When Should I Consider IVF?

One of the most incredible scientific breakthroughs in the modern age is the availability of in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Thanks to modern science, this option has become one of the most successful and popular options for many who require this.

If you have heard of this treatment and are considering undergoing this treatment, here are some facts you need to know first before scheduling an appointment with the fertility doctor:

What is an IVF?

An in-vitro fertilization treatment is a modern solution for patients who wish to conceive but are unable to. During IVF treatment, patients take fertility drugs to stimulate the development of multiple eggs. The multiple eggs are then taken from the ovaries before fertilizing them with sperm in a lab. The embryos grow for a few days before being placed into the uterus.

Who is a good candidate for IVF?

Some individuals are more qualified for this treatment than others. Patients with the following conditions may be eligible for this treatment option. Some conditions include:

- Ovulation issues;

- Fallopian tube obstruction or damage;

- Endometriosis;

- Low semen quality; and

- Prolonged infertility

When should a person seek IVF treatment?

Aside from wishing to conceive, other factors that can enable a person to seek IVF treatment include:

- When their chances of conceiving are much higher with (IVF) than intrauterine insemination (IUI); 

- When the male partner has more than mild infertility;

- When the couple wishing to conceive has a limited time to get pregnant due to age and diminished eggs;

- When the couple can afford the treatment and has a gestational carrier in mind; and

- If this is the best option offered by a fertility expert

The bottom line:

Becoming a loving parent can be the most incredible and rewarding role for you. However, if you have a problem with conceiving due to several factors listed, you may have a chance with IVF treatment. Nevertheless, it still helps to work with a fertility expert to see if other options are readily available.

by Barry Verkauf

Risks of Delayed Pregnancy

Society has advanced at a faster rate which affects both our personal and professional lives. As a result of a more modern lifestyle, many women have opted to delay their conception in the latter years. Here are a few risks of what happens if you wait your time to get pregnant much later:

1. Fertility declines as you grow older.

Every woman's life has a fixed number of eggs in her ovaries. As a general rule of thumb, a woman's peak reproductive years are between her late teenage years and her late 20s. By age 30, her ability to get pregnant starts to decline. By age 45, fertility continues to decline, and being pregnant becomes naturally unlikely for most women. 

2. There is an increased risk for babies with congenital disabilities.

As a woman grows older, the number of her eggs decreases along with her. As she grows older, most of the remaining eggs are more likely to contain abnormal chromosomes, resulting in a child with congenital disabilities.

3. Older pregnant women are at risk for more health-related complications.

Older women are more likely to have more health complications than younger women. However, even if they do not have health complications, older women can still have complicated pregnancies. Additionally, a decreased number and quality of eggs left can still result in a baby with potential defects.

4. Miscarriages and stillbirths may happen.

Aside from an increased risk of health complications, older pregnant women also risk having a miscarriage or delivering a stillborn baby. One reason is that older women are more likely to develop high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, which can cause a miscarriage.

While the risks are apparent, many older women can still deliver healthy babies even if they're older. Nevertheless, it always helps to check, just in case. If you need help preparing for your future pregnancy or want to undergo genetic testing, schedule an appointment with your doctor today.

by Barry Verkauf