Understanding IVF in simple terms--- Introduction

 

Infertility is a global health issue affecting millions of people of reproductive age worldwide. Infertility refers to the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (Note: if the female partner is aged 35 years and above, then infertility refers to the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse) .  

Let’s pause here, a lot of people miss this point--- “regular unprotected sexual intercourse” medically refers to sexual intercourse at least every other day without contraception.

Another interesting fact is that infertility could be primary or secondary, meaning that some people who have achieved conception in the past can go on to experience infertility later on.

So types of infertility include:

• ·         Primary infertility: is when pregnancy has never been achieved by a person.
• ·      Secondary infertility is when pregnancy has been achieved at least once by a person. So a couple can experience secondary infertility if they have achieved pregnancy either together or separately in the past in at least one of the partners.

The current records shows that about 15% of reproductive-aged couples are affected with infertility approximately about 1 in 6 couples are currently experiencing infertility globally meaning if I am not experiencing infertility, I know somebody that knows somebody that knows somebody with infertility.

Available data suggests that between 48 million couples and 186 million individuals have infertility globally. Infertility is an involuntary childlessness which can be a psychological, social and financial burden.

Hence, it is important to provide easily understood evidence- based information in order to make informed decisions, this is why this blog was created. Out of a passion for people to fully understand their options, participate in their assisted reproduction treatment with the “conveyor-belt” syndrome experienced by most.

Often times, the situation is that couples who have been trying to conceive enter into that phase of anxiety, then when they finally get enough courage to seek medical care, there is that overwhelming feeling that comes sometimes from information overload. That thought of “I just spent an entire half-hour with the doctor and I still don’t understand what the next step is”.

Some, stay in denial with fear of what is to be discovered if they seek medical attention, fear of the start of the blame game, “what if we find out it’s all my fault” “what if I have to share my hidden past”

For others, they have heard so much myth about assisted reproductive techniques i.e IVF that they are scared of pursuing the option.

The truth is, it is hard to understand and accept why a friend, a sister, a brother would easily achieve conception and one does not, you begin to search for plausible explanation in the hopes that it has nothing to do with your actions or your mere existence.

Sometimes in that consulting room, the doctor perhaps mentioned the age of the female partner, and from that moment on, did not hear or fully understand what the doctor’s explanation was afterwards. She is plagued with thoughts of “I have bad eggs”, “It’s all my fault”

But alas, the doctor continued on, outlining the necessary steps, possible case scenarios but as we often find out later, the patients leave that consultation room without been fully involved in their care and with a resignation to just follow the bidding of the doctors and nurses, to submit themselves for the prodding and poking that comes afterwards.

To make it worse, there might have been some terminologies used by clinicians that one just did not understand while in that consulting room, worse, sometimes, the doctors are pressed for time because they have the next patient waiting so we don’t want to ask too many questions or even silly questions.

So, what should you do as a couple who have been having regular unprotected sexual intercourse for 12 or 6 months as the case may be without conception?

1. ·         Talk to your family physician and get a referral to a fertility specialist.
2. ·         Your fertility specialist may or may not be involved in IVF
3. ·         Get a referral to an IVF clinic

·         OR you choose an IVF clinic (This is a very important step that can make or mar the IVF journey, the necessary considerations would be covered in other blog posts).

 

What to expect when you get to the Fertility doctor.

·         The first appointment is likely to be with the doctor for an initial consultation. Depending on the clinic, this doctor might be solely responsible for your fertility treatment or you might be meeting other doctors as you progress along the journey.

Either way, be rest assured that you are getting the best care from the combined experiences of fertility specialists if you choose the right clinic to begin with.

 

Remember, it is important to be conscious that in the equation of conception, it takes two to achieve pregnancy.

........ to be continued