Who Needs IVF? Common Indications

IVF, which stands for in vitro fertilization, is a fertility procedure that has been given acceptance and has assisted millions of couples in realizing their desire to become parents. But who exactly needs IVF, and when is it recommended? Understanding the common indications can help you determine whether IVF might be the right choice for you or someone you know.

When is IVF Recommended?

When previous fertility treatments have been unsuccessful or when particular medical issues prevent natural pregnancy, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is often indicated as an option for treatment. It is essential to know that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is not the first step in fertility treatment. Usually, it is only considered after other methods, like medications or intrauterine insemination (IUI), were unsuccessful.

Here are some of the most common reasons why couples or individuals might need IVF:

1. Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes

One main reason women get IVF is when their fallopian tubes have been damaged or blocked. In a natural pregnancy, the fallopian tubes are critical because they are how the egg gets to meet the sperm. If they are stopped because of something like pelvic inflammatory disease or surgery in the past, it is tough to get pregnant naturally. IVF gets around this problem by fertilizing the egg outside of the body and putting the baby inside the uterus right away.

2. Male Infertility

Male infertility accounts for around 30-40% of infertility cases. Low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), or irregular sperm shape may all prevent a natural pregnancy. In such circumstances, IVF coupled with (ICSI), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection,  which involves injecting a single healthy sperm straight into an egg, significantly increases the chances of pregnancy.

3. Ovulation Disorders

Problems with ovulation, like delayed ovulation or anovulation (no ovulation), can make it hard for women to get pregnant on their own. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common reason why women have problems with pregnancy. IVF helps because it tells the ovaries to make more eggs, which increases the chance of a healthy pregnancy.

4. Endometriosis

When tissue that is identical to the lining of the uterus develops outside of the uterus, a painful disease known as endometriosis. This illness affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis lining. Because of this, the release of eggs and the fertilization process may be disrupted. Assisted in vitro fertilization (IVF) may help by directly collecting eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them outside the body. This allows the individual to circumvent the problems that are created by endometriosis.

5. Unexplained Infertility

Even when a complete evaluation is performed, there are situations when the particular cause of infertility cannot be identified. It is referred to as unexplained infertility, and it affects around 10–20 per cent of couples. Because it provides a controlled environment for fertilization and enhances the likelihood of conception, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is suggested in such situations.

6. Genetic Disorders

When IVF is combined with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), eggs can be checked for genetic problems in couples who are likely to pass on genetic diseases. Because only healthy eggs are inserted, the chance of passing on diseases is lower.

7. Age-Related Infertility

Egg quality and quantity decrease with increasing age in women, particularly beyond 35. It is possible that in vitro fertilization (IVF) might be an option for age-related infertility since it enables the selection of the healthiest eggs and embryos, which in turn increases the chance of pregnancy.

Final Thoughts

IVF is a strong tool in modern reproductive medicine that gives people and couples who are having trouble getting pregnant. It is not, however, a one-size-fits-all answer. An IVF Specialist can help you determine if IVF is right for you based on your situation.

For more personalized advice, Contact Us or learn more about related topics like What is IVF and How Does It Work?