Starting the journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many advanced treatments and support options available, it’s essential to understand which services can enhance your chances of success.
From fertility assessments to embryo freezing, choosing the right services can make a significant difference in your IVF experience. To help you navigate your options, this article compiled five must-try services in IVF.
1. Fertility Assessment and Diagnosis
A fertility assessment is the first step in IVF. Doctors check both partners to find possible fertility problems. This includes hormone tests, ultrasounds, and semen analysis.
Women may get tests to check egg quality and ovulation. Men may need a sperm count test to see if the sperm is healthy. A full diagnosis helps doctors choose the best treatment plan. Early testing can prevent delays and improve the success rate of IVF.
2. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
PGT checks embryos for genetic problems before implantation. This helps select the healthiest embryo for transfer. The test can find genetic disorders that may cause miscarriages or birth defects. PGT is helpful for older women, couples with genetic conditions, or those with repeated IVF failures. It improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
3. Egg Freezing and Cryopreservation
Some women may not be ready for pregnancy but want to keep their fertility options open. Egg freezing allows them to store their eggs while they are still healthy. The process involves hormone treatment to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and frozen at very low temperatures.
Egg freezing is helpful for women with medical conditions like cancer, which may affect fertility. It is also a great option for those focusing on their careers or waiting for the right partner.
4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
For couples dealing with male infertility, ICSI is a great solution. In this procedure, a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to help fertilization. This is helpful for men with low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or sperm that cannot penetrate the egg naturally.
ICSI increases the chances of fertilization compared to traditional IVF, where sperm and eggs are simply mixed together. Since only one sperm is needed per egg, it is useful for men with very low sperm numbers.
5. Donor Egg or Sperm Services
When a person’s eggs or sperm are not viable, using a donor can be a good option. Donor eggs are often used by women with poor egg quality, early menopause, or genetic conditions. Single women, couples of the same gender, and men who are experiencing severe infertility can all benefit from donor sperm.
Donors go through a screening process to ensure good health and genetic quality. Recipients can choose a donor based on traits like ethnicity, education, and physical characteristics.
Explore Different IVF Services for Better Outcomes
From advanced testing to embryo preservation, each option offers valuable support in increasing success rates. Consult with a fertility specialist to explore the best services tailored to your needs, giving you the best chance at achieving your dream of parenthood.