Family Planning with IVF
Family planning is an important aspect of life for many couples, as it allows them to make informed decisions about their future, including the size of their family, timing of children, and overall reproductive health. Contraception, or birth control, plays a crucial role in family planning by enabling couples to prevent unintended pregnancy and regulate the spacing of their children. However, for some couples, achieving a pregnancy can be a challenge, and they may need to consider alternative methods such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
According to data from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, approximately 1 in 6 Canadian couples struggle with infertility. This means that around 15% of couples in Canada experience difficulty conceiving a child. The causes of infertility can be varied and may include factors such as age, lifestyle, and health conditions.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why some couples struggle to get pregnant naturally and why alternative methods for conception, such as IVF, may be necessary.
Why Some Couples Cannot Conceive Naturally
Infertility is a common problem affecting approximately 10% of couples of reproductive age globally. There are various factors that can contribute to infertility, including:
Ovulatory Disorders: Ovulatory disorders are one of the most common causes of infertility, affecting approximately 25% of women who struggle to get pregnant. Ovulatory disorders occur when the ovaries are unable to produce and release eggs regularly, which can result in irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
Male Infertility: Male infertility is also a significant contributor to infertility, affecting approximately 35% of couples. Male infertility can be caused by various factors, including low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm shape.
Structural Issues: Structural issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes or a uterus with a congenital malformation, can also prevent pregnancy from occurring naturally. These issues can occur as a result of infections, endometriosis, or previous surgeries.
Age: The ability to conceive naturally decreases as women age, especially after the age of 35. This is due to the decline in the quality and quantity of eggs produced by the ovaries.
Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and being overweight or underweight, can also affect fertility and the ability to conceive naturally.
Why IVF May Be Necessary
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of assisted reproduction that involves fertilizing an egg outside of the body, in a laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryo back into the woman’s uterus. IVF may be necessary for couples who are struggling to conceive naturally due to infertility. IVF has become a common treatment for infertility and has helped many couples achieve their dreams of starting a family.
IVF success rates vary depending on a variety of factors, including the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, and the number of embryos transferred. On average, the success rate for IVF is about 40% per cycle. However, this can vary widely, and some clinics have success rates as high as 60%.
It is important to remember that IVF is not a guarantee of pregnancy and that there is no way to predict with certainty if it will work for a particular couple. Many couples may need to undergo several cycles of IVF before they are successful, and some may never be able to have a baby using this technology.
If you are struggling with infertility, it is important to speak with both your physician and OBGYN. Your doctor can perform a complete evaluation to determine the cause of your infertility and suggest appropriate treatment options. In some cases, infertility can be caused by underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, which need to be addressed before attempting to conceive. Your OBGYN can also help you understand your options and support you through the process of IVF or other infertility treatments. They can monitor your health, answer any questions you may have, and help you understand what to expect.