Infertility is the term used to define the inability to conceive a child through natural ways. Infertility can be due to reproduction problems from the female, male or even both. This can be quite frustrating for many couples. Medical IVF is the most common method used for infertility treatment.
These days, through medical and technological breakthroughs, medical IVF is an accessible option for couples suffering from infertility. Although, many legal and ethical issues still surround the method, it has become increasingly popular through the years. For the Christian leaders, adoption is highly favored than IVF, and even the Jews have strict rules regarding this fertility option.
Causes of Infertility
Female infertility can be caused by defects in the reproductive system's structure like blockage, cysts, inflammation and infection. Normally, a ripe or mature ovum is produced per month and moves out of the ovary through the fallopian tube where it waits to be fertilized. The defects can hinder the body from producing good quality ovum or they can block the ovum from travelling successfully out of the ovary through the tube.
Male infertility is mostly brought about by low quantity and bad quality of the semen per ejaculation. A healthy semen analysis would show 20 million sperm cells in every 2mL ejaculate. Seventy-five percent of which should stay alive after it has been deposited in the vaginal cavity. Almost 35% of these should show vigor and swim forward. Low semen count and poor quality is suspected when the criteria are not met.
Stages of Medical IVF
Medical IVF is conducted in a controlled environment. Many clinics or hospitals offer these at prices ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. Before the procedure is started, a detailed explanation is expected from the doctor. Success rates, risks and complications will be discussed. The couple is then asked to sign consent to protect both parties from any legal responsibilities or possible lawsuit.
A thorough family history, physical examinations, diagnostic tests and psychological evaluations are conducted. At some cases, genetic testing is required to make sure that there are no possible diseases that can be inherited. This is to make sure that the couple is fit to undergo medical IVF.
- In the first step, the female is given human gonadotrophic hormone to stimulate the follicles in the ovary and cause multiple mature ova to be produced in one cycle. This stage can last 10 to 14 days depending on the body's reaction to the drug therapy.
- Next, egg aspiration is done through transvaginal technique. General anesthesia is given since the procedure can be painful or extremely uncomfortable. Follicular fluid is withdrawn from the ovary which can contain 10 to 15 eggs.
- The egg and sperm are then combined in a fluid medium specifically filled with nutrients conducive for human cell development. This is observed in the laboratory for 5 to 7 days or until the blastocyst stage when the embryologist can choose at least 2 embryos which are most likely to implant successfully.
- The chosen embryos are then transferred to the uterus for implantation. The patient will have to wake several days before pregnancy can be confirmed.
Only 35% among medical IVF cases turn out to be successful and result to healthy live births.