Did you know, it’s been forty years since the first test tube baby, Louise Brown was born in 1978?

A 2024 study by WHO shows that 1 in 6 people of reproductive age globally suffer from infertility. In vitro fertilisation is one of the most popular options out there for eager parents who are unable to conceive. Besides, secondary infertility has also been seen when women who have once conceived are not able to get pregnant again naturally. Hence, IVF is the saviour in such situations. 

 

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An IVF cycle usually begins by retrieving eggs from the patient's body and then combining them with sperm in a laboratory. The ultimate goal? A successful pregnancy. However, not all eggs will get fertilised, and not all embryos will be viable. To boost the odds, doctors prescribe hormones to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Once collected, all these eggs are fertilised, increasing the chances of success. 

Usually, only one or two embryos are transferred to the uterus at a time, with the remaining embryos being frozen for future use. This process not only cuts down on costs and hassle but also provides flexibility. Freezing embryos allows for genetic testing to spot any abnormalities and offers a chance to preserve fertility for patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy for cancer.

The good thing about IVF is that even fertile individuals often turn to IVF for various reasons, such as same-sex couples wanting to start a family, single women ready to embrace motherhood, those seeking to avoid passing on genetic diseases, or parents aiming to create a sibling for their first born. A 2018 study issued in the journal European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology shows that more than 8 million babies have been born from IVF since the world's first in 1978. 

 

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Things to know before going for an IVF treatment

Fertility treatment is surely a boon for hopeful couples, however, there are various misunderstandings regarding the same. IVF is a challenging process physically demanding, emotionally and financially draining. After all this, there is no guarantee of a successful outcome every single time. It becomes imperative to know what IVF specialist wants you to know before choosing this method. 

 

1. First thing first, IVF is not 100% foolproof

Many people believe that starting the IVF process guarantees a baby within a year. Sadly, that's not always the case. IVF doesn't offer a 100 percent chance of pregnancy. Success rates depend on factors like the woman's age and her egg quality, among other individual considerations. A 2024 study in the journal Reproductive Health states that On average, only about 37 percent of IVF cycles for women under 35 result in live births, and these chances decline with age. Success rates also vary between clinics, so discussing this with your chosen fertility specialist is crucial. Ask about live birth rates, not just pregnancy rates, to get a clearer picture of your chances.

 

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2. It is time-consuming process

A woman's natural cycle typically lasts about 28 days, but an IVF cycle can extend far beyond that. The process is more time-consuming than many people realise.

• The woman visits the clinic for blood work and an ultrasound. During this appointment, she receives a prescription for birth control, which she takes for about two weeks.
• The shots begin. For 10 to 12 days, the woman administers daily hormonal stimulant injections to help her body produce more mature eggs.
• The mature eggs are retrieved and fertilised. The embryos grow in the lab for one week.
• If chosen, genetic testing takes an additional week.
• Typically, the woman waits until the next month for the embryos to be implanted in her uterus, leading to the hopeful outcome of pregnancy.

To sum it up, from the start of the menstrual cycle to determining the number of genetically normal embryos. It takes four to six weeks to prepare the uterine lining before the embryo transfer. Another ten days to know if the patient is pregnant after the embryo transfer. For eager parents, this timeline—about 12 weeks in total—can feel like forever. 

 

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3. It’s helpful after secondary infertility

Many people assume that if they've conceived naturally once, it will happen again. However, that's not always the case. Secondary infertility occurs when a woman who has previously given birth is unable to conceive again naturally. Most people are shocked when they can’t conceive again after previously doing so without assistance.
Secondary infertility can be caused by:

• Age-related factors
• Changes in health
• Sometimes, it remains unexplained.

For those facing secondary infertility, IVF can be a valuable option to help achieve pregnancy again.

 

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4. You may feel turned on most of the time

All the hormone shots involved with IVF mean you’ll have a lot more hormones than usual surging through your body. This can leave you feeling irritable, bloated, or even more turned on than usual. It's natural to feel the urge for intimacy, but it's important to follow your doctor's advice on when to abstain during the IVF process. Always check with your doctor about what’s safe and what isn’t during the process. If celibacy is necessary at certain stages, explore other ways to maintain intimacy and connection with your partner.

 

Related story: 7 Myths About Female Fertility And Misconception

 

5. Age matters

When it comes to fertility treatment, the younger you are, the better the success rates. In women, fertility begins to decline around age 35 and accelerates through the late 30s and 40s. By the early 40s, it becomes much more difficult to conceive, and by age 45, the chances of treatment succeeding are greatly reduced due to the decline in both the number and quality of eggs in the ovaries. 

Although men's fertility remains more stable, it also declines over time. Decreasing testosterone levels lead to fewer sperm being produced, and over the years, sperm quality and quantity decline due to accumulating mutations. While older patients can still achieve success with fertility treatments, starting sooner rather than later significantly increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.

 

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6. Frozen embryo is completely fruitful

Having babies may be the last thing on your mind, if you’re in your mid-twenties or early-thirties. But it’s great to have your embryos frozen in case you want to change your mind later. Recent studies indicate that frozen eggs and embryos are just as viable as fresh ones. However, if possible, freezing embryos is preferable since they are more stable and have a higher likelihood of surviving the thawing process. A 2022 research issue in the journal Fertility and Sterility suggests that a woman who freezes 12 eggs before age 35 has a 50 per cent chance of having a baby using these eggs through fertility treatment.

 

7. IVF may boost chances of multiple pregnancies

Fertility treatment is widely known to increase the likelihood of multiple pregnancies. While quadruplets and higher-order multiples receive significant publicity, they are rarely the result of IVF. Instead, they usually occur from high-dose fertility drugs combined with intrauterine insemination (IUI). Twins and triplets, however, are more common with IVF. The chance of a multiple birth increases from 3 per cent in natural conception to 33 per cent with IVF treatment. This is because more than one embryo can be placed in the womb to boost the chances of pregnancy. Both identical and non-identical twins are more likely to occur, possibly due to techniques associated with IVF, such as ICSI (where a sperm is injected directly into an egg) and PGD (where a cell is removed for genetic inspection).

 

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What lifestyle changes are recommended before starting IVF?

Making certain diet and lifestyle changes before beginning IVF treatment can significantly improve your chances of success. These adjustments aim to enhance overall health, optimise fertility, and ensure your body is in the best possible condition for an IVF cycle. Both partners should consider these changes, as they can impact egg and sperm quality, as well as the ability to carry a pregnancy to term.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Both underweight and overweight individuals can face fertility issues. Maintaining a healthy weight ensures hormonal balance and improves the chances of successful ovulation and implantation.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds.
• Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can negatively affect fertility in both men and women. Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption to improve the quality of eggs and sperm.
• Stop Smoking or Vaping: Smoking and vaping can harm fertility and decrease the success rates of IVF. Seek support to quit smoking or vaping. 
• Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can improve circulation, reduce stress, and help maintain a healthy weight. Engage in moderate-intensity activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga.
• Manage Your Stress Levels: High-stress levels can affect hormone production and fertility. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness.
• Review Medications and Supplements: Some medications and supplements can interfere with fertility or IVF treatments. Consult with your healthcare provider to review any current medications or supplements.

 

Related story: 10 Things Couples Should Do When Planning A Pregnancy

 

By making specific diet and lifestyle changes before beginning IVF treatment, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Both partners should take these steps to optimise egg and sperm quality, as well as support a healthy pregnancy. Taking proactive measures will not only increase the likelihood of a successful IVF outcome but also promote overall well-being.

 

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