In recent years, infertility has become a more common problem for many couples, causing severe emotional and psychological distress.
Multiple factors contribute to infertility such as delayed childbearing, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating, smoking, etc. Likewise, exposure to toxins, pollutants, pesticides, and chemicals can also decrease fertility.
Dr Kunzang Dolma, fertility Consultant at Nova IVF Fertility, Whitefield, Bengaluru, says, “As the journey to parenthood gets more complicated, couples frequently seek solutions that provide hope and the potential to conceive. Among the different alternatives accessible, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the most well-known and frequently used assisted reproductive treatments.”
However, is IVF the only possible option for couples dealing with infertility?
Dr Dolma adds, “IVF includes fertilizing an egg with sperm outside of the body (in a laboratory) and then transferring the resultant embryo into the uterus. This treatment has brought hope to millions of couples throughout the world, particularly those dealing with obstructed fallopian tubes, severe male infertility, or unexplained infertility.” IVF success rates have increased dramatically over time, mainly due to advances in medical technology and a greater knowledge of the reproductive process.
Despite its popularity and success, IVF is not the only treatment option for infertility. Depending on the reason of the infertility, a variety of additional assisted reproductive therapies (ART) may be beneficial. For example, intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a method in which sperm is directly implanted in the uterus around the time of ovulation. IUI can be especially useful for couples experiencing moderate male factor infertility, mild to moderate endometriosis or unexplained infertility.
Dr Dolma explains, “Another alternative is to take fertility medicines, which can induce ovulation in women who have irregular or missing ovulation. These drugs, which are frequently used in conjunction with IUI, might be a useful initial step before trying treatments such as IVF. For some couples, lifestyle modifications such as weight reduction, quitting smoking, or addressing underlying health issues might increase fertility without the need of ART.”
Furthermore, surgical procedures can treat particular reproductive issues. For example, laparoscopy can be used to remove endometrial tissue in situations of severe endometriosis or to rectify anatomical issues in the reproductive organs. For males, operations like correction in of varicocele (grade 3 or 4) can enhance sperm quality and increase the probability of pregnancy.
While IVF is a source of hope for many couples, they must meet with a fertility specialist to examine all available options to choose from. “Each couple’s situation is unique, and a customized approach to treatment can result in the greatest possible outcome. Understanding that IVF is not the only option available could assist couples ease some of the pressure and make educated decisions about their parenting path,” shares Dr Dolma.
In conclusion, IVF is still a highly successful infertility treatment, but it is not the only alternative. Exploring all available assisted reproductive options and collaborating with a fertility specialist can give couples the best opportunity of achieving their dream of having a child.
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