“Do I need IVF?”
As a fertility specialist, this is one of the most common questions I hear. For some, the answer is simple. If there is a physical barrier preventing the egg and sperm from meeting—such as a tubal blockage—the answer is black and white. In those cases, IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is the clear path forward. In fact, IVF originated over 40 years ago for this very reason.
For many others, however, the answer may seem much more gray. You might be considering IVF for a wide range of reasons: wanting a pregnancy to happen sooner, starting a family as a same-sex couple, or navigating the frustrating diagnosis of unexplained infertility.
If you are wondering whether IVF is the right next step for you, here is what you need to know.
What is IVF and How Has It Evolved?
A Legacy of Hope and Success
In Vitro Fertilisation simply implies that fertilisation happens in the laboratory, as opposed to naturally within the body. Today, IVF is responsible for the birth of well over 100,000 babies in Australia and over 10 million worldwide.
Australia’s first—and the world’s third—IVF baby, Candice Reed, recently celebrated her 40th birthday. Candice was conceived at the Royal Women’s Hospital, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of their reproductive services team today.
In the early days of IVF, all women treated had blocked tubes, and the chance of success was less than 2% per cycle. Today, the science has hugely improved. Success rates can reach up to 50% in some cases, and IVF is now used to help conception happen sooner for just about any fertility challenge.
Determining if IVF is Right for You
When Does IVF Make Sense?
If natural conception is not an option, or if you are simply not getting the results you want, IVF is the most successful form of fertility treatment we have to offer. It makes perfect logical and medical sense in many scenarios, including:
- Male factor infertility
- Embryo testing (to avoid dangerous genetic conditions or recurrent miscarriages)
- Egg freezing (for fertility preservation)
The Mystery of Unexplained Infertility
We often cope better when there is an identifiable cause and a clear explanation for a problem. “Unexplained infertility” can be an incredibly frustrating diagnosis, but it does not mean you have reached the end of the line, nor does it mean there is no treatment available.
Sometimes, things go wrong in the microscopic process of making an embryo. Issues can occur during fertilisation or in subtle ways that can only be detected in a laboratory setting. With unexplained infertility, there are a lot of “maybes.” IVF gives us the unique ability to observe these processes, detect where the issue lies, and, in most cases, rectify it.
Secondary Infertility and the Factor of Age
When planning for pregnancy, you may want one child, or you may want to keep your options open for more. Some couples strongly believe that because they conceived naturally the first time, IVF shouldn’t be necessary for baby number two.
However, I see the immense struggle women and couples go through when facing secondary infertility. Having one child doesn’t make the pain or struggle of infertility any easier or less valid. Some patients carry the heavy guilt of feeling they “left it too late” to have the family they dreamed of.
An important fact to remember is that the age of both partners contributes to delays in conception, and IVF can significantly improve your chances. However, with age-related cases, time is of the essence—the longer you wait, the more even IVF success rates can decrease.
Partnering with a Fertility Specialist
My Commitment to Your Journey
My job is to assess your current fertility standing, organize the appropriate investigations, and provide you with the pertinent facts. I am here to help you understand your options and your chances of success with each treatment path.
Together, we will evaluate every option to find the shortest distance to your pregnancy goal, ensuring you are always equipped to make an informed decision. My ultimate role is to help you reach your goal of holding a baby in your arms, regardless of how you get there or how long it might take.
The technology has changed drastically since little Candice Reed was a 2% chance of an embryo, but the fundamental human instinct of wanting a child to love has not.
I am here to help tailor the best, most suited option for you and your partner. If you are ready to explore your options, contact our Melbourne clinic to book a consultation. We are your best support team to help you get there.