IVF came into the fertility world as a beacon of hope for aspiring parents who struggle with conceiving. In vitro fertilisation, commonly known as IVF, is a fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, which is then transferred into the uterus after development, where they implant into the uterine wall.
Since its inception in the 1970s and the first baby was born from IVF in 1978, it has come a long way from being an experimental procedure to an advanced mainstream method of conception for millions of couples around the world.
As the world experiences leaps in medical technology, genetics, artificial intelligence, and other important fields, we look forward to future advancements in IVF and cutting-edge technology in the future of fertility. This article takes us into the future of fertility treatments and possible future technologies.
A Glimpse into the Current State of IVF
In today’s world, IVF is an assistive and effective treatment for a wide range of infertility issues, such as:
- Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Also known as tubal blockage, one or both of the fallopian tubes are blocked, preventing the egg from being fertilised. IVF as a procedure bypasses the step of fertilisation occurring in the tubes as it allows fertilisation to happen outside the body.
- Endometriosis: This is a painful condition where the tissue forming the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus or on other organs like the fallopian tubes. It causes inflammation, and hormonal imbalance, and is a leading cause of infertility. IVF stands as a solution that helps women experiencing endometriosis conceive regardless of the severity of their symptoms.
- Unexplained Infertility: This is a condition where a couple is unable to conceive after having unprotected sex. IVF serves as a suitable and effective solution for couples who experience this condition.
- Male Factor Infertility: Factors like Premature ejaculation, poor sperm quality or low sperm count are examples of male factor infertility, which IVF can effectively overcome.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome or thyroid imbalance affect ovulation and fertility. IVF can effectively bypass these conditions to allow for conception.
IVF: Advancements in Technologies
IVF has come so far and, shortly, will have the most exciting developments. Here are some of the advancements in IVF technology:
- IVF and Artificial Intelligence(AI): AI has been making waves across nearly every field. In the fertility field, AI and machine learning are being employed to improve embryo selection, analyse embryo development, enhance success rates and identify potential genetic disorders. By using AI technology, IVF will be able to offer more precise, personalised and efficient solutions to each patient.
- Next Generation Testing: Genetic testing has become a game-changing technology in IVF as it allows for rapid and accurate genetic testing of embryos, refining embryo selection and improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) allows specialists and doctors to screen for any genetic abnormalities or mutations in the embryo before implantation. This testing reduces the risk of miscarriage and genetic malformation, with a variety of tests for discovering various genetic abnormalities.
- Cryopreservation: This is a cutting-edge technology in IVF which allows for a rapid freeze that preserves the quality of eggs, sperm, or embryos until they are ready to conceive or after a medical condition
- Stem Cell Therapy can help repair damaged ovaries and improve the quality of eggs. Much research is being done on this subject, and more is to come.
- Single Embryo Transfer (SET): This is a technique of transferring a single embryo, which reduces the risk and chances of multiple pregnancies and complications.
The Future Trends in IVF
- The Rise of in Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG)
A revolutionary development in reproductive medicine is in Vitro Gametogenesis, this technique allows scientists to create sperm and egg from stem cells. This technique brings so many potential benefits of IVF, which are listed below:
- This technology brings hope to individuals who are unable to produce viable sperm or eggs, allowing them the possibility of having biological children through stem cells.
- It enables same-sex couples to have genetically related children.
- It allows people to postpone parenthood and have access to healthy and youthful reproductive cells when they choose to have children later in life.
- Artificial Wombs and Uterus Transplants
Uterus transplants and artificial Wombs give hope to women who are unable to carry a pregnancy due to various factors. Scientists are developing biomedical devices which mimic the atmosphere of the womb, thereby allowing embryos to grow outside a human body. This technology could allow Premature babies to survive and, in extreme cases, replace traditional pregnancy.
- 3D Printing and Bio Printing
Researchers and scientists are experimenting and developing 3D ovarian tissue to restore fertility in cancer survivors, 3D sperm sorting microfluidic devices. This technology shows the potential of fertility treatment in the coming future.
- Affordable and Accessible IVF
A major challenge of IVF is the fact that it is extremely expensive, which takes it out as an option for many couples who are unable to afford it. IVF future trends give off a possibility of IVF treatment becoming more affordable and accessible to everyone. A few ways to make this possible are listed below:
- Government Insurance Coverage: In recent years, many countries have included IVF in their healthcare coverage, making it widely available to all.
- Mild Stimulation IVF: This is the use of lower dosages of fertility drugs, which lower the costs of IVF.
Conclusion
For many couples dreaming of biological parenthood, the future trends of IVF will bring their dream closer over time. Incredible technologies being developed are pushing us into the future of reproductive science, from 3D-printed ovaries to artificial wombs; the continuing innovations ensure IVF has something to offer.
While the challenges of cost and accessibility remain, these boundaries would no longer be there in due time, giving everyone access to effective and personalised fertility treatment. If you are on the journey to becoming a parent, connect with 9M Fertility today.
