5 FACTS ABOUT IVF EVERY COUPLE SHOULD KNOW

According to research, Nigerian Yoruba women have one of the highest incidence rates of having twins in the world- every 45 of every 1,000 births? Because of this, however, Yoruba women are also at higher risk of developing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or Ovarian Hyper-stimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

Around 10-15% of couples experience the heartbreak of being unable to conceive naturally. IVF is an assisted reproduction technology (ART), giving new hope to couples who cannot conceive naturally. Louise Brown, born in 1978, was the first IVF baby. Over the years, technological advancements and innovative techniques have further improved IVF treatment, with around 3.5 million babies born through fertility treatments. Here’s a list of the essentials you need to know regarding IVF:

CAUSES OF INFERTILITY

Couples who have been unable to conceive naturally for over one year should seek advice from a fertility specialist to assess and determine the possible cause/s. The cause of infertility can relate to factors in both men and women. The most common cause of infertility in women (accounting for 40% of cases) relates to the ovarian cycle, where women may not be releasing enough or viable eggs; or physical abnormalities such as blockages in the fallopian tubes, uterine abnormalities, endometriosis (growth of uterine wall tissue outside the uterus), or PCOS

Infertility in men (accounting for 30% of cases) usually relates to sperm production, in both quality and quantity. There may also be anatomical obstacles to ejaculation or sperm production. Hormonal irregularities and genetics may also influence fertility in both men and women; but 30% of infertility actually relates to unexplained factors in both genders.

 

2. Be ready

The IVF procedure does not come without its challenges. Mentally you should feel that this is the best option for you both. You should be prepared to undergo a series of physical and invasive tests to establish your eligibility for IVF, as well as making the necessary lifestyle changes as recommended by your specialist. These include both partners being tested for HIV/Aids and Hepatitis B and C, as well as undergoing genetic screening. For women, the exam also includes a hysterosalpingography, Pap smear and ovarian function test, among other tests. Men are required to provide a sperm sample to test the quality and quantity of sperm.

Once a couple is considered eligible, they should understand what is involved in the entire IVF procedure, including the numerous hormonal drugs that will be administered and the risks involved. They should also consider the possible financial restraints of the procedure, if for example they require a second cycle of treatment after the first was unsuccessful. IVF can be an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows, influenced by hormonal therapies and the overall treatment process, thus it’s important to receive full support and guidance throughout your treatment. Added attention to stress relief and self-care, a balanced, supplemented diet with gentle exercise and alternative therapies, like acupuncture, can be beneficial.

 

3. Risk Awareness

As with any medical procedure, your thorough knowledge and understanding of all risks associated with ART should play a crucial role in your decision of whether or not to proceed with treatment. Always consult your physician and receive a full diagnostic examination before accepting any new medical procedures.

Aside from the emotional and financial stress that stems from the fertility process, ART drugs may cause further irritability, stress, headaches, hot flushes, mood-swings, and nausea. These reactions are common and manageable. It is highly recommended to contact your physician if you experience any discomfort or concern.

IVF treatment can result in multiple pregnancies as a product of multiple embryonic implantation and over-stimulation of the ovaries. While the prospect of having multiple children may be appealing to couples struggling to conceive, a multizygotic pregnancy poses an increased health risk to the mother and may threaten the success of the pregnancies in reaching full term. Certain demographics of women, such as Yoruba women, are naturally more prone to multizygotic pregnancies, and should take further consideration with their physician when determining their eligibility for treatment.

Ovarian Hyper-stimulation Syndrome (OHSS), although very rare, is a result of the ovulatory stimulating hormones taken during IVF. OHSS results in bloating and abdominal pain. Patients experiencing such discomfort should consult a health professional immediately before further complications occur. Physicians assess each woman for this risk, and are capable of managing it effectively. Women who are more prone to multizygotic pregnancies, such as Yoruba women, also tend to be more prone to OHSS and should be mindful of this risk when considering IVF treatments. Ectopic pregnancy (embryo outside the uterus), although rare, is more likely to occur with IVF than with natural conception.

 4. Age influences Success Rates

Success rates are influenced by many factors and can differ case-by-case depending on the unique cause of infertility and lifestyle choices or the patient. But the success of IVF treatment in all candidates is largely age-dependent. A woman is at her peak fertility in her 20’s, with egg quantity and quality declining after the age of 35. For women under 35, assisted reproduction is successful around 40% of the time. It is recommended for women older than 35, who are still trying to conceive after 6 months, to seek advice from a fertility specialist. In men, particularly over the age of 50, the viability of their sperm also declines with age. One should not be discouraged, however, as over 25% of couples are still successful with IVF.
 

5. IVF procedures

There are various different ART approaches depending on the cause of your infertility. In most cases of IVF, the egg is extracted and then washed with a large quantity of motile sperm (~100,000 cells) and left to incubate and fertilize naturally. In cases where the sperm count is low, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is employed, injecting a viable sperm cell directly into the extracted egg. The fertilized embryo (or in some cases multiple embryos) is then inserted back into the uterus.

Extra embryos can be frozen (cryopreservation) for future pregnancies, or to be used if the previous treatment is not successful. Women undergoing chemo or radiation therapy may also undergo cryopreservation in order to protect their eggs during cancer treatment. Since a woman is most fertile in her 20s, and it is best to freeze eggs before age 35.

In cases where a partner’s gametes are not viable, or there is no partner (or no partner of the opposite gender), IVF can also be conducted using donated eggs or sperm. There also exist several other less common, but viable approaches to ART, which may be suggested by your specialist depending on your specific case.

 

Source: Nicole the fertile chick