Can’t Seem To Get Pregnant?
Statistics have shown that pregnancy and fertility rates have declined to historic lows. While some of these figures are due to personal preference, some couples are simply struggling to get pregnant. Infertility, or the inability to get pregnant after trying for at least 6-12 months, affects 12% of American couples. The condition can be stressful, frustrating, and emotionally challenging for individuals or couples hoping to start families. While some eventually conceive, many need medical support. Thanks to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), there is hope. ART strategies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) can increase pregnancy success.
What’s behind your infertility woes?
Infertility occurs when there is an underlying issue affecting the fertilization of egg and sperm during conception. Men and women have infertility challenges at equal rates. A fertility specialist can assess infertility patients and find the possible reasons for infertility. Male infertility reasons include low sperm count or poor sperm quality. Physical issues like varicocele can prevent sperm from combining with semen. Hormone issues or poor lifestyle decisions can lead to infertility. Women are prone to diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) with age. Blockages in the fallopian tubes can occur, while health conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can affect fertility. A combination of these conditions can impact men and women.
The art of ART
Treating infertility early and consistently can increase fertility and pregnancy rates. Sometimes, medication or surgical procedures can help. When these fail, however, infertility patients need additional support. Reproductive specialists can recommend ART, a series of procedures that handle reproductive material outside the body. These techniques bypass possible barriers to pregnancy. ART involves stages such as egg retrieval, fertilization with sperm, testing, and embryo transfers. Perhaps the most possible form of ART is IVF, which involves creating embryos outside of the body with sperm and eggs. One or more embryos are then surgically implanted in the woman’s uterus for pregnancy.
A gold standard in IVF
ART techniques like IVF stand apart from other techniques as there is more control over the outcome. Strategies like fertility medication only still depend on healthy reproductive organs for success. IVF has more precision as the process starts with preparing to retrieve eggs and sperm. After a specific hormone medication protocol, the ovaries produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then surgically extracted. A fertility specialist will then combine the eggs with sperm in a fertility lab to produce embryos. After testing the embryos, the best one is transferred. The patient is then tested 14-21 days later for pregnancy.
Factors affecting IVF success
Statistics show that IVF has a 40% success rate for infertile patients. ART also has a range of additional strategies to increase pregnancy rates. For instance, in severe male-factor infertility, clinics may use intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), using a single sperm to create embryos. Genetic testing can also pinpoint possible reasons for failed IVF cycles. While IVF is effective, factors such as patient age and health can reduce success rates. On the other hand, there are factors that positively impact IVF. Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management can help manage hormones, increasing pregnancy rates.
Possible challenges
Preparing for IVF can be difficult. Individuals or couples can require a series of tests and consultations. The decision is also taxing on couples due to financial constraints, family dynamics, and lifestyle. Women are also required to take hormone medication during the process, which can have side effects. Doctors recommend building a strong support system of trusted individuals along with groups who have experienced IVF. This step can help couples develop coping strategies, manage finances, and get the most out of ART.
Restore hope with IVF
Infertility is a severe issue that can prevent couples from achieving pregnancy. While doctors can help, some couples need additional support. ART can bypass potential fertility challenges, improving success rates. IVF develops healthy embryos, which are then implanted in the uterus for pregnancy. As IVF continues to evolve, there is renewed hope for adults who struggle with fertility in the future.
