When a couple faces problems in conceiving a child, they initially opt for infertility treatments, and if these treatments are not effective, then they may eventually opt assisted reproductive technology (ART) methods; In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one such method. Here, the eggs are retrieved from the female in a controlled laboratory environment and combined with the sperm of the male partner to form a zygote. This zygote is incubated to form an embryo, and its development is closely monitored before being transferred back into the uterus.
Usually, IVF treatment is suggested for couples who come across certain medical issues. Some of them are given below.
Fallopian Tube Conditions
Fallopian tubes are a pair of tubes which help in the transfer of the egg from the ovary to the uterus. These tubes have oviduct epithelial cells, which are essential for promoting the fertilization of the sperm and egg to form a zygote. If you do not possess fallopian tubes or have blocks in these tubes, then fertilization itself becomes an issue due to the absence of these cells. In such cases, IVF treatment is suggested because human oviduct cells are added in the dish containing the egg and sperm in vitro.
Ovarian Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the uterus lining tissues are found elsewhere in the body like pelvic cavity, fallopian tube, ovaries or on the sidewall of pelvis. If you have this problem, you may find it harder to become pregnant as it may damage the reproductive parts. The egg may not be able to escape ovaries due to this thick lining, and thus it might not be fertilized at all. Thus, IVF can help you in fertilizing your egg, which otherwise would not be able to reach the uterus for combining with the sperm.
Immunological Factors
Anti-sperm antibodies are protein molecules which are attracted towards a sperm. These antibodies can be found in either your partner or in your system. When these antibodies get attached to the sperm, it obstructs its normal functioning of piercing the egg, immobilizes the sperm or makes them clump together so that they cannot penetrate the egg. Such cases can be resolved by IVF when these antibodies are present in the male partner.
Oligospermia
If your male partner has a low sperm count, then it might be the reason for your difficulty in getting pregnant. Sometimes, the male partner’s sperms may also be less motile and hence lose the chance of penetrating the egg. This can lead to the failure of fertilization. After treatments, if the sperm count does not increase or if the motility of the sperms is not enhanced, then IVF might help you. IVF can also be suggested for you after Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) has failed.
There are many technological advances made in the medical field, which give hope for infertile and sub fertile couples to have a child. However, you should accept the fact that these methods can just assist you, and they do not guarantee a successful pregnancy in all cases.
