In vitro fertilization, which is briefly defined as IVF, is a method that has become widespread in recent years.
To Whom Should IVF Treatment Be Applied?
In vitro fertilization, which is briefly defined as IVF, is a method that has become widespread in recent years. However, it cannot be applied in every situation. Certain conditions are necessary for its effective implementation and for obtaining beneficial results. Sometimes IVF is offered as the primary treatment for infertility in women over 40. IVF may be the right option if one of the spouses has one of the following conditions.
Fallopian tube damage or obstruction. Fallopian tube damage or obstruction makes it difficult for an egg to fertilize or for an embryo to reach the uterus.
- Ovulation disorders. If ovulation is infrequent or absent, fewer eggs are available for fertilization.
- Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, often affecting the function of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
- Uterine fibroids. Fibroids in the uterine wall are benign tumors and are common in women in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids can prevent the implantation of the fertilized egg.
- Impaired sperm production or function. Below-average sperm concentration, poor sperm motility, or abnormalities in the size and shape of the sperm can make it difficult for the egg to fertilize. If semen abnormalities are found, your partner may need to see a specialist if their problems are correctable or to determine if there are any underlying health problems.
- Unexplained infertility. Unexplained infertility means that the cause of infertility cannot be found despite evaluations for common causes.
- A genetic disorder. If you or your partner are at risk of passing a genetic disorder to the baby, you may be a candidate for preimplantation genetic testing, a procedure that includes IVF. After eggs are harvested and fertilized, they are screened for specific genetic problems, although not all genetic problems can be found. The fertilized egg can be transferred to the uterus without specific problems.
- Fertility preservation for cancer or other health conditions. If you’re about to undergo cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy, IVF may be an option. Women can collect eggs from their ovaries and freeze them unfertilized for later use.
- Women who do not have a functioning uterus or whose pregnancy poses a serious health risk may choose to have IVF using another person (pregnancy carrier) to carry the pregnancy. In this case, the woman’s eggs are fertilized with sperm, but the resulting embryos are placed in the uterus of the carrier.