From when I started the IVF process, I have found quite a lot of well meaning people saying some pretty strange things. At first I was getting annoyed, especially to things like "just relax, and it will happen" but then I figured out it is mainly because of ignorance that people are saying such stuff. As infertility and general reproduction issues are never discussed in a manner they should, no one really knows what is going on at this front. I decided to shine some light.
Why does someone need IVF?
A person can decide to go through IVF for many reasons. Generally, if a couple tries to get pregnant but even after trying for a year, they do not, then they are advised to see a doctor. For a woman over 35, it is six months. The Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) doctor would advise a lot of tests to figure out if they have any issues which is causing them to not have babies or delaying the process. For certain cases in women like Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), damaged or blocked Fallopian tubes, or for men, having a low sperm morphology, reduced sperm count, etc. IVF is suggested. There are many other medical issues which I am not aware of.
Why I don't like the word "infertile"
I personally do not like the term "infertile" because it gives an impression that there is something lacking in the couple (mainly pointing fingers at the woman, in most cultures). I also do not like it because unlike other ailments, this is something where two people influence the process equally. Then, a perfectly healthy woman can have an ectopic pregnancy which may damage her fallopian tube. Then suddenly she becomes "infertile"?
In today's world, we cannot overlook same-sex couples. We need to remember that two women starting a family would need some help from the doctors and many of them have IVF even though they are absolutely not "infertile" by any means.
For some other couples, if the male partner is deployed to the front or frequently abroad, they may choose IVF. Some people want to select a specific gender (in countries where gender selection is legal) so they have to go through IVF. My point is that IVF is not a word that needs anyone to shudder at the mention of it. It doesn't always mean a stereotypical old, wealthy, childless couple.
It is no one's fault...
I really want to emphasize on this because a Google search in 2018 shows the following result set -
A person can decide to go through IVF for many reasons. Generally, if a couple tries to get pregnant but even after trying for a year, they do not, then they are advised to see a doctor. For a woman over 35, it is six months. The Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) doctor would advise a lot of tests to figure out if they have any issues which is causing them to not have babies or delaying the process. For certain cases in women like Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), damaged or blocked Fallopian tubes, or for men, having a low sperm morphology, reduced sperm count, etc. IVF is suggested. There are many other medical issues which I am not aware of.
Why I don't like the word "infertile"
I personally do not like the term "infertile" because it gives an impression that there is something lacking in the couple (mainly pointing fingers at the woman, in most cultures). I also do not like it because unlike other ailments, this is something where two people influence the process equally. Then, a perfectly healthy woman can have an ectopic pregnancy which may damage her fallopian tube. Then suddenly she becomes "infertile"?
In today's world, we cannot overlook same-sex couples. We need to remember that two women starting a family would need some help from the doctors and many of them have IVF even though they are absolutely not "infertile" by any means.
For some other couples, if the male partner is deployed to the front or frequently abroad, they may choose IVF. Some people want to select a specific gender (in countries where gender selection is legal) so they have to go through IVF. My point is that IVF is not a word that needs anyone to shudder at the mention of it. It doesn't always mean a stereotypical old, wealthy, childless couple.
It is no one's fault...
I really want to emphasize on this because a Google search in 2018 shows the following result set -
I am sure Google is used by educated people. But we can see for ourselves what people think of it. It is neither a disease (like I mentioned the damaged Fallopian tubes), definitely not a disability because it doesn't stop a person from living an active, normal life. Being childfree is an option many are taking these days as well. And for the "curse from god" I better keep quiet because if I open my mouth paint will peel off the walls.
Unlike chronic ailments like diabetes or kidney trouble, even if I consider infertility to be a medical condition, it is still very short lived. IVF is getting more and more common these days, and with advancement in medical science and in general lifestyle, it is nothing scary any more.
What are the steps?
It starts with tests, some of which I think everyone contemplating having a baby should go get done. For example, genetic screening for inherited diseases, blood type compatibility, HSG - sonogram of the uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes to see if both tubes are functional and if the uterus is in good health. Then there's egg count test. A younger woman can have a diminished egg reserve while and older woman may not. So going by age is not helpful.
Anyway, after the tests, the main parts are egg retrieval, testing of the embryo and then transferring a healthy embryo back to the uterus. In the mean time there are hormone shots that the woman has to take to make sure her body has the hormones that naturally is produced during pregnancy/ovulation.
What is the success rate?
It depends. There are so many variables in the equation that it is hard to come up with a concrete number. However, like every other thing in life, a general good health and general healthy habits/lifestyle definitely ups the chance for success.
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