When Should I Get Vaccinated When Should I Consider IVF

For married couples who want to have a baby but cannot conceive, assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization come to their rescue. In fact, scientific and technological advancements have significantly increased pregnancy rates, particularly through the in vitro fertilization method, in recent yearsApproximately one in five married couples experience difficulties in having children when they want to. In particular, later ages at marriage and increased tobacco use in women lead to a significant decrease in reproductive capacity. Statistics also show that sperm production in men has experienced a substantial decline over the last 50 years. In addition to tobacco use, hormone-laden and toxic foods, as well as various environmental factors, are among the significant causes of this decrease in sperm count. As it is known, in couples applying to infertility clinics, care is taken to select the most appropriate treatment method after the necessary research has been conducted.

Sometimes, medical treatments with different medications for men and women may be sufficient on their own, while at other times, methods such as artificial insemination (intrauterine insemination) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are used. When selecting the method to be used in an infertile couple, factors such as treatment protocols, the treatment method, and medication costs should be taken into consideration. Reproductive Health and IVF Specialist from Medistate Kavacık Hospital, Op. Dr. In this article prepared by Kenan Sofuoğlu, you will find answers to the questions that have been occupying your mind… 

For the vaccination method, which was more commonly used in the past, the hysterogram (HSG) must show that at least one tube is open. Additionally, there is a minimum value for sperm count. This value is generally accepted as 5 million motile sperm after washing in most places. Oral pills can also be used as an egg-enhancing drug, as well as a higher chance of success in vaccination treatment with needles called gonadotropin, which are also used in the IVF method. Statistically, the chance of success in the vaccination method hovers between 10-15%. Dec.ec.

Cases Where the Vaccination Method Is Necessary

• Slight decreases in sperm values (Mild male factor) When there is mild endometriosis (Popularly chocolate cyst disease) Dec Cervical (Cervix) problems In the presence of unexplained infertility (where no problem is found in either the man or the woman)

When Is IVF Recommended?

Until recent years, the insemination method was widely used in unexplained infertility, and some clinics attempted this method 3 to 6 times before moving on to in vitro fertilization. However, statistical studies conducted in recent years have shown that insemination actually does not significantly contribute to the overall pregnancy rate. For example, if some infertile couples are vaccinated 3-4 times in a 2-year period and some of them are offered regular intercourse during this period, the pregnancy rates are approximately the same at the end of the 2-year period. Let us remind you that in today's reproductive medicine, intrauterine insemination is recommended only for couples with mild male factor infertility.

The decision on whether to recommend regular intercourse or in vitro fertilization to couples is made based on four criteria: the woman's age, the duration of the marriage, the couple's desire for children, and the woman's ovarian reserve. If the woman is young and has been married for a short time, waiting may be an option. For women with reduced egg reserve, especially those over 35, in vitro fertilization is not recommended as an appropriate treatment. For these couples, in vitro fertilization is the appropriate treatment. The cost of 1 in vitro fertilization cycle with a total of 3-4 insemination attempts is approximately the same. Since the first healthy baby was born through in vitro fertilization in the UK in 1978, we have witnessed significant advancements in technology and knowledge. Consequently, there have been meaningful increases in pregnancy rates.

As Age Increases, the Chances of Pregnancy Decrease

Today, the microinjection method is widely used in IVF. The highest success rate in IVF is achieved in women in their 20s, with an average of 60%. In treatment, the chance of pregnancy decreases with increasing age, and after the age of 40, this rate drops below 20%. The primary reason for this decrease is ovarian (oocyte) aging. A woman's eggs form in the womb and decrease in number with age. A woman who has reached the age of 32 has only about 12% of her eggs left compared to her teenage years. This rate is even lower in women who smoke, have Hashimoto's thyroid disease, and have a family history of early menopause. In addition to the decrease in egg number, egg quality also deteriorates with age.

Even if pregnancy occurs, the risk of miscarriage and birth defects increases. Therefore, when infertility treatment with in vitro fertilization is decided upon for a couple, it is of utmost importance not to waste unnecessary time. When we look at the statistics, we see that in recent years, IVF has been performed most frequently due to male factor infertility and reduced ovarian reserve. However, it should be remembered that every patient before treatment must be evaluated thoroughly, including past treatment details, and the treatment protocol and medication dose should be selected accordingly for that particular patient.

In Which Cases is IVF Treatment Necessary?

Advanced endometriosis or widespread abdominal adhesions Blockage in both of the woman's fallopian tubes or severe damage to the tubes Serious low sperm counts (male factor) Previous history of 2-3 unsuccessful inseminations Significant reduction in a woman's egg reserve While the sperm count in men worldwide decreases by approximately 2.5% each year, this loss has reached approximately 50% in the last 50 years.

References:

• Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. IVF Success Rates and Age-related Fertility Data.

• Steptoe PC, Edwards RG. Birth After the Reimplantation of a Human Embryo. Lancet. (1978; İlk IVF doğumu – Louise Brown).

• Levine H, Jørgensen N, Martino-Andrade A, et al. Temporal Trends in Sperm Count: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis. Human Reproduction Update.

• Broekmans FJ, Soules MR, Fauser BC. Ovarian Aging: Mechanisms and Clinical Consequences. Endocrine Reviews.

• Turkish Reproductive Medicine and Surgery Society. Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines.