How prevalent is infertility?
Infertility affects approximately 186 million individuals worldwide (WHO), and in the U.S., 12 percent of females and 9 percent of males report issues with their fertility (CDC) and the need to seek assisted reproductive treatments from a fertility specialist. (Note: most statistics in the infertility industry focus on male or female, men and women, descriptors; however, infertility can affect anyone and assisted reproductive technology (ART) is helpful for all families and individuals). In 2018, 33 percent of U.S. adults had used fertility treatments, or knew someone who used fertility treatments (PEW). According to same report, the annual number of babies born via ART have increased from just over 20,000 in 1996 to just over 75,000 in 2016, and numbers continue to rise.
Infertility and the need for infertility treatments is very common. For young fertile couples, the chance of conceiving naturally is between just 20 and 37 percent (ASRM), while dozens of factors can affect both male and female fertility such as medical conditions, age, obesity, viruses, genetics, and any number of other issues. Despite the fact that infertility affects a significant percentage of the population, the average person knows very little about assisted reproductive technologies and the various treatment options available. Lack of information can lead to hopeful parents feeling overwhelmed and confused.
It is important for anyone struggling with infertility to realize that fertility treatments should be individualized, as each patient has a different reason for needing reproductive assistance. However, there are three very common infertility treatments: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), more commonly known as artificial insemination, Donor Egg IVF and Donor Sperm Services, and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The most common treatment is IVF, and though it’s a well-known term, a large percentage of the population still does not know what it entails, and how it helps with pregnancy.
What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is the creation of an embryo outside of the human body. A reproductive endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in treating infertility, reviews a patient’s medical, fertility, and genetic history to ascertain the best course of treatment. Once it is established that IVF is the patient’s best option for conception, the patient undergoes an IVF cycle. The process can vary depending on the needs of the patients; however, in general IVF follows this basic process.
- Medication(s) – The patient takes stimulating medication(s) that work with her menstrual cycle to prepare the body for ovulation and egg maturity.
- Preparing for Egg Retrieval – Once the patient begins the medication process, the doctors, nurses, and sonographers will monitor the patient’s response to the medications, as well as evaluating egg development in the ovaries. When the egg follicles are in the mature range, the physician will decide when to discontinue stimulation drugs and plan the egg retrieval.
- Egg Retrieval – Once the eggs are mature, the patient is placed under light sedation, and using a specialized needle, the physician retrieves the fluid containing the egg follicles. The fluid is then passed in the syringe to an embryologist to confirm an egg is present. This process is repeated for each mature egg follicle.
- Embryo Creation – The embryologist will fertilize the egg in the lab with the patient’s chosen sperm. This could be a partner or donor. The embryologists will then monitor the fertilization process for successful embryo growth.
- Embryo Transfer – Typically, one embryo is chosen to be implanted into the patient’s uterus, while any other healthy embryos can be frozen and stored for future use. It was common in the early days of IVF to transfer more than one embryo, which often led to multiples. As fertility technology has evolved, there are fewer families choosing to select multiple embryos as the same time.
- Pregnancy – Approximately two weeks after the egg retrieval, a blood test is performed to determine if the patient is pregnant. If the test is positive, then the patient will be monitored to make sure everything is progressing normally. The rest of the pregnancy should proceed in the same way as a traditional pregnancy.
IVF is an effective treatment and helps millions of patients achieve healthy pregnancies. According to the Reproductive BioMedicine Journal (RBMO Journal) over 2.5 million IVF cycles are performed every year worldwide, resulting in over 500,000 deliveries annually.
A pioneer in Assisted Reproductive Technology since 1984, Genetics & IVF institute helped bring IVF to America in an outpatient setting. Our highly experienced physicians, staff, and embryologists provide compassion, knowledge, and a comprehensive approach to help our patients succeed in building their families. If you’re looking for fertility specialists with a history of excellence and personalized care, call 703-698-7355 or visit us at www.GIVFFertility.com. We look forward to being a part of your parenting journey.
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