In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) stands as a beacon of hope for millions of couples worldwide struggling with fertility issues. This assisted reproductive technology offers a chance to fulfill long-cherished parental desires. However, IVF is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and its necessity must be carefully considered. The IVF services market in India is projected to witness substantial growth, reaching $3,721.99 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 16.45% between 2021 and 2030, according to Allied Market Research.
To determine the need for IVF and when it’s genuinely recommended as a viable and potentially successful option for achieving pregnancy, understanding infertility is crucial. Dr. Raajam Murali, a specialist in Reproductive Medicine at Milann Fertility & Birthing Hospital in Bangalore, explains that infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of routine, unprotected intercourse (or six months for women over 35 years old). Several factors, such as endometriosis, low sperm counts, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation problems, and age-related fertility decline, can cause infertility. Therefore, a complete evaluation by a reproductive professional is essential to identify the underlying cause before considering IVF.
- Tube Factor Infertility: When blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes prevent the meeting of sperm and egg (fertilisation), IVF is recommended. In IVF, eggs are fertilised with sperm in a controlled laboratory setting, and resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus, bypassing the blocked fallopian tubes and increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
- Male Factor Infertility: Conditions that impede natural conception, such as low sperm count, weak sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology, constitute male factor infertility. IVF is advised in such cases, as it allows the selection of the healthiest sperm to fertilise the egg. By bypassing potential sperm-related barriers, IVF enhances the chances of successful fertilisation and pregnancy.
- Advanced Maternal Age: As women age, their fertility naturally declines, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs increases. IVF is often recommended for women of advanced maternal age, as it offers preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). This screening process allows the selection of chromosomally normal embryos, significantly improving the chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
- Endometriosis: IVF is advised for individuals with endometriosis, a condition where tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing infertility. By retrieving eggs, fertilising them with sperm in a controlled setting, and transferring resulting embryos into the uterus, IVF overcomes endometriosis-related difficulties and improves the chances of successful conception and pregnancy.
IVF has transformed infertility treatments, bringing joy to numerous families worldwide. However, it should not be the initial treatment for all types of infertility. A comprehensive evaluation by a skilled fertility specialist is essential to determine the underlying cause of infertility and the best course of treatment. Whether IVF is advised or not, there are various ways to become parents, and seeking guidance from medical experts can make all the difference in this deeply personal process.
