Assisted reproductive technology treatments are attempts to induce pregnancy other than the natural route of the process of sexual intercourse between partners. If biological means fail, the next step is to combine sperm and eggs using a surgical process.
There are numerous types of assisted reproduction techniques that couples can consider for the completion of their family, such as:
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): This procedure entails extracting eggs from the female's ovaries and fertilizing those eggs in a laboratory with the sperm. In the hopes of a healthy pregnancy, the resultant embryos are then placed back into the female's uterus.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): is a treatment that involves washing the father's sperm before inserting it into the female's uterus. This method is used when the sperm quality is less than ideal but still sufficient. This method aids in natural fertilization.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): is a procedure that is frequently used alongside IVF. This procedure includes injecting one sperm directly into an egg, improving the likelihood of successful fertilization. Which is why we used it as a standard practice without any additional costs at our clinic.
Egg and/or Sperm Donation: is a procedure for cases where there is female and/or male fertility issues, where the patients choose either a female or a male donor or both to use their eggs and sperm in the treatment.
Surrogacy: is an alternative for couples who might suffer from medical issues that make maintaining a pregnancy until delivery difficult. A surrogate mother is used to carry the child to term on behalf of the intended parents.
Who needs assisted reproductive techniques:
Individuals who suffer from infertility
People with genetic disorders or history of chromosomal abnormalities
Females who are older than 35 and start experiencing difficulty in natural conception
Females who have low ovarian reserve or went into menopause.
Same-sex couples or single parents.
Preparing for assisted reproductive techniques:
The assessment of infertility causes is a big part of preparing for ART operations. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after at least one year of unprotected intercourse. Infertility examination can also begin after six months of infertility in women over 35, or in circumstances where there are recognized potential obstacles such as uterine or tubal illness or male infertility.
Menstruation history, conception history, infertility duration, previous infertility therapies, past medical and surgical history, and family history are all part of the initial thorough examination. Basic vital signs, body mass index, thyroid evaluation, excess androgen, and pelvic examination are all part of the physical exam.
An analysis of ovarian reserve may be advised when predicting how the ovaries will respond to reproductive treatment. If testing reveals that you have a low ovarian reserve, your chances of success are low. Ovarian reserve can be determined using any of the following methods: measuring FSH and estradiol levels on the second or third day of a menstrual cycle, measuring AMH (antimüllerian hormone), or counting the number of small follicles in the ovary (Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan for antral follicle count). An increased FSH and/or estradiol level, a low antral follicle count, or a low AMH level are related with lower pregnancy rates, particularly in women over the age of 35.
Ultrasound examination can also reveal other causes of infertility, such as PCOS and endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes. A semen analysis is part of the male infertility examination.
Selecting an assisted reproductive technology:
Choosing an assisted reproductive technology (ART) can be a challenging decision for parents experiencing infertility. For individuals interested in using ART treatments, gathering information is critical yet hard. Major variables to consider while deciding on a treatment include:
Discovering the cause of infertility: If the male partner has a low sperm count or weak sperm motility, then ICSI may be the best alternative. If the female partner has blocked fallopian tubes or ovulation issues, IVF may be considered.
Success rates of different ART treatments: Success rates may differ based on a variety of conditions, such as the female's age, the quality of the sperm or eggs, and the fertility clinic's qualifications. Couples should do their research and inquire about the success rates of the type of ART they are considering.
The cost of ART treatments: Parents should look into the expenses of different treatments to see if they can afford them. It is also necessary to consider the psychological cost of these treatments, as they can be mentally as well as physically taxing.
Personal values and ethical considerations: Some couples may be hesitant to use donated eggs or sperm, while others may be concerned about the extermination of embryos. It is critical to explore these concerns with a fertility doctor and reach a decision that is both comfortable and consistent with your principles.