In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is when egg cells are well-fertilized by sperm outside of the body. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus to implant and grow. IVF is often crucial when couples are unable to conceive naturally. Book an appointment with Nidhee M. Sachdev MD if you consider the procedure. Here are seven signs that it may be the right choice for you and your family.
Difficulty Conceiving
If you have been trying to conceive naturally for a significant amount of time without success, IVF may be an option to consider. Often, couples will try to conceive for one to two years before seeking fertility treatment. If you have been trying for longer than this and have not had any success, IVF may be right for you.
Have Endometriosis
It’s a condition in which the tissue that usually lines the inside of your uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of it. This can cause pain, infertility, and other problems.
If you have endometriosis, IVF may be recommended as a treatment option. Endometriosis can cause scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes, making it difficult to meet the egg and sperm.
When to Consider Surrogacy
Surrogacy becomes a worthy option if you cannot carry a pregnancy yourself. Surrogacy is when another woman carries and delivers a baby for you. This can happen using your eggs and sperm or donor eggs and sperm.
IVF will likely be part of the process if you are considering surrogacy. The embryo will need to be created using IVF before being implanted into the surrogate. You will also need to hire a reproductive lawyer to ensure each party is aware of their rights before, during and after the pregnancy.
Genetic Issues
If you or your partner has a genetic disorder, IVF may be recommended to prevent passing this on to your child. With it, embryos can be well-tested for specific genetic diseases before being implanted. The specialist will focus only on healthy embryos, reducing your child’s risk of passing on a genetic disorder.
You Have a Low Sperm Count
The quality and quantity of sperms matter a lot in fertilization. IVF can bypass the need for sperm to travel through the fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg. Instead, a sperm sample can directly go into the egg. It’s called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Fallopian Tubes Problems
If you have blockages in your fallopian tubes, IVF may be recommendable. This is because the procedure can bypass the need for the egg and sperm to travel through the fallopian tubes. Instead, the egg can be well-fertilized with sperm outside of the body. The embryo can then be implanted into the uterus.
Being Over 40 Years Old
As you age, your fertility decreases because the eggs in your ovaries are also aging. It can make it more challenging to conceive both naturally and with IVF. However, it may still be an option if over 40 years old since IVF can use donor eggs from a younger woman. It can help increase the chances of success.
IVF is a popular and effective fertility treatment. If you’re considering the procedure, these five signs may indicate that it’s the right choice. However, discuss all of your options with your doctor to ensure that IVF is the best course of action for you and your family.
