In vitro fertilization is a procedure that many people turn to as they face fertility issues. One in six couples need assistance with Fertility Texas at some point, and while there are other options, IVF is one of the most common. In Vitro Fertilization in San Antonio TX has significant advantages, but it also has risks just like every other medical procedure. A fertility specialist can tell couples about the process, so they can make an educated decision.
The Advantages of In Vitro
There are numerous advantages to IVF, the biggest of which are an uneventful pregnancy and a healthy birth. However, in vitro fertilization isn’t right for everyone. The procedure can be used to work around issues with the fallopian tubes, and fertilization confirmation is another big advantage. Some cases of infertility are idiopathic (without a known cause), and it’s not really known why egg and sperm cannot interact in the normal way. In these cases, the result is referred to as a “failed fertilization”. While it can be devastating, it can offer answers as to why a couple hasn’t been able to conceive naturally.
The ICSI Fertilization Method
With in vitro using ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), men who have had vasectomies, or those who have low sperm counts can now have biological children. This type of In Vitro Fertilization in San Antonio TX can be used to test embryos for certain abnormalities before implantation into the mother’s womb. Certain couples can pass conditions such as cystic fibrosis on to their children, and IVF with genetic testing can reduce the chances of such conditions.
Drawbacks of In Vitro Fertilization
One of the clearest disadvantages of IVF is that there are no guarantees of success. Less than half of couples will achieve pregnancy, and about 25% of procedures result in live births. Because the procedure is surgical, there are risks of infection, bleeding and reaction to anesthesia. In some cases, the ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs, which can result in multiple pregnancy and all the complications that accompany it.
IVF allows couples to have biological children where they would not otherwise be able to do so, but there are significant risks involved. Sometimes, despite the doctor’s best efforts, implantation can occur in the wrong place, or it will not occur at all. Couples should discuss the benefits and risks of treatment with their fertility doctor.
