Factors Supporting The Success of IVF That You Need to Know

Many factors can influence the success rate of IVF. Besides age, couples often face the problem of selecting the technique and technology of the IVF program used.

Along with the development of technology, currently, the percentage of IVF success is also getting higher. The test-tube baby method or in vitro fertilization (IVF) is suitable as a solution for couples who have been married for a long time but do not get pregnant. 

IVF Success Rate

The percentage of IVF success is one of the considerations for every couple. In Indonesia, the success rate of the IVF program reaches 1:3. This figure is based on data from the Ministry of Health in 2016, where there were a total of 7,000 IVF cycles with 6,092 successful new (fresh) cycles out of 1,701 cycles. Meanwhile, 1,551 frozen cycles have a success rate of 478 cycles.

This calculation was obtained without considering the influence of age, IVF procedures used, and the potential for infertility that could occur. Therefore, the success rate could be even better if you and your partner have younger age criteria, use the most sophisticated IVF method, and have less severe infertility problems.

Factors Affecting the Success of IVF Program

Many factors can affect the success of IVF. Below are some examples that can affect the fertilization process quoted from various sources.

1. Age Factor

The age factor more or less influences the high success rate of IVF. The highest success rate for prospective mothers who undergo the IVF program itself is in the age range below 35 years.

Therefore, it is highly recommended for every couple to carry out an examination as early as possible to find out the potential for infertility that can occur. Examination of the reproductive system is also very useful in calculating the chances of successful pregnancy in the future.

2. Methods and Technologies Used

The following supporting factor for the success of IVF is the method and technology used. The success of the IVF program is strongly influenced by medical technology and the techniques used because they are related to each other.

Thanks to advances in medical technology in the last few decades, fortunately, quite a few discoveries can help increase the chances of getting pregnant using in vitro fertilization methods.

Some of the benefits include optimizing the way to collect sperm for IVF to maintain the quality of egg and sperm cells to be more optimal. The storage process is getting less risk of damage so that it is possible to check chromosomes before the embryo transfer process is carried out.

3. Implanting More Than One Embryo

In IVF procedures, most doctors will choose one of the best embryos to implant into the uterus. However, a study published by researchers at the Medical Research Council in Bristol and the University of Glasgow said that implanting two embryos is better than just one embryo.

The existence of two embryos is intended to minimize the cause of IVF failure, especially for older couples. The reason is that the age factor is the main trigger related to the decline in the success rate of IVF experienced by most couples in the world.

4. Implementing a Healthy Lifestyle

One of the ways to increase the success rate of IVF can be done by implementing a healthy lifestyle. This activity can be started by regulating daily nutritional intakes, such as meeting the needs of vegetables, fruit, carbohydrates, and protein.

If previously you and your partner are heavy smokers or frequently consuming alcohol, then it is better to stop these habits while undergoing the IVF program.

It should be noted that smoking and drinking alcohol have a great potential to damage a couple’s fertility. It has an impact on women and has a negative effect on the quality of male sperm cells.

In addition, the high caffeine intake obtained by consuming coffee regularly also has a negative impact on the results of the IVF program. So, it is better to reduce this habit as well.

5. Managing Stress

In 2014, a study published by Human Reproduction stated a close link between infertility and high levels of stress. Referring to the report, as a result, many researchers and scientists believe that stress can contribute to the failure of the pregnancy program, although it is not a direct cause.

For the success rate of IVF to be even more significant, you and your partner should manage stress levels during the program. You can avoid stress by exercising, doing a hobby, or writing.

6. Avoiding Alternative Medicine

The majority of alternative medicine methods have not been clinically tested to cause complications in patients. Data from a study involving 800 women in Denmark also states that women who consume herbal ingredients tend to experience a decreased success rate following IVF programs.

7. Doing Acupuncture Therapy

Acupuncture therapy helps improve blood flow throughout the body, including the uterus and ovaries. According to several studies, women who do acupuncture therapy on the day before the embryo transfer process are known to increase the success of the IVF program.

So, there is no harm in trying this one therapy for those of you who are currently planning to undergo a pregnancy program using the IVF method.

8. Taking DHEA supplements

Taking Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements is also recommended to increase the chances of a successful IVF program. For information, DHEA supplements themselves can trigger an increase in hormone levels in the body.

In addition, taking DHEA supplements is also believed to optimize the quality and development of egg cells so that they can contribute both to normal pregnancy and childbirth.

9. Taking vitamin D

Although there has been no further research on the benefits of vitamin D for the success of IVF programs, in 2014, it was found that vitamin D deficiency has a high risk of lowering the success rate of IVF programs in 335 women.

Intake of vitamin D itself is pretty easy to get. You can take advantage of sunlight as a natural source of vitamin D. Regularly consuming foods such as tuna, salmon, and several types of seafood can also help meet the needs of vitamin D for the body.

Those are some of the factors that can affect the success rate of IVF. So that your efforts and your partner can produce the desired results, try to follow all the recommended obstetrician advice. In addition, also choose the best health facility that you consider to have a reliable track record in handling this procedure.