Beating Infertility Odds With IVF
For the longest time, infertility wasn’t talked about in everyday life. The topic was treated like an embarrassment, leaving many women and couples isolated or ashamed of a condition that is, in fact, very common. The issue is often treated as a problem that’s unique to women. However, the truth is far different. In reality, for heterosexual couples, a third of all infertility cases are due to issues with the female partner, another third solely due to the male partner, and a final third from a combination of concerns between the pair. Regardless of the underlying cause, assisted reproductive therapy (ART) solutions like in vitro fertilization (IVF) have made achieving a family possible for a variety of infertility situations.

Secondary infertility
Not every infertility case is because conceiving was never possible. For many people, secondary infertility can be surprising. The diagnosis is reserved for individuals or couples that successfully conceived in the past but now struggle to do so when trying for a new addition to the family. Sometimes, the problem can be traced to age, egg quality, sperm quality, or be defined as unexplained infertility. Whatever the reason, IVF can be a viable solution to help individuals in this scenario expand a family.
Underlying health conditions
Sometimes, previously known or even unknown health conditions can interfere with fertility. For example, a woman who has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may have difficulty tracking ovulation. While conceiving isn't impossible in such a situation, that individual may have more difficulty. If natural conception isn't an option, IVF offers a lifeline thanks to the usually required ovulation stimulation step, which allows specialists to accurately track a woman's menstrual cycle and harvest eggs in preparation for fertilization and embryo transfer.
Advanced parental age
In pop culture, IVF is often associated with older women trying to get pregnant. However, both men and women over 35 may find that if egg or sperm quality is reduced, IVF might be a smart option. For women, common concerns aren't just limited to aging eggs. Factors such as poor ovarian reserve or even eggs that struggle to become viable embryos that successfully implant are also present. In men, sperm quality issues can translate to poor motility or even chromosomal abnormalities that increase the likelihood of birth defects or even miscarriages.
When to seek help
Dealing with infertility can be a devastating experience for any individual to endure. However, thanks to advancements in ART, women and couples have more options than were available in previous generations. However, age is one of the biggest factors that will dictate when a person should seek professional help. Individuals aged 35 and younger may want to schedule an appointment if conception doesn't occur after a year of trying. For people over 35, guidance recommends seeking a consultation if six months of trying doesn't yield results.
Infertility isn't the final verdict
No matter the underlying reason, infertility is no longer a final verdict for many people anxious to start or expand a family. Whether because of underlying conditions or getting older, a variety of factors can contribute to difficulties when trying to conceive. Thankfully, as more individuals open up about fertility issues, the stigma will subside, and fewer people will feel embarrassed or self-conscious about relying on treatments like IVF to have children.