Is IVF useful for everyone?

A pregnancy usually occurs within the year following a couple's active and unprotected intimate life. If the woman is over 35 years old, this timeframe is reduced to 6 months, as with age, the number and quality of eggs decrease, reducing the likelihood of successful conception. In the absence of pregnancy, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist. This specialist will help you find the cause of the problem and suggest the best way to become a parent.

Conditions for Pregnancy

Certain conditions are necessary for a pregnancy to occur:

1. Quality germ cells (eggs and sperm).
2. Intact fallopian tubes, where the egg and sperm meet and where the fertilized egg enters the uterine cavity.
3. A good quality endometrium and sufficient thickness (the uterine lining where the embryo implants).
4. Correct anatomical structure of the uterine cavity (absence of fibroids, adenomyosis, polyps, and congenital anomalies preventing embryo implantation).
5. A balanced endocrine system (a hormonal profile favorable to successful embryo implantation and pregnancy).

Assisted Reproductive Techniques

If a couple is experiencing difficulties planning a pregnancy, they may resort to assisted reproductive techniques, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).

It is commonly accepted that IVF is the method of choice for women aged 40 and over. However, statistics show that IVF is often used at a younger age when there are medical indications. For example, in cases of male infertility, obstruction or absence of fallopian tubes, carriers of genetic disorders (a preimplantation genetic test of the embryo, PGT-M, is necessary), premature decrease in ovarian reserve, or after surgery or chemotherapy on the ovaries.

Effectiveness of IVF

IVF is an effective method for achieving a healthy pregnancy. This method is often indicated at an older age than natural conception, but it is essential to know that IVF is possible and effective at any time.

It is extremely important not to miss the right time for IVF. To do this, it is recommended to undergo regular examinations of the ovarian reserve, monitor hormonal levels, and contact a specialist in time to assess the condition of the reproductive system. A young age, good ovarian reserve, balanced hormonal levels, and the absence of chronic diseases contribute to a quick pregnancy with one's own eggs and provide a positive prognosis.

Limits of IVF

Unfortunately, in some medical situations, even intra-couple IVF may not help. In this case, alternatives such as IVF with egg donation or sperm donation may be considered, depending on the specific problem and the opinion of a specialist. Among these situations are the exhaustion of egg reserves, fibroids that significantly distort the uterine cavity, severe endometriosis, insensitivity of the endometrium to female sex hormones, and the absence of growth. In such cases, the success of IVF is significantly reduced.

Conclusion

The main idea we wish to convey is that it is important not to waste precious time and to consult a specialist in a timely manner. The first step should be to undergo an examination of the ovarian reserve, assess the state of the hormonal environment, and consult a gynecologist specializing in fertility to develop an individual action plan. A woman's egg reserve decreases each year, as does their quality. Unfortunately, medicine cannot yet influence this process.

After understanding the reasons for the absence of pregnancy, it is possible to develop a strategy to successfully become a parent. If necessary, the geneticist will select appropriate assistance technologies and help the couple realize their dream of becoming parents.