Is In Vitro Fertilization Right for You?
Significant advancements in reproductive technologies have increased the options for couples dealing with infertility issues. While these new treatment options are provided for the greater good, it can be confusing for patients to determine which program is best for them.
Perhaps the most discussed fertility treatment option is in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Because of its exposure in major media outlets, many people mistakenly think the IVF may be the answer for them. But there are specific circumstances doctors look at before recommending IVF. Here are some of the basic qualifying conditions.
-The most common conditions that utilize IVF are tubal problems with the female. This can include blocked or damaged fallopian tubes that prevent an embryo from being fertilized or traveling to the uterus.
-Low sperm counts with the male can also be treated with in vitro fertilization. Since low sperm counts reduce the chances that sperm will engage the egg, doctors sometimes find it more beneficial to join the two outside of the body.
-Endometriosis is another health issue that can interfere with pregnancy. Because persons affected with this disease experience excessive tissue growth outside of the uterus, the environment in which the egg is fertilized can be negatively affected. While IVF is not a guaranteed solution to the infertility issues found with this condition, most of the problems associated with it center on the fertilization process.
-Ovarian issues can also be addressed with IVF treatments. If the doctors can successfully extract a healthy egg, then they can fertilize it outside of the body, bypassing the responsibilities of the ovaries.
-Patients who experience unexplained infertility are also candidates for IVF. Typically, these are couples who have tried less invasive fertility treatment without success. While it can be a financial gamble to experiment with IVF, the rewards can be great if the treatment is successful.
In vitro fertilization is not designed to treat every case of infertility. Doctors who specialize in fertilization techniques weigh many different factors before making a recommendation. The best thing any patient can do is to discuss their condition with a medical professional and research the many treatment options available. Understanding all facets of the couple’s problems as well as their solutions is the first step in making an intelligent decision.