Health experts say options for infertility treatment are available, and the IVF process has proven to be the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology, giving hope to many infertile couples. At least 8 million babies have been born, over 40 years ago, since the historic first assisted reproductive technology, In Vitro Fertilization, was introduced.
Unlike other fertility treatments, such as Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) and other assisted conception technology procedures, the IVF technique involves a series of procedures, during which matured eggs are retrieved from ovaries and fertilized by sperm outside an organism in a test tube or culture dish that is termed “In Vitro” – Latin for “within the glass”.
The fertilized egg(s) are then transferred into a uterus to be carried for the nine-month gestation period. The procedure is possible using one’s own eggs and partner’s sperm or from a known or anonymous donor.
From research, 1 in 6 couples, across the globe, experience fertility issues and around 48.5 million couples worldwide are still suffering from infertility.
The WHO, in 2004 said 1 in 4 couples in ‘developing’ countries are affected by infertility.
However, this has not stopped the taboo of infertility and many struggle in silence and without any knowledge of what may potentially be causing their issues.
Classified as a disease, by the WHO, 30% of infertility cases can be attributed solely to the female, 30% can be attributed solely to the male, 30% can be attributed to a combination of both partners, and 10% of cases have an unknown cause.
Hence, apart from helping infertile couples carry their own babies, the IVF process has the possibility to test for other conditions that might be indicated by the medical history of couples.
Health experts say couples must come out to seek help as there are solutions available.
Marking 43 years since the first success and producing about 8.5 million babies since, IVF makes a good case for infertility treatment.
So, if you have been trying for a while with no success, visit your GP and ask for fertility tests. Or it is advised that couples have spontaneous, stress and anxiety-free sex, boosted by a “few pre-natal vitamins.”
