle. Added to this the hormonal treatments can also add to the stressful situation.
• Uncertainty: IVF alone cannot assure of a successful pregnancy. It is not a no fail or a full proof treatment. The success rate vary and is multifactorial. This uncertainty and raised hopes can be very disappointing and discouraging.
• Risks with health: Though not significant, still there are risks involved with the health of the patient like OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), which causes swelling and pain in the ovaries.

TO SUM UP

IVF (In vitro fertilization) is nothing short of a miracle for couples who are facing issues with fertility and unable to be parents. IVF is a beacon of hope for the childless couples desiring for their own kids. By seeking timely medical intervention, it is now possible to experience the joys of parenthood for even those patients with infertility issues. Infertility certainly hampers the person’s mental wellbeing and physical being to a great extent, but thanks to the assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures such as IVF which brings a sigh of relief. IVF has been soaring high with better and higher success rates. There are less cases of IVF failure as opposed to its success. Opting to reach out to the right medical team in a timely manner, diligently following the steps with a positive mindset can very well bring the parenthood bliss in most patients.