Since the first IVF Assisted Child was born in 1978, the success rates for assisted conception have significantly increased. Improvements in scientific understanding and the exploration of new techniques mean that more people can access the help they need to conceive. Wherever you are on your journey to conception, learning more about the various biological routes to parenthood can make you feel better prepared for the process, and empowered to make decisions.
A Lonely Place
In a four-year Study, infertility affected around 9% of all U.S. men aged between 15 and 44. Furthermore, around 44% of U.S. women will meet the criteria for infertility at some point in their reproductive years. These figures show that if you are having difficulty conceiving, or have a known cause of infertility, you are not alone. There are three main treatment cycles that a fertility specialist might recommend for couples who require assistance to conceive.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine Insemination, or IUI, is considered one of the simpler methods of assisted conception. This Cost-Effective technique involves the insertion of a prepared semen (sperm) sample into the uterus. By placing semen where it needs to be, it is easier for individual sperm cells to meet the egg so that fertilization can take place.
IUI may be recommended if a moderate male factor, such as a mildly reduced sperm count or motility, has been identified as part of your fertility assessment. IUI also suits couples where certain female factors are present, too.
Pregnancy Rates range from 10 to 20% per cycle, but the rate is higher for cycles that include ovarian stimulation prior to IUI.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Over 8 Million children have been born with this method since the first IVF-assisted child, Louise Brown, was born in 1978. The process has greatly evolved in the last 40 years and is now commonly performed at fertility clinics.
IVF occurs when an egg is fertilized by a sperm outside of the body in a laboratory. A woman’s eggs must be retrieved during a short operative procedure, with the man also providing a semen sample. Once fertilization has taken place in the lab, the developing embryo can be transferred into the uterus where implantation can take place.
Encouragingly, Pregnancy Rates for IVF are around 36%.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is the ideal choice for Severe Male Infertility. ICSI is one of the most successful treatments when conception difficulties are sperm-related. This might include a very low sperm count, poor movement of the sperm, or sperm that have abnormal size and shape.
As with IVF, fertilization with ICSI occurs in the laboratory. The man provides a sperm sample or undergoes sperm retrieval via a small surgical procedure, and one sperm is then injected directly into the egg.
You may be reassured to learn that the Pregnancy Rate of an ICSI cycle is comparable to IVF, at around 33%.
Hope For The Future
IUI, IVF and ICSI are just three of the treatment options for couples who are struggling to conceive. Depending on your individual circumstances, budget, and personal preferences, additional fertility assistance is possible.
YO Home Sperm Test offers a range of Sperm and Egg Test Kits, enabling you to take control of your fertility journey. Learning more about your sperm motility and quality offers insight into your own fertility. This may help to confirm whether assisted conception might be necessary, reduce any anxiety around providing a sample, and help you to understand which treatment might suit you best.
Find out more about YO Sperm Home Tests Here.
