Making Reproductive Technology Work For You
Approximately 2.1% of infants born in the US are conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART), with an estimated 77,998 live births every year. While in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common fertility treatment, ART includes all types of treatment where eggs or embryos are influenced in a clinical setting. Numerous factors influence the overall success of IVF, such as age, diagnosis, number of embryos, type of procedure, and previous history of births and miscarriages. To increase the odds of conception, many patients pursue IVF procedures such as ovarian reserve testing and elective single-embryo transfer. During treatment, key lifestyle changes such as prioritizing health literacy, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding high amounts of substances raise the chances of pregnancy.
1. Educate yourself
Advanced reproductive technology is utilized to manage infertility. The treatment incorporates fertility medicines that focus on at least 2 eggs and sperm. Reproductive technology works by independently fertilizing eggs taken from the ovaries with the selected sperm. The viable embryos are then returned to the parent or surrogate’s body. IVF is the most well-known and successful type of ART. However, the success of the procedure largely depends on the individual patient. Other common procedures include using surrogates, donor eggs, donor sperm, or previously frozen embryos.
2. Know what you can do
While pregnancy is never guaranteed, key experts suggest making simple yet effective lifestyle changes to boost fertility. Along with maintaining a healthy weight, keep vigorous exercise under 5 hours per week. While pregnancy is never guaranteed, maintaining a healthy weight boosts overall fertility. Whether overweight or under, body weight impacts the ability to get pregnant. A body mass index (BMI) or under 18.5 is considered underweight, while a BMI of 25-29 is considered overweight. Achieving a healthy body weight helps regulate menstrual cycles, making conception easier.
3. Limit substances
Fertility can be impacted by a variety of factors, including food and environmental factors. Common culprits include excessive amounts of caffeine and being unaware of potential exposure to toxins in cleaning supplies. Keeping caffeine consumption under 200mg per day can negate the impact the chemical can have on viable egg health. By sticking to 1-2 small cups of coffee per day, patients raise the likelihood of conception while limiting any potential risks.
Set your body up for success
As countless doctors know, not all patients are the same. The care plan which works for some patients may fail for others depending on age, health history, and a host of other factors. As people age, the number and quality of viable eggs decrease, making strategic planning vital. Through IVF technology, patients experiencing fertility problems can successfully conceive. Small lifestyle changes such as limiting caffeine, maintaining a healthy weight, and minimizing exposure to toxins can make a major impact on the success of IVF. With a healthy, dedicated patient, healthcare experts can tailor treatment to the individual patient while raising the likelihood of conception.
