IVF Indications and Contraindications

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is described as the best fertility treatment especially when other treatments have failed. IVF is a highly effective assisted reproductive technology that helps women to achieve pregnancy. Often, IVF is prescribed as a primary treatment for infertility in females over age 40.

In this article, we will describe the indications and contraindications of IVF. When there are no contradictions, IVF can be performed without any delay. If you are thinking about taking an IVF treatment, you should understand some basic indications and contradictions of IVF.

IVF Indications:

There are multiple diagnoses to perform IVF and the following are these indications:

1. Tubal Peritoneal Factor

Tubal factor infertility is a common cause that prevents women from getting pregnant. Because it prevents sperm from reaching the egg or prevents an embryo (fertilized egg) from reaching the uterus for pregnancy. In some cases, the fallopian tube gets damaged or gets misshapen. If both of the fallopian tubes get removed, IVF is the only way and it can be considered as the most important indication for IVF.

2. Male Factor

Male factor is diagnosed either when the quality of sperm is not good enough or when the sperm count is too low for achieving a pregnancy. Here, ART is the best way where the embryologist makes a manual selection of healthy sperms to increase the chance of conception. In some cases, there are no sperms that can be used for fertilization hence IVF is performed with donor sperm.

3. Endometriosis

When endometriosis is severe enough to affect the quality and number of ova, it can become an obstacle to achieving pregnancy. In this situation, your doctor might advice IVF treatment.

4. Age Factor

When deciding the right time for pregnancy, age plays a significant role. The quality and quantity of both the ovum and sperm reduce with age. When pregnancy is not achieved due to age factors, IVF is prescribed as the standard procedure.

5. Anovulation

A combination of hormonal stimulation and intrauterine insemination is used to treat anovulation. If pregnancy is not achieved despite this treatment, IVF is the best possible way.

IVF Contraindications:

There are some situations in which the doctor advises the patient to not undergo IVF. These situations are so critical that they can pose a threat to the life of the patient or her unborn child. The following are some IVF contraindications:

  • Ovarian tumors
  • Inflammatory disease
  • Deformation or malformation of uterus
  • Any kind of malignant neoplasms
  • Medical conditions that contraindicate childbirth in the mother

Hence before going ahead with IVF a screening of both the partners, more so of the female is necessary to make a plan of action of the treatment required and also to rule out contraindications.

In-Vitro Fertilization:

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) includes a series of procedures to help a woman with fertility issues conceive a child. In this process, the mature eggs are retrieved and then the embryos are developed through fertilization which happens in the laboratory.

Types of IVF:

There are different types of IVF options available for patients. The following are the current methods being used for IVF treatment:

#3. Natural IVF Cycle

There are no stimulation/hormonal drugs involved in the natural cycle of IVF. In this method, the egg is taken from the woman that is  formed during her monthly cycle. It is mixed with the sperm as with traditional IVF and the embryo thus formed is transferred to the uterine cavity of the woman after preparing the same.

#2. Mild Stimulation IVF

In this method, there is a lower dose of fertility drugs used for a shorter time than standard IVF. This avoids many of the unpleasant side effects of the medication, which are less than standard IVF.

#1. In Vitro Maturation

In standard IVF, the patient is given a hormone to mature the egg before retrieval and fertilization. In-Vitro Maturation – IVM method, the egg is retrieved in an immature state and then it is matured in the laboratory. Hence, no need to take hormones. IVM is done when there is a male infertility factor.

Conclusion:

IVF is one of the best fertility treatments available and with developing technology its methods are also improving. We hope this article helps and we wish you good luck in your future.