Preparing For Conception With ART
Approximately a third of adults in the United States have received fertility treatments or know someone using in vitro fertilization (IVF). While lifestyle and health history should be considered, countless families across the country turn to assisted reproductive technology (ART) to conceive successfully. More than 1 million babies have been delivered successfully with ART. From IVF and surrogacy to donor eggs and frozen sperm, the success of reproductive technology depends on a diverse set of factors.
How assisted reproductive technology works
Advanced reproductive technology coupled with fertility medication can boost the chances of conception. Reproductive technology works by manually fertilizing eggs with the selected sperm outside the body. The viable embryos are then implanted in the uterus. IVF is the most well-known and successful type of ART, but many forms exist. Other common methods include using surrogates, donor eggs, donor sperm, or previously frozen embryos.
Single pregnancies
There are additional methods to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies. Elective single-embryo transfer (eSET) is a procedure where a pre-selected embryo is placed either in the uterus or directly into the fallopian tube. Depending on needs, the selected embryo could be from a previous IVF cycle or a current IVF cycle that provided more than a viable embryo. Extra embryos may be set aside for future use or preservation by freezing.
How can I boost fertility?
Pregnancy is never guaranteed, but simple, effective lifestyle changes can boost fertility. All lifestyle changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider before implementation. Typical concerns include caffeine and alcohol consumption and high-stress levels. Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight will increase overall health and may improve the chances of conceiving.
Setting yourself up for success
As women age, the number and quality of viable eggs decrease, elevating the importance of strategic planning and assisted reproductive technology. Small lifestyle changes such as limiting caffeine, maintaining a healthy weight, and minimizing exposure to toxins can majorly impact the success of IVF. With a healthy, dedicated woman, healthcare experts can tailor treatment to the individual while raising the likelihood of conception.
