If pregnancy does not occur despite regular and unprotected sexual intercourse for 1 year, couples can resort to assisted reproductive techniques. Nowadays, successful results can be obtained in selected patients with Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and IVF treatment.
In order to increase the success rate of IVF treatment and to ensure that couples receive the happy news, it is important that treatment planning is made specifically for each couple. Before IVF treatment, with a series of tests performed on both women and men, both the underlying causes of infertility can be determined and information can be obtained about whether auxiliary methods should be used in the treatment process.1
Different tests are performed over women and men in order to determine the treatment protocol before starting the IVF treatment.
It is a special ultrasound examination performed for the purpose of integrated evaluation of the fallopian tubes, uterus and endometrial cavity. The procedure is completed in about 15 minutes.2
The AMH test, also known as the Anti Mullerian Hormone test, is performed to assess the ovarian reserve. AMH test results are extremely important in determining the treatment protocol to be applied during the treatment cycle. Blood tests are also among the tests performed.3
It is performed to determine the level of the hormone prolactin in the blood. Excessive levels of prolactin can prevent pregnancy from occurring.4
A screening test for sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, Chlamydia, Rubella can be performed before IVF treatment. These diseases can inhibit the growth of the fetus and lead to various complications.
It is one of the tests that provides the most important data in the diagnosis of male-induced infertility and the determination of auxiliary methods in the pre-IVF process. Spermiogram results, which provide comprehensive information about the motility, number and morphology of sperms, may also lead to changes in the stages of IVF treatment.5 After semen analysis, it is possible to apply for further examinations such as Y chromosome microdeletion test, genetic tests, testosterone hormone tests and testicular ultrasonography in men who are diagnosed with having no sperm cells at all.
Trial embryo transfer is optional. It is performed in order to evaluate the uterine response that may occur during the embryo transfer to be performed during IVF treatment. The results to be obtained can enable the customization of the procedure.
In addition to all these tests, for women, hysterosalpingography and additional ultrasound imaging may need to be performed. With the evaluation of the data obtained as a result of all these tests and imaging methods, IVF treatment planning can be carried out.
Reducing the pre-IVF treatment process to the test stages carried out only for men and women would be an incomplete approach. There are various factors that couples should pay attention to before IVF treatment. These factors, which can be attributed with lifestyle choices, can provide a positive effect on the treatment process.
Couples who are found to be suitable for IVF treatment as a result of physical examinations and tests performed need to make various changes in their lifestyle.
IVF treatment can become an exhausting process in which many physical and psychological restrictions may be required. A high level of awareness can result in couples being in the best mental and physical condition during the treatment process. Undoubtedly, these gains will have an impact over the treatment results.
Scientific research shows that Mediterranean-type nutrition can increase the success rate of IVF treatment for women under the age of 35, who are in the normal weight range.6 There is also a link between sperm quality and healthy nutrition in men.
It is recommended that women who exercise regularly during the process before IVF treatment continue their routine. Being at the ideal weight range has a positive impact on the fertility of both men and women. Excess weight can lead to hormonal problems, and in men, it can affect the quality of sperm, and in women, the ovulation cycle.
One of the reasons that leads to male and female infertility is exposure to chemicals. Endocrine disrupting chemicals can affect hormones, reproductive health, prenatal development. Avoiding chemicals such as parabens, triclosan, benzophenane can positively affect the success of IVF treatment.7
The duration and quality of sleep can positively affect the IVF cycle. In a study conducted in 2013, it was revealed that the fertility rates of the subjects who sleep 7-8 hours a day, was higher.8
All these measures considered apply to both women and men. The role of men and women in the formation of pregnancy is equal. Another factor requires attention is overcoming the stress brought about by the process. Yes, IVF treatment does not promise an absolute result, but it offers a very important opportunity to couples who, over the years, wanted to finally receive that happy news. In the process, couples need to understand each other and manage stress successfully.
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716
2 https://hsfc.org.uk/treatments/tubal-patency-test-hycosy/
3 https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/media/233052/acs-screening-test-before-fertility-treatment-202826-1.pdf
4 https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/prolactin-test
5 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21520-semen-analysis
6 https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/33/3/494/4828066
7 https://www.healthline.com/health/guide-prepare-for-ivf#lifestyle-tips
8 https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282%2813%2901207-7/fulltext
Not:Bu içerik genel bilgilendirme amaçlıdır, tanı ve tedavi yerine geçmez. Kişisel tanı ve tedavi planı için hekim değerlendirmesi gerekir.
