A lot of couples struggle with heartbreaking challenges of infertility, and parenthood seems like a dream. In such trying circumstances, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has come forward like a beacon of hope. It has offered new possibilities to those yearning to build a family despite the odds.
Apex Hospital – trusted for IVF treatment in India – wants to guide and inform couples about this life-changing fertility treatment. As a reason, we’ve decided to share 25 essential facts about IVF, alongside the latest statistics and data-driven insights on infertility and pregnancy.
Interesting IVF Facts and Infertility Data
1. IVF is a Fertilization Technique
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. It’s a technique in which eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body in a lab and then implanted into the uterus. The first successful application of IVF was in 1978, when it led to the birth of Louise Brown, the world’s first “test-tube baby.” As of today, more than 8 million babies worldwide have been born using IVF.
2. Increasing Prevalence of Infertility
Infertility occurs in approximately 15% of the world’s population. Male factors account for 30-40%, female factors for 40-50%, and the remaining cases cannot be attributed to either. Many lifestyle factors like stress, obesity, and smoking can lead to increased instances of infertility.
3. IVF Success Rates
The success rate of IVF is age-dependent. In women below 35 years, the success rate is around 55%. For women between 35 and 37 years, it drops to about 41%, to 26% in those between 38 and 40 years, and to around 13% for women over 40. Success rates are also dependent on other factors, such as the cause of infertility, the expertise of the clinic, and the quality of the embryos.
4. IVF Average Cost
The average cost of a single cycle of IVF in the US is between $10,000 and $15,000. In countries such as India, it is much lower, averaging around $2,000 to $4,000 per cycle. Most couples need several cycles, which increases the overall price.
5. Emotional and Psychological Impact
Studies have shown that 90% of women who are undergoing IVF suffer from stress, anxiety, or depression. Support groups and counseling services are necessary to help couples deal with the emotional burden of IVF. Despite the hardships, the experience of parenthood makes the journey worthwhile for many.
6. Advances in IVF Technology
Techniques such as ICSI increase the success rate in treating male issues. PGT helps assess and prevent hereditary diseases. Innovations such as frozen eggs enable a woman to save her fertility for the future.
7. IVF and Age
Women’s fertility plummets sharply after the age of 35. Thus, age is a critical parameter for success with IVF. As women age, their egg quality depreciates. This can potentially influence embryo viability. Older women can opt to use donor eggs for better odds of success.
8. Ethical Considerations
The use of donor eggs, sperm, or embryos raises ethical questions. Surrogacy arrangements can involve complex legal and moral dilemmas. Some critics argue against the commercialization of reproduction.
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9. Global IVF Market Insights
The global IVF market value was approximately $21 billion during the year 2022, and it is estimated to reach nearly $36 billion by the year 2027. In fact, India and China, along with the rest of the Asia-Pacific countries, promise to cater emerging hubs for affordable IVF services. Increasing awareness around fertility treatment is expected to add to this surge in demand.
10. Male Factor Infertility and IVF
Around 40% of all infertility cases can be attributed to male infertility. Sperm retrievals and ICSI, among other similar techniques, have helped men with low sperm count or motility improve their odds of a good outcome. Changes in lifestyle are able to boost male fertility as well.
11. The Role of Lifestyle in IVF Success
IVF results are improved by maintaining ideal weight, avoiding smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. High stress can adversely affect hormone balance and fertility. A balanced antioxidant-rich diet supports reproductive health.
12. Egg Freezing
Egg-freezing has become an increasingly sought-after reproductive option for women who wish to postpone motherhood. Indeed, eggs frozen before the age of 35 have higher success rates when utilized later in life. Even companies such as Google and Facebook offer egg-freezing options to employees now.
13. Multiple Births and IVF
The chances of having twins or triplets are increased with IVF. For instance, 30% of pregnancies through IVF will lead to multiple births compared to 1-2% for natural pregnancies. Multiple pregnancies pose much more serious health risks to the mother and babies.
14. The Emotional Journey of IVF
The journey involves peaks and troughs of hope and dashed hopes, which can stretch relationships. It can be described by couples as an emotional roller coaster of excitement, fear, and anticipation. Thus, open communication and emotional support become indispensable.
15. Innovations in Embryo Freezing
Rates of embryo survival have been improved by vitrification, which is an extremely rapid freezing process. Therefore, future pregnancies using frozen embryos may be planned. Quite a few frozen embryo success rates are comparable with those of fresh embryos.
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16. IVF in LGBTQ+ Families
IVF enables same-sex couples and single parents to have biological children. Donor sperm or eggs and surrogacy are often involved. LGBTQ+ families are a growing demographic in fertility clinics.
17. IVF and Genetic Disorders
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) detects all genetic disorders before embryo implantation. Thus, the possible inherited genetic disorders will not be transmitted to children. It is very helpful to couples who have a history of genetic disorders.
18. Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients
Cancer treatments may lead to damaging one’s fertility. Thus, egg or sperm freezing is pivotal. Fertility preservation ensures patients get the opportunity to conceive post-treatment.
19. IVF for Unexplained Infertility
Approximately 30% of couples have unexplained infertility. IVF may help couples with undefined infertility overcome unknown barriers to conception. The success rates with IVF for unexplained infertility are similar to those whose infertility is caused by known reasons.
20. Pregnancy Rates by Age Group
Pregnancy rate varies considerably in terms of age. Women aged 20-34 years are boarding at the peak of conception rate, accounting for 60% of births globally. However, pregnancies among women aged 35 and above are on the rise due to advances achieved in reproductive medicine and changes in life priorities.
21. Preterm Birth Statistics
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15 million babies are born pre-term worldwide annually. And complications are the leading cause of neonatal mortality.
22. Pregnancy Complications
The most common pregnancy complications include things like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and placenta previa, all of which affect about 8-10% of pregnancies globally.
23. Cesarean Delivery Rates
Roughly 21% of all deliveries globally are conducted via C-section. For those unaware, it’s a mode of delivery that has doubled between the years 2000 to 2020.
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24. Maternal Mortality Rates
In the year 2020 alone, an estimated 287,000 women died as a result of complications during pregnancy or childbirth. The major causes are avoidable factors such as severe bleeding, infections and unsafe abortions.
25. Pregnancy and Mental Health
Approximately, anxiety and depression constitute mental health concerns to about 10 to 20 percent of women during the time of pregnancy. Early intervention as well as counseling services is recommended towards elevating maternal wellness in terms of fetching mental well-being.
Get IVF treatment at Apex Hospital
These 25 facts and insights about IVF, infertility and pregnancy can help individuals understand the pregnancy complications and embark on their fertility journey.
Apex Hospital is one of the leading infertility and IVF centers in North India with deep expertise in modern fertility treatments. Call us at 91680 39000 to discuss your pregnancy goals.
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