In the modern world, a number of contraception approaches are deliberately used to prevent pregnancy. However, the soaring cases of infertility have got us wondering whether such methods are still used the way they were used a decade back. Maybe largely utilized by unmarried individuals and basically those with no desire to build a family, but for others, such barriers are obviously out ruled.
In the 60s, Britain legalized the use of oral contraceptive pills and many other contraception barriers like condoms, intrauterine devices among others were already in use. The same story doesn’t differ from that of other countries in Asia, Africa, America and entire Europe. Some of the major reasons for legalizing the use of such barriers were to prevent wanted pregnancies, abortion, and lessen the number of babies available for adoption.
Decades down the road, the rate of childlessness among reproductive men and women is another concern that even proves to be disheartening. What might have gone wrong as tables currently focus on reproduction than reducing birth rates?
A Glance at Infertility before 1978!
Although infertility is a common topic today, history reveals a number of infertility cases that stretch back to the era of the AD. During this time, infertility was more blamed on women, which is still the same fact today. However, the cases of infertility weren’t many like the way they are right now. Statistics don’t provide proof for the rates of infertility in the previous centuries, but current studies indicate that men and women equally affected by the disease.
The Escape from Infertility
Modern science has provided a number of infertility solutions, but IVF proves to be the best of them all. IVF “In Vitro Fertilization” was initially termed as ‘test tube baby’ a treatment that requires eggs and sperms to be manually combined in a Petri dish. The formed embryo is then transferred back to the woman’s womb for development.
Although this practice gained fame in the 2000s, the first successful IVF attempt to result in a live birth was performed in 1977. In July 1978, the first IVF baby called Louise Brown was born and she shared all the features that thousands of babies share once they are born. However, her birth is a major breakthrough in the history of humankind and currently serves as an array of hope to a number of couples struggling with infertility.
The IVF treatment basically begins with ovarian stimulation after which the eggs are retrieved surgically. Once obtained, they are combined with washed sperms for an embryo to occur. The embryo is later screened to check for any genetic condition or deformities that may prevent implantation. The embryo is afterwards introduced in the woman’s uterus for development.
Apart from IVF, a number of infertility solutions like ICSI “intracytoplasmic sperm injection”, where a single sperm is directly injected into the egg for fertilization to occur. Another is IUI “Intrauterine insemination”, where the sperms are introduced into the body through an injection are also reliable infertility solutions.
Due to technology advancements, related solutions like artificial wombs, human cloning, and uterus implants are also performed. To increase the treatment success, laparoscopic procedures to correct any problem with the female reproductive system or the male reproductive system are performed.
Can We All Rely on IVF?
A number of studies prove IVF to be the best infertility treatment in the current era. In the real sense, the treatment is obviously effective with the highest success rates according to research. On a good note, the treatment isn’t associated with birth defects that generally restrict some couples from utilizing other ART treatments.
However, the fertility expert’s expertise and experience are fundamental factors for a successful treatment. Couples are also encouraged to evaluate their lifestyles, dietary approaches as some of the ways to lessen infertility cases today.