IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. It is a method of fertilization between ovum and sperm which occurs, in a lab or rather, outside the body. This is why IVF treatments are often also referred to as having a “test tube baby”.

Couples who have been trying to conceive for more than 6 months are considered infertile. For many couples who have trouble conceiving, IVF is a miracle that lets them realise their dreams of parenthood. But, the journey to conception through IVF is not always simple or suitable for every couple.

Who Is Suitable For IVF?

To be ideal candidates for IVF, the couple should be in general good health. On deeper level, couples with difficulty conceiving due to the below mentioned conditions may find IVF a suitable option.

Women with blocked fallopian tubes

If for any reason you have damaged, scarred, blocked, missing or surgically removed fallopian tubes, IVF can be good option for you. This is because, the process of IVF completely circumvents the fallopian tubes for egg collection.

Endometriosis

If you suffer from endometriosis or endometrial scarring IVF can be good option.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Of the infertility disorders in women, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common. IVF can serve women with these problems well.

Women with irregular ovulation cycles

If you have an irregular menstrual cycle, IVF treatments can be effective in treating it. This is because the IVF treatment induces ovulation and can help you to produce more healthy eggs.

Men with factor infertility

Male infertility is also often a major factor in conception difficulty. Issues like a low sperm count, irregularly shaped sperm, poor sperm motility or any other male factor infertility challenge can be resolved using IVF paired and other specialised accompanying techniques to deliver a successful fertilization and conception.

IVF Can Be A Good Fit For:

• Couples who have tried conceiving with other fertility treatments such as fertility medications and intra-uterine insemination and failed. IVF can often offer a new lease of hope when other methods have been unsuccessful.
• Couples with either or both unhealthy eggs or sperm, or difficulty to carry a pregnancy. IVF can help in conception through donor eggs or sperms and help pave out a path to a child even under dire circumstances.
• Couples who want pre-implantation genetic screening to check for any chromosomal abnormalities or hereditary disorders so that only healthy embryos are implanted.

Who May Not Benefit From IVF Treatment?

• A couple who don’t produce healthy eggs or sperms and do not want to use a donor, may not benefit form IVF treatment. Women with a low ovarian reserve and a man with reduced sperm quality can make fertilization difficult even for IVF.
• For certain conditions such as infertility caused by fibroid tumours, uterine abnormalities, or ovarian dysfunction, IVF may not be suitable. You should consult with your doctor in case of such roadblocks.
• Treatments for infertility such as IVF may be less effective in case of severely obese couples. This is because a very high BMI can affect egg quality, and effectiveness of the prescribed fertility medications. In such cases it may be easier to use donor eggs.

At the end of the day the choice for which fertility treatment to use lays solely with the couple, but you can reach out to fertility experts to better understand and explore your options.

References:

1. IVF Step-by-Step. University of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/ob-gyn/fertility-center/services/infertility/ivf/ivf-step-by-step.aspx. Accessed on 07-07-2021.
   Candidates for IVF. Keck School Of Medicine. https://uscfertility.org/fertility-treatments/candidates-for-ivf/. Accessed on 07-07-2021.
2. IVF Failure: Is Sperm Quality to Blame? PUAH institute. https://www.puahfertility.org/articles/ivf-failure-is-sperm-quality-to-blame/. Accessed on 07-07-2021.
3. When to consider IVF. Pregnancy Birth Baby. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/when-to-consider-ivf. Accessed on 07-07-2021.
4. Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization. Web MD. https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/in-vitro-fertilization. Accessed on 07-07-2021.
5. Jacobs MB, Klonoff-Cohen H, Agarwal S, Kritz-Silverstein D, Lindsay S, Garzo VG. Predictors of treatment failure in young patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2016 Aug;33(8):1001-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27154866/. Accessed on 07-07-2021.