Who are ideal candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
June 02, 2009 @ 03:54 PM — by unknown
Millions of couples, due to age or physical defects, cannot get pregnant through normal means. Many of these infertile couples turn to in vitro fertilization, or IVF, to realize their dream of having children. But IVF is not right for everyone. Like any medical procedure, in vitro fertilization works best for patients who meet certain criteria. Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of the ideal IVF candidate.
Couples under the age of 35 would be good candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) after one year of trying, unsuccessfully, to become pregnant. Older couples, aged 35 and older, could look into IVF after six months.
In vitro fertilization can overcome structural defects that prevent women from becoming pregnant through traditional means. These include blocked fallopian tubes, and abnormalities in the cervix and uterus. Women with endometriosis and ovulation disorders have also gone on to have successful pregnancies following IVF.
Men with a low sperm count, or whose sperm cannot reach the woman’s eggs, are suitable candidates for IVF. That’s because the procedure introduces the man’s sperm into the woman’s eggs in a laboratory setting, ensuring that fertilization takes place.
Though age will not necessarily disqualify a couple from undergoing IVF, clinics do take it into account. The success rate of IVF treatments decreases as patient age increases. Couples younger than 35 have the best chance of success, while women over 40 have only a 6 percent to 10 percent chance of a live birth following in vitro fertilization.
Of course, the ideal couple will be in good general health, and must be able to produce viable sperm and eggs. If either partner suffers from a medical condition that affects their sperm or eggs, the doctor might recommend the use of donor eggs, donor sperm, or donor embryos.
To get a thorough check-up and find out if you’re a good candidate for IVF, egg donation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), or other treatments, speak to the specialists at our fertility and IVF center near Dallas, Texas.