IVF success rates in India typically range between 30% and 35%, while the global average is approximately 40% for young women.
Dr G Poornima, Consultant at Ferty9 Fertility Centre, discusses how IVF is changing the landscape of motherhood
In the field of assisted reproduction, the journey towards motherhood has seen remarkable scientific advances, offering new hope to people navigating the intricate labyrinth of infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF), once a pioneering technique, has evolved into a sophisticated field packed with innovative technologies and methodologies.
- cryopreservationCryopreservation represents fundamental progress, giving people the option to preserve reproductive potential for future projects. Oocyte cryopreservation, commonly known as egg freezing, is emerging as a ray of hope for women looking to postpone conception without compromising fertility. Additionally, it serves as a lifeline for people facing conditions such as ovarian cancer, safeguarding their reproductive options amid the rigors of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cryopreservation is also offered to existing patients to store excess embryos. If the current cycle fails, the couple can vitrify the stored embryos and choose to perform another cycle.
- Blastocyst cultureBlastocyst culture and transfer is a specialized technique in in vitro fertilization (IVF) where the embryo is cultured into a blastocyst, before being transferred to the uterus. This method increases the likelihood of successful implantation because the stage of development of the embryo aligns with the conditions of the uterus. Equipped with this step, patients can undergo a single embryo transfer, reducing the chance of having multiple pregnancies.
- Physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI)PICSI helps select the strongest sperm to fertilize the egg during IVF. It does this by selecting sperm based on how well they adhere to the hyaluronan around the egg. These chosen sperm are similar to those that would naturally fertilize an egg. PICSI is especially recommended for those who have had IVF failures in the past, low fertilization rates even with ICSI, poor embryo quality or developmental problems unrelated to egg quality, and repeated miscarriages.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)When an embryo transfer does not lead to pregnancy, it is often due to abnormal genetics of the embryo. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) ensures that only embryos with genetically normal embryos are chosen for transfer, reducing the risks of IVF failure and miscarriage. Additionally, certain single-gene disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or blood disorders such as thalassemia, can be prevented through genetic testing, ensuring that transferred embryos do not carry these conditions, which could be passed on to the child. .
- Assisted hatchingThe assisted hatching technique exemplifies the delicate art of embryo manipulation, in which a small opening is created in the outer layer of the embryo to improve implantation potential. By perfecting this intricate process, embryologists increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, ushering in a new era of hope and possibilities. This technique is particularly beneficial for people with a thick zona pellucida or advanced maternal age, where embryo implantation may be compromised.
- Integrative SupportBeyond individual advances, the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as K-System incubators and the XILTRIX alarm system guarantees optimal conditions for embryonic development, underlining the commitment to excellence in assisted reproduction. These inventive systems provide precise control over environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, pH and gas composition, thereby optimizing embryo culture conditions and improving overall treatment results.
Address emotional stress: Psychological counseling plays a crucial role in the IVF process by offering support before, during and after treatments. Starting with the lack of social acceptance around infertility and failed cycles, there are several emotional challenges to overcome during treatment. Even after a successful birth, in many cases the physiological and psychological toll pushes IVF mothers into postpartum depression. Counseling helps manage stress, which can affect hormone levels and reproductive outcomes. Provides couples with coping strategies, building emotional strength to face the challenges of infertility treatment effectively.
Through relentless innovation and unwavering commitment, IVF is not only reshaping the landscape of motherhood, but also lighting the path to a future filled with unlimited joy and potential. As we continue to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, the pursuit of parenthood is imbued with renewed optimism, empowering people to overcome the challenges of infertility and embrace the transformative quest toward creating a family.