IVF is one of the most fascinating discoveries of the 20th century. Nobel prize in medicine was awarded to Sir Robert G Edwards in 2010 for this amazing discovery. It has been about 40 years since the birth of the first child through IVF. Over 4 million people owe their existence to IVF. Despite this, many people are not convinced by this concept.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder, affecting about 5% of women. In women with polycystic ovaries, the ovaries are enlarged with multiple small cysts, which are nothing but the immature eggs which are not growing. These ovaries also have thick stroma which produces excessive androgens. They may also have an altered ratio of pituitary hormones- FSH and LH which interferes with ovulation. Excessive androgens are also responsible for acne and hirsutism.
Viagra tablets (famous as a blue pill) sell like hotcakes soon after its launch in 1998 and completed its 20th anniversary in 2018. It still continues to be the first line of medical treatment for a penile erection problem (Erectile Dysfunction).
Viagra contains Sildenafil, which was initially tested in cardiac trials. It was termed as a “lucky accident” when the nurses in the wards started noticing that these patients’ who received Viagra preferred lying on their tummy with embarrassment to hide their penile erections. It was then more studies were done to establish its role in erectile dysfunction (ED).
Testosterone is an important hormone for men. Produced by the testes, the hormone gives men many of their masculine characteristics, like facial hair and a deeper voice. It is involved with sperm production and sex drive. It also contributes to strength, bones, and muscle mass.
Low testosterone, also called hypogonadism, occurs when a man’s body doesn’t produce adequate amounts of the hormone.
Men who have Erectile Dysfunction(ED) are unable to have or maintain a penile erection that’s firm enough for sexual intercourse and satisfaction.
It can cause low self-esteem, performance anxiety, depression, and stress. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) may affect the quality of a marriage or intimate relationship. The good news is there are many safe and effective treatments.
Once a couple decides to go ahead with IVF(In vitro fertilization), the next concern is the IVF success rate and to decide when to go for IVF treatment. As we all know IVF has its limitations and a variety of factors influence the outcome. Some of them are under our control and some of them are not.
The outcome of an IVF cycle depends on the quality of the embryo which in turn depends on the egg quality and the sperm quality. Egg quality is mainly dependent on the age of the woman. As age increases, particularly in the late thirties, the chances of having aneuploid/ abnormal eggs increases.
ICSI( intracytoplasmic sperm injection) can overcome most of the sperm-related problems but severely abnormal semen samples can give rise to poor quality embryos, thereby compromising the IVF success rates. Egg numbers are equally important. Studies show that IVF success increases as the number of eggs retrieved increases up to about 15 eggs. Thereafter there is no further increase in the success.
