In Vitro Fertilization: What You Need to Know.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process by which sperm fertilizes an egg outside the body. After the process, the resulting embryo(s) are placed back into the woman’s uterus where, hopefully, it will implant and result in a successful pregnancy. IVF has been around since the early days and has helped millions of couples conceive children who otherwise may not have been able to. The process can be expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally taxing, but it is the best and sometimes the only option for many people. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment that involves retrieving eggs from a woman’s ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory dish, and then transferring the resulting embryos into the woman’s uterus. IVF can be used to treat various infertility problems, including Ovulation disorders, Endometriosis, Uterine fibroids, and Low sperm count. The success rate of IVF depends on many factors, including the cause of infertility, the age of the woman, and the quality of the eggs and sperm.
The use of IVF for gender selection is a controversial practice. Some people believe that it is an ethical way to ensure that a child is born into a family that is prepared to raise them with love and care, regardless of gender. Others believe that it is a form of discrimination that perpetuates sexist stereotypes. There are many ways in which IVF can be used for gender selection. One common method is known as “pre-implantation genetic diagnosis” (PGD). This involves testing the embryos for specific genetic diseases, as well as their sex. Only healthy embryos of the desired sex are then implanted into the mother’s uterus. Another method, called “sperm sorting,” separates X-bearing sperm (which produces female offspring) from Y-bearing sperm (which produces male offspring). The desired type of sperm is then used to fertilize the egg through IVF.
IVF is an expensive and invasive procedure that is not without risks. It is important to weigh up the potential benefits and risks before deciding on whether or not to proceed with treatment. There are many myths and misconceptions about in vitro fertilization. Some people think that it is unnatural or that the embryos are damaged in the process. Others believe that it is only for women who can’t get pregnant naturally. Some couples also think that they will have to use their sperm and eggs, which is not always the case. In vitro fertilization can be used with donor sperm and eggs, as well as with embryos from previous pregnancies. IVF is a complex procedure that can be costly, and it is not always successful. The success rates for IVF vary but are generally lower for older women, who have fertility problems, or have had previous IVF failures. Several factors can contribute to a couple’s decision to undergo in vitro fertilization. For many couples, the decision is based on a desire to have a child and is not influenced by any outside pressure. However, some women may feel pressure to have a child via IVF due to cultural or familial expectations.
Additionally, some women may feel that they need to use IVF to conceive because they are older or have had trouble conceiving in the past. For others, it may be because they have been diagnosed with the condition that makes it difficult to conceive. And for others still, it may be because they want to have a child, but their partner is unable or unwilling to have one themselves. Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that IVF is a major decision with significant physical, emotional, and financial implications. These pressures can be extreme and may lead some women to undergo IVF when they would not otherwise choose to do so.
Both men and women may experience fertility problems common to both sexes, although there are male-only and female-only fertility issues. Failure to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse is considered infertility by many couples. Male infertility is a common cause of couple infertility, accounting for approximately 35% of cases. Couples with normal, fertile sexual activity that occurs two or more times per week have approximately an 80% chance of achieving pregnancy within a year if the woman is under 40 years old. If the woman’s age approaches 40 or older, the chance of achieving pregnancy in one year decreases to 50%, despite continued regular sexual intercourse.
Female factor: A recent study predicts that more than 5 million women in the United States who are of childbearing age will experience an infertility problem (defined as failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse). Individuals also may be at increased risk if their family history includes a diagnosis of a medical condition likely to affect fertility or if they have experienced previous pregnancy losses or any problems with previous pregnancies. Other common causes for genetic testing for female infertility include prolonged breastfeeding since it inhibits ovulation.
Advantages of In Vitro Fertilization
The increasing trend of infertility has compelled people to go for In vitro fertilization treatment. This is a process in which the embryo is formed outside the body and then implanted in the uterus. IVF treatment has helped many couples to bear children. Here are some advantages of IVF:
1) It is a successful procedure with high pregnancy rates. 2) It helps overcome infertility caused by blocked fallopian tubes, ovulatory problems, sperm problems, and endometriosis. 3) It is a less invasive procedure than surgery. 4) It helps in a range of procedures like testicular sperm extraction, genetic testing, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. 5) It is an ethical procedure that eliminates the need for IUI or test-tube baby. 6) It offers a higher degree of a controlled environment to the embryos as they can be cultured under special conditions. 7) This intervention eliminates the risk of multiple births as only a single healthy embryo is implanted into the uterus when this assisted reproductive technology is used. 8) IVF treatment also helps preserve fertility in case oncology treatment results in the destruction of eggs or hormones are required that may make pregnancy a distant dream for couples 9) This procedure has helped people suffering from premature menopause and endometriosis. 10) The intervention of IVF treatment also goes a long way in eliminating the visible side effects of conventional hormone injections and less invasive treatments. 11) Adoption and donor programs can be abolished with this controversial yet lifesaving infertility intervention. The dual benefit of having biological children is removing all psychological stress & trauma associated with childlessnessRepair ruptured marital relations by ensuring offspringRecapture enjoyment & satisfaction of parenthoodMaintain self-esteem, status in society & blissful conjugal life. Infertility is not just an inability to conceive but often causes innumerable sleepless nights, anxiety, and frustration in both partners. This disease plays havoc not just on the physical being but also destroys social ties and relationships many times beyond recognition or rebuild.
Disadvantages of In Vitro Fertilization
While the increasing use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has resulted in more than five million babies being born worldwide, the procedure does have some disadvantages. IVF is an expensive process and can be emotionally draining for couples who undergo it. Additionally, as with any medical procedure, there is always a risk of complications. Some of these risks are specific to IVF. In particular, the risk of eclampsia and multiple births is higher in clients who conceive through IVF, although recent advances in technology contain this somewhat.
The major disadvantage of IVF is that it is very expensive. Couples often require more than one cycle to achieve a pregnancy, meaning the total cost can be even higher. Some insurance companies cover IVF; however, most do not. Thus, many couples pay out of pocket for their treatments which creates a significant financial burden on them. Another disadvantage of IVF is that it can be an emotionally draining process for couples who undergo it. The physical and emotional demands of the procedure—including frequent doctor’s visits, blood tests, ultrasounds, and hormone injections—can take a toll on patients. Additionally, the constant worry about whether or not the cycle will be successful can also be stressful for couples hoping to conceive via IVF.
The emotional drain of IVF can be significant and may even lead to depression in some cases. In addition, the success rate of IVF is not guaranteed, so there is always the possibility that a couple’s investment in the procedure will not result in a pregnancy.
References
- “americanpregnancy.org.” American Pregnancy Association, 10 Jan. 2019, americanpregnancy.org/infertility/in-Vitro-fertilization/. Accessed 22 Mar. 2019.
- Fledderjohann, Jasmine. “How society puts pressure on women to have children.” Parent24, 13 Feb. 2019, www.parent24.com/Fertility/Fertility_problems/how-society-puts-pressure-on-women-to-have-children-20170328. Accessed 21 Apr. 2019.
- Speyer, Barbara E., et al. “Successful Outcomes Achieved in Assisted Reproduction Cycles Using Sperm with High Levels of High DNA Stainability.” Consumer Health Complete, EBSCOhost, Oct. 2015, web.b.ebscohost.com.ezjsrcc.vccs.edu:2048/chc/detail?vid=0&sid=af68b6d3-ce9a-4071-ac8a-fdc86c3b1769%40pdc-v-sessmgr05&bdata=JnNpdGU9Y2hjLWxpdmU%3d#AN=109421000&db=cmh. Accessed 22 Mar. 2019.
.