In the world of fertility treatments, in vitro fertilization (IVF) for short, is often regarded as the last measure of fertility treatment. However, it does not have to be so. IVF can be the first means of fertility treatment should there be any issues regarding fertility, be it for the male or the female partner. Now, some of you may ask, what is IVF, and why should it be considered as one of the first means for fertility treatment? Well, we already covered the first topic in detail in our previous blog regarding the IVF treatment process and its timeline. As for the answer to the second question, we have to look at the advantages of IVF in overcoming both female and male infertility. So what are these advantages?
In this blog, we discuss some of the key benefits of IVF treatment regarding fertility treatment. So, with this in mind, let's get started!
One of the key advantages of IVF is that IVF often helps the couple to become parents when other treatments have failed. In the IVF process, the eggs and sperm are fertilized outside the body and in a sterile environment. Once this is done, the eggs are incubated for a few days before being transplanted back into the uterus. Therefore, there is a relatively high chance of pregnancy with IVF. Thus, IVF can succeed when other artificial reproductive treatments may fail.
Another key advantage is that many couples and people can use this process. Surrogate or gestational carriers can also use IVF. Therefore, many people can participate in the pregnancy and labor experience. Furthermore, this also means that IVF can fulfill the dream of parenthood of couples who are unable to carry a baby full term or couples who have crossed their fertility period.
One of the key causes of infertility is when one or both of the partners cannot release viable sperm and/ or eggs. In this case, there are very few options for fertility treatment. One such option is to use donated sperm and/or eggs. The good news here is that with IVF, couples can use these donated sperm and/or eggs to achieve pregnancy. The eggs are fertilized outside in a petri dish, incubated, and planted into the female partner's womb to achieve pregnancy.
Also Read: Low Sperm Count: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Top Foods to Increase Sperm Count Naturally and Improve Fertility
Besides having the ability to use donor eggs and sperm, IVF also allows you to have control over the timing of pregnancy. This advantage of IVF is highly appealing to those who are career-driven and require high control over their time and those who live a unique lifestyle that makes their life highly time-sensitive. As a patient, you can choose the window of time when you want your baby to be born.
One of the key aspects that you can add to the regular IVF treatment is genetic screening treatment. This form of treatment allows you to test the egg and sperm for any signs of genetic defects. This powerful technology helps to ensure that the baby is born healthy. Furthermore, by utilizing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), you can ensure that the embryo is free from all the known genetic markers. Do note that these tests are not done by default. They are only recommended as a part of IVF treatment if one or both of the parents show signs of these diseases. Regardless, you can still ask for the genetic screening, with some additional costs. Thus, the addition of this testing is another one of the many advantages of IVF.
Miscarriage is a painful but real risk in any form of pregnancy. One of the main causes of this phenomenon is genetic abnormality. The good news is that these forms of genetic abnormality can be detected with the previously mentioned genetic screening technique. By utilizing the PGT treatment along with IVF, we can identify the genetic markers resulting in miscarriage and reduce the chance of this happening.
One of the key advantages of IVF treatment in Nepal is that it enhances the chances of getting pregnant. The IVF treatment in itself has around 40% to 50% chances of pregnancy. This, when combined with other treatments such as PGT, IUI, and IMSI, further enhances the chances of conception and live births. Even if the first cycle of IVF fails, you can implement various techniques with IVF for another few cycles to enhance the chance of conception. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest benefits of IVF treatment.
Besides enhancing fertility, IVF also offers a means of fertility preservation for couples. It allows couples to engage in medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy that can harm fertility. By using IVF, the eggs and sperm can be selected and then stored before later using them for conception.