In vitro fertilization (IVF), commonly known as test-tube baby treatment, is a medical solution for couples who face difficulties in conceiving. IVF is one of the most effective treatments for infertility, allowing couples to fulfill their dream of having a child. The procedure involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body.

In simple terms, once the egg is fertilized by the sperm in a lab, the resulting embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus. If the embryo successfully attaches to the uterine wall, a pregnancy can progress, culminating in childbirth approximately nine months later.

IVF is often recommended for women over 40 facing infertility challenges. Apart from age, IVF can also address specific medical conditions such as:

1. Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, preventing fertilization or the embryo's journey to the uterus.
2. Ovulation disorders, leading to a reduced number of eggs available for fertilization.
3. Endometriosis, a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, affecting the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
4. Abnormalities in the uterus that lead to infertility.
5. Uterine fibroids, benign tumors that complicate embryo implantation.
6. Recurrent miscarriages, having experienced two or more pregnancy losses.
7. Previous sterilization or tubal removal.
8. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), causing hormonal imbalances.
9. Antisperm antibodies, which hinder fertilization.
10. Sperm-related issues, such as poor sperm quality, low motility, or abnormal shape and size.
11. Genetic disorders, enabling preimplantation genetic testing on embryos.
12. Unexplained infertility, where no specific cause is identified.
13. Failed prior fertility treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI).

IVF is also an option for women seeking fertility preservation before undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, which can affect fertility. Eggs can be retrieved, frozen, or fertilized and stored as embryos for future use.

However, certain medical conditions make IVF unsuitable, including:

1. Pulmonary hypertension
2. Marfan syndrome
3. Aortic coarctation
4. Advanced heart failure
5. Eisenmenger syndrome

For some couples, IVF may not be the first option. After a thorough hormonal evaluation, simpler approaches might be advised, such as:

• Regular unprotected intercourse
• Weight management
• Quitting smoking
• Other lifestyle changes

If these don’t work, the next steps include ovulation stimulation with fertility drugs or IUI, a procedure where sperm is introduced directly into the uterus using a catheter.

IVF boasts the highest success rates among fertility treatments, reaching up to 40% per cycle. Success rates are strongly influenced by the woman’s age, with the best outcomes seen in women under 35. Early diagnosis and timely assisted reproduction efforts significantly improve the chances of achieving pregnancy.

Author: Dr. Eriza Dwi Indah Lestari
(Medical Consultant, PRAMITA Clinical Lab, Jl. Bambang Sugeng No. A2, Magelang)