What is Assisted Reproduction and Why is it a Hope for Infertility?

One of the medical solutions to infertility

Infertility is an increasingly common issue. According to a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), around 17.5% of adults face fertility problems. Additionally, many patients suffering from infertility lack access to quality care, resulting in a situation with significant emotional and physical impact.

Assisted Reproduction is one of the medical solutions to infertility. The various available treatments help many people fulfill their dream of starting a family, whether it's a young couple ready to have a baby or a single woman with the dream of motherhood.

What is Assisted Reproduction?

Assisted reproduction incorporates all techniques developed to facilitate pregnancy, especially in cases where natural conception is challenging due to fertility issues related to either the woman, the man, or both.

These medical procedures have been carefully tested for many years on patients. However, each case presents unique characteristics, therefore the need to evaluate each specific case to apply the most suitable assisted reproduction technique.

Assisted reproduction techniques

Here are some of the most common assisted reproduction techniques:

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

This is the most common assisted reproduction technique to achieve fertilization. As the term "in vitro" suggests (outside the body), in this procedure, the egg and sperm are united in a laboratory. The fertilized embryos are then transferred to the woman's uterus for further natural development.

Within in vitro fertilization, other procedures are included to make the outcome even more effective:

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), allows for genetic testing before implantation to ensure the transfer of healthy embryos.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), enables advanced genetic sequencing, enhancing the detection of genetic anomalies and ensuring the transfer of healthy embryos.

Moreover, this procedure enables delayed motherhood by allowing women to freeze their eggs, store them, and use them in the future when they are ready to become mothers.

Artificial insemination

Unlike in vitro fertilization, which takes place in the laboratory, artificial insemination involves the introduction of a selected semen sample, previously screened and prepared in the laboratory, into the woman's uterus.

During this step, the laboratory aims to optimize the potential of sperm, which can be from the partner or a donor, to increase the chances of egg fertilization.

Additionally, to enhance the chances of pregnancy, hormonal treatment stimulates the ovaries, along with ovulation monitoring, determining the optimal timing for this assisted reproduction procedure.

Egg and sperm donation

In many cases, there is still the widespread belief that if couples cannot conceive children, it is because the woman has a physical problem. However, it may be that the father has conditions that prevent fertilization. Likewise, single women or same-sex couples have the desire to start a family.

Here is where the assisted reproduction technique of egg or sperm donation of healthy and fertile gametes plays an important role.

Myths and realities about assisted reproduction

Motherhood has always been a controversial topic. Many people feel social pressure to take this step naturally, and resorting to assisted reproduction treatments can lead to opinions that, in many cases, are not scientifically supported, falling into misinformation. What are some of them?

A regular menstrual cycle guarantees fertility
Medication in fertility processes causes cancer
Infertility issues are always due to the woman
In vitro babies are premature

In the face of these myths, it is essential to promote an open conversation that, of course, must begin with medical professionals. Similarly, public policies should also encourage education on a topic that affects an increasing number of people.

Emotional support for infertility patients

Assisted reproduction has revolutionized the possibility of having children, but it involves a complex emotional and physical process. Many people lack safe spaces to express their situation, and comments like "don't obsess" can negatively impact the mental health of patients.

At FertilyMed, we understand the importance of comprehensive support, offering an approach that considers both physical and mental health. Our commitment is to provide advanced treatments and a safe and supportive space for those seeking to achieve their dream of parenthood.

If you still have doubts about what is assisted reproduction, discover it with us and take the first step towards starting your family.

What is Assisted Reproduction and Why is it a Hope for Infertility?

One of the medical solutions to infertility