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An increasing demand -

Fertility is becoming an increasingly important issue worldwide. Reports suggest that one in eight couples face challenges with conception, and one in three Americans have either sought fertility treatment or know someone who has. 

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Understanding IVF -

As the demand for assisted reproductive technologies continues to rise, understanding the complexities of IVF is more crucial than ever.

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What is IVF? -

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves removing an egg from the woman's ovaries and then fertilizing it with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized egg, now called an embryo, is then placed back into the woman’s womb. 

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Implantation -

If successful, implantation will take place and pregnancy begins. Some couples may succeed in the first attempt, while others may require multiple cycles.

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The new normal in human reproduction -

Unfortunately, a woman’s reproductive system has not evolved to keep pace with advancements in modern life and workplace equality. Women are no longer expected—or often financially able—to stay at home, care for their husbands, and focus on bearing children in their twenties and thirties.

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The price of delaying motherhood -

In the Western world, women now have the same access to education and career opportunities as men. This, combined with the widespread availability of effective contraception, has led to delayed parenthood and reduced fertility rates.

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Reasons to pursue IVF -

There are many reasons couples turn to IVF beyond difficulty conceiving. These include blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, male factor infertility such as decreased sperm count or motility, and women experiencing ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure, or uterine fibroids. IVF is also an option for women who have had their fallopian tubes removed, individuals with genetic disorders, and those facing unexplained infertility.

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Same-sex and single parenthood -

Same-sex couples and singles who wish to have a child are increasingly turning to fertility treatments like IVF or surrogacy. This further drives the demand for assisted reproductive technologies.

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Factors affecting success -

There are several factors that influence the success of IVF, including; the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, the quality of eggs and sperm, and the overall health of the couple.

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Costs -

On average, the base fee for a round of IVF in the US is US$9,000–$14,000 which includes monitoring appointments, egg retrieval, embryo creation, and embryo transfer. Costs in Europe and other parts of the world can be considerably lower, so for some, it’s still much cheaper to travel for treatment, than to proceed closer to home.

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Insurance coverage for fertility treatments -

Forward-thinking companies are beginning to include insurance coverage for fertility treatments in their healthcare plans, aiming to ease the financial and emotional burdens of starting a family before ready or able.

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Stats -

Fertility rates vary significantly by age, with younger women generally having higher chances of conceiving. The following data has been correlated by Cofertility from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the National Institutes of Health, PLOS One, and the Centers for Disease Control.

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Conceiving naturally -

During their twenties and early thirties, about one in four women get pregnant in any given menstrual cycle. In contrast, only one in 10 women in their 40s conceive per cycle.

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Pregnancy data -

For a 25-year-old woman trying to conceive for three months, the chance of pregnancy in the next cycle is around 18%. For a 40-year-old woman with the same duration of trying, the chance drops to just 7%.

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More stats -

After a year of trying, a 25-year-old woman has a 10% chance of getting pregnant in the next cycle, while a 40-year-old woman’s chances fall to just 3%. 

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When to seek fertility treatment -

Women under 35 are typically advised to seek fertility help after one year of trying, while those 35 and older are encouraged to consult a doctor after six months.

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Live birth rates of IVF in the US -

In the US, about 34% of IVF procedures performed in 2017 resulted in live births among women ages 35 to 37, according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. But that success rate drops as women age, with those aged 41 to 42 only having a 10% chance.

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Mental health and infertility -

Stanford researchers find persistent infertility takes a large toll on mental health and raises the likelihood of divorce. In a huge study, they came to the estimated conclusion that one in eight women will experience primary infertility—the inability to have any child at all—over her fertile years.

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Basic human right -

Given that IVF is such a lucrative industry, there has been significant pushback against the idea that fertility should be considered a basic human right, and treated as a medical necessity when help is required to conceive.

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Controversy -

IVF can be controversial in some countries, including certain US states, for several reasons. Continue with the gallery to explore the factors behind why. 

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Ethical concerns -

Some people raise ethical issues regarding the creation and disposal of embryos during IVF. In some cases, excess embryos may be discarded or frozen for future use, which can provoke moral debates about the value of human life and when life begins.

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Religious beliefs -

Religious groups, particularly those who adhere to pro-life or conservative views, may oppose IVF due to concerns about the sanctity of life. These groups may object to the practice of creating embryos outside the womb, or to embryo freezing and selection.

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Access and equity -

IVF is expensive, and in many places, it is not fully covered by insurance, leading to concerns about unequal access. Those with fewer financial resources may struggle to afford the treatment, creating a disparity.

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Political and legal factors -

In some areas, laws around reproductive rights, including IVF, are influenced by political and ideological factors. For example, debates over women's reproductive rights, parental rights, and the regulation of assisted reproductive technologies can fuel controversy. Some states may have laws that regulate or limit IVF in various ways, which leads to differing access to the procedure.

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Unregulated clinics and practices -

In some countries, the lack of regulation in the IVF industry can lead to concerns about the safety and quality of treatment. The potential for unethical practices, such as the exploitation of women as egg donors, or the creation of "designer babies," can contribute to public unease.

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Social and cultural issues -

In some cultures, there may be resistance to non-traditional family-building methods. IVF challenges conventional views on family structures, and some may see it as interfering with the natural process of reproduction.

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Common side effects -

The side effects of IVF drugs can range from mild to extremely uncomfortable. They include; soreness or bruising from injections, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, pelvic discomfort, weight gain, and nausea. 

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Increased risk of cancer -

The relationship between infertility treatments and cancer risk remains an area of ongoing research. Some studies suggest that the long-term use of IVF medications, which can elevate estrogen levels, may lead to increased gene expression, potentially raising the risk of breast cancer—the most common cancer among women.

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Do your homework -

If you decide to proceed with IVF, researching clinics thoroughly is crucial. Consider factors like success rates and, equally important, the demeanor and approach of the staff. While many professionals are empathetic and dedicated to achieving the best outcomes, some clinics may treat hopeful parents as mere statistics, adding to the stress of an already challenging journey.

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The IVF journey -

The IVF process is both complex and emotionally demanding, involving multiple steps that can take several months to complete. Fertility treatment still faces significant barriers regarding accessibility, equality, and affordability, and for those who have been unsuccessful, the heartbreak and trauma are significant.

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Is the dream worth the risks? -

Yet, for the millions for whom it has worked, they would advocate that the risk is worth it. 

Sources: (Healthline) (American Pregnancy Association) (Cofertility) (Mayo Clinic) (Cleveland Clinic)

See also: The long-term decline in fertility, and what it means for the world

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