With In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF, medications are used to help stimulate the development and release of a woman’s eggs. The eggs and sperm are collected and placed together to fertilize in a laboratory dish. Once fertilized, the embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus. Here are some of the pros and cons of IVF:
Pros
Fallopian Tubes Not Necessary
A woman’s fallopian tubes may become blocked due to a previous pelvic infection such as appendicitis or chlamydia. Once it has been determined that the fallopian tubes are blocked, IVF is the only possible treatment when attempting to conceive. IUI is not a viable option because it requires open and working fallopian tubes, allowing a fertilized egg to travel from the tube into the uterus where it may implant. IVF does not require the fallopian tubes to be present as it takes the eggs from the ovaries and implants the embryo directly into the uterus.
Low Sperm Count
If the quality of the man’s sperm or the sperm count is an issue, IUI is not a suitable option in most cases. IVF is a good option because it injects the sperm directly into the egg by ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Injection of the sperm into the egg), which facilitates successful fertilization of an egg.
Lowered Chance of Abnormality
Some couples may be at high risk of conceiving a baby with an abnormality. With the use of IVF, however, embryos can be tested before they are implanted in the uterus. This helps reduce the risk of the baby developing with a condition that either partner, or both, carries a gene for.
Cons
Multiple Pregnancy
Getting pregnant with twins may not seem like a disadvantage to some, but the aim of fertility treatment is to give you one baby at a time. Even though only one embryo may be transferred to the uterus, it is possible than an embryo can split, resulting in two babies.
No/Fewer Eggs Collected Than Expected
Not every follicle will have an egg collected from it during the egg collection procedure. About 80-90% of follicles are expected to yield an egg, but sometimes fewer eggs are collected than expected. Occasionally, there are no eggs collected.
Emotional Toll
IVF treatment can be an emotional process. It can be both physically and emotionally demanding, so it is important to prioritize mental health during this time.
NCCRM
The North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine/Talbert Fertility Institute is the premiere center for reproductive health in North Carolina and the East Coast. Our team specializes in fertility testing, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility conditions. We’re experts in IVF, Tubal Ligation Reversal, Male Infertility, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Gestation Surrogacy, Family Balancing, and more. Contact us today.
