Introduction: Who Can Go for IVF Treatment?
IVF is ideal for couples facing infertility due to factors like blocked fallopian tubes, male infertility, age-related issues, or genetic disorders. It is also recommended for those with unexplained infertility, after unsuccessful conventional treatments. IVF Treatment process involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body which is followed by implanting the embryo into the uterus. IVF was Originally developed to overcome fallopian tube disorders but now has evolved to address a broad spectrum of fertility issues.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), IVF accounts for about 1.9% of all babies born in the United States, illustrating its significant impact. Estimates suggested that approximately 10-15% of married couples in India are affected by infertility. This translates to around 27.5 million couples actively trying to conceive but facing challenges due to various infertility issues. These figures reflect the growing need for effective fertility treatments and awareness in the country. This has led to opening of about 600 IVF Clinics in India.IVF is a viable option for women of advanced maternal age, where natural conception odds diminish.
The objective of this blog is to demystify IVF and shed light on who can benefit from this technology. From couples who have faced long-term infertility to those with specific medical conditions hindering natural conception, IVF emerges as a potential solution. This blog aims to guide individuals and couples through the intricacies of IVF and help them understand under what circumstances it can be beneficial. As an IVF Doctor in Noida, I have backed it with scientific data and success rates at our IVF Clinic in Noida.
IVF process:
IVF Process involves the following 5 Steps.
1.Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
2.Egg Retrieval: Eggs are extracted from the ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure.
3.Fertilization: The eggs that are retrieved by a Fertility Specialist are then fertilized with sperm in a laboratory by an Embryologist.
4.Embryo Culture: Fertilized eggs develop into embryos, which are monitored for growth and quality.
5.Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are implanted into the woman’s uterus.
Technological advancements in IVF have been transformative. The introduction of ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) in the 1990s marked a significant leap, especially for severe male infertility cases, by injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, thereby enhancing fertilization chances. Another pivotal development is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), enabling genetic disorder screening in embryos before implantation. These innovations have vastly improved IVF outcomes. For deeper insights, books like “In Vitro Fertilization: The A.R.T. of Making Babies” by Geoffrey Sher, “The Complete Guide to IVF” by Kate Brian, and “Navigating the World of IVF” by Elizabeth Katkin offer valuable knowledge and perspectives on IVF treatments and their evolution.
Ideal Candidates for IVF Treatment:
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has become the most popular assisted reproductive technology.IVF treatment offers hope to a diverse range of individuals and couples grappling with infertility issues.
1.Couples with Infertility Issues: IVF is particularly effective for those facing specific physical barriers to natural conception. For women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, IVF bypasses the need for the egg and sperm to meet within the tubes, thereby overcoming this obstacle. In cases of male infertility, such as low sperm count or motility, IVF, often combined with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), enhances the chances of fertilization by directly injecting a single sperm into an egg.
2.Age-Related Infertility: Women’s fertility naturally declines with age, particularly after the mid-30s. IVF can be a viable option for older women, including those in their late 30s and early 40s. Although the success rates of IVF decrease with age, the use of donor eggs can significantly increase these chances. At our IVF Clinic in Noida, women in the age group of 35-39 have seen IVF success rates of around 70%.
3.Genetic Disorders: IVF combined with Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) has been a game-changer in preventing genetic diseases. PGD allows for the screening of embryos for specific genetic disorders before they are implanted in the uterus, offering couples at risk of passing on genetic conditions the chance to have a healthy baby.
4.Unexplained Infertility: When infertility lacks a clear cause despite comprehensive evaluations, IVF offers a promising solution. It bypasses potential undetected issues in the reproductive process. Approximately 30-40% of infertile couples have unexplained infertility, and IVF has shown success rates varying from 20-40%, depending on individual factors and age.
5.Previous Pregnancy Losses: For those experiencing recurrent miscarriages, IVF with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), can be beneficial. PGT helps identify embryos with chromosomal normalcy thereby reducing the risk of miscarriage. Our IVF success rate at our IVF Clinic in Noida in such cases are at about 80%.
In India, the increasing availability and success of IVF treatments reflect its growing importance. The Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction reported that the country’s IVF market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10-15%. However, it is crucial for candidates to consult with fertility specialists in India to understand the likelihood of success in their cases as individual factors greatly influence the outcome of IVF treatments.
How To Choose the Top IVF Clinic in India:
When selecting a top IVF clinic in India one should consider these three critical aspects that can guide you in making an informed decision:
1.Doctor’s Experience & Qualifications: The expertise and qualifications of the doctors are paramount. Look for IVF clinics in India where doctors have a robust track record in reproductive medicine and are well-versed in the latest IVF techniques.
2.IVF Success Rate of the Clinic: A clinic’s success rate is a vital indicator of its efficacy. One must choose an IVF clinic that transparently shares their success statistics that provides a realistic expectation of the treatment’s potential outcome.
3.Trained Staff & Facilities: The quality of the clinic’s staff and its facilities play a crucial role. A top clinic should have well-trained support staff and state-of-the-art facilities that can ensure the best care and advanced treatment options.
An example of such excellence is Little Angel IVF which is now recognized as one of the top IVF clinics in India. Located in Noida, it boasts a state-of-the-art facility managed by a team of highly qualified professionals and led by India’s Top IVF Doctor. Our commitment to providing personalized care and maintaining high success rates has distinguished us in the field of reproductive medicine.
COMMON FAQ’S RELATED TO IVF TREATMENT
How expensive is IVF?
In India, the price for a single IVF cycle generally falls between Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 1,75,000. This comprehensive cost typically covers all necessary aspects of the procedure, including medications, diagnostic tests, and consultation fees, offering a full spectrum of services within this price range.
Can you pick gender with IVF?
Sex selection refers to the practice where couples or individuals choose the biological sex of their child, either male or female, by screening embryos during an IVF procedure before implantation. This method, distinct from the older term ‘gender selection,’ relies exclusively on IVF-created embryos. It is important to note that in India, sex determination is illegal and punishable by law, including imprisonment, to prevent gender-based discrimination and imbalance.
Is IVF safe for a Woman?
Most of the research indicates that IVF treatment does not elevate the risk of developing invasive ovarian cancer, malignant melanoma, or cancers of the endometrium, cervix, breast, thyroid, or colon. There may be a slight increase in the risk of borderline ovarian tumors, but this risk remains relatively modest in the context of IVF procedures.
Is IVF injection painful?
Administering self-injections with fertility medications can be an uncomfortable experience, though many patients report it as being more discomforting than outright painful. The needles utilized for these injections are designed to be thin, minimizing discomfort. For individuals who are uneasy about needles, having the assistance of a partner or friend during the injection process can provide both practical help and emotional support. While specific statistics on patient experiences with self-injection discomfort are limited, it is widely acknowledged in patient surveys that the level of pain experienced is generally low to moderate.
Is IVF child normal?
Once the embryo is implanted in the uterus through IVF, the subsequent pregnancy and birth follow the usual timeline. Children born via IVF are indistinguishable from those conceived naturally in terms of health and development. Without being informed, it is virtually impossible to differentiate between children born through IVF and those conceived naturally, underscoring the normalcy of IVF as a method of conception.
Which gender is stronger in IVF?
In instances of in vitro fertilization (IVF), where an egg is fertilized outside the woman’s body and later implanted into her uterus, there is a slight tendency towards a higher male birth ratio compared to natural conception. Research indicates that the proportion of male births in IVF can be marginally higher. For instance, a study published in the journal ‘Fertility and Sterility’ found that about 51% of babies born through IVF were male, compared to the natural average of around 49%. This subtle difference highlights a unique aspect of IVF but does not significantly deviate from the natural birth sex ratio.
Is IVF high risk?
IVF is associated with a higher probability of multiple births, such as twins or triplets, which carries risks like premature delivery, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and placental complications. Additionally, the increased likelihood of multiples can lead to other challenges during pregnancy and childbirth. Furthermore, older maternal age, a common factor in couples seeking IVF, further heightens the risk of miscarriage and congenital anomalies. These increased risks underscore the need for careful monitoring and management during IVF-assisted pregnancies.
Can you have twins with IVF?
Multiple pregnancies can occur in IVF when multiple embryos are transferred into the uterus. Interestingly, even with the transfer of a single embryo, there is a possibility for identical twins if the embryo splits. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the chance of having twins with IVF is about 12-15% when transferring multiple embryos. However, the likelihood of identical twins from a single embryo transfer, while lower, is still present and estimated to be around 2-4%. This phenomenon underscores the unique aspects of embryo development in IVF procedures.
What are the negatives of IVF treatment?
1.Multiple Pregnancy/Birth: IVF increases the likelihood of twins, triplets, or more, particularly when multiple embryos are transferred. This can lead to complications such as premature birth and increased medical care for both mother and baby.
2.Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): A potentially severe reaction to fertility drugs used in IVF, causing swollen, painful ovaries. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, requiring close monitoring.
3.Ectopic Pregnancy: There is a small risk that the embryo implants outside the uterus, commonly in a fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
4.Possible Birth Defects: While research is ongoing, some studies suggest a slightly increased risk of birth defects with IVF.However, the overall risk remains relatively low and should be weighed against other factors.
Read More – Who Should Go For IVF?