Infertility is a silent struggle impacting millions of couples globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in six people globally are affected by infertility. Despite these challenges in vitro fertilization (IVF) offers a hopeful path to parenthood. Great advances in fertility medicine have been made since the world’s first successful IVF birth in 1978.
The journey to parenthood through IVF is not just a medical procedure; it is a shared experience that requires resilience and determination. Many couples start with the disappointment of infertility, undergoing various tests and consultations with specialists. Dr. Nadia Najjari, a Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at HealthPlus Fertility Center, part of the M42 group, explains how IVF can assist individuals and couples facing challenges with natural conception.
“Infertility is more common than many realize and can be an emotionally and physically challenging experience. For those facing infertility, the journey can be overwhelming, filled with medical appointments, tests and difficult decisions,” says Dr. Najjari.
The IVF process for women involves a significant physical commitment, including daily hormone injections and egg retrieval procedures, making support from partners, family and friends essential. Men, although experiencing less visible physical demands, play a critical role in the process as well. HealthPlus Fertility’s newly launched HOWA Men’s Health Clinic offers advanced IVF treatments for male infertility, providing personalized and compassionate care to achieve the best possible outcomes. Additionally, it is also essential for patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle before starting IVF, as factors like obesity, smoking and stress can impact success rates.
Who can benefit from IVF?
IVF addresses various fertility issues and may be considered for:
Reduced egg reserve or ovulation issues.
Endometriosis, where the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus, affecting fertility.
Male factor infertility, including decreased sperm quality.
Genetic disorders: Couples at risk of passing on genetic disorders can utilize IVF alongside pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) to ensure healthy embryos.