Having difficulty conceiving a child when you’ve decided you’d like to be a parent can be heartbreaking. Infertility refers to being unable to unable to get pregnant after a year of trying. Assisted reproductive technology includes several different medical procedures that may help patients overcome fertility issues that have been interfering with conception.
Knowing the pros and cons of assisted reproductive technology can help you make an informed decision on whether to seek treatment for your fertility challenges. The team of fertility experts at the Center for Reproductive Health can help you understand your options for fertility treatment using assisted reproductive technology.
Pros of Assisted Reproductive Technology
There are several pros of assisted reproductive technology. When you work with experts in the field of fertility, you undergo a thorough examination which may help to clearly identify the cause of your infertility. If your partner has problems such as low sperm motility or low sperm count, you may be able to use donor sperm if needed.
In vitro fertilization is a safe procedure that’s been done for more than 40 years. Extra embryos created during IVF can be frozen for future use or donated to other couples who are dealing with fertility challenges.
Assisted reproductive technology provides conception options for people who otherwise might not be able to get pregnant such as single women and same-sex female couples. The biggest pro of going through with assisted reproductive technology is that many patients do end up experiencing a successful pregnancy. Technology continues to advance which is leading to increasing success rates.
Cons of Assisted Reproductive Technology
There are some cons that it’s important to be aware of before you decide to have fertility treatment. Having this type of treatment can be expensive and isn’t typically covered by health insurance. There’s no guarantee of success and it may take multiple rounds of treatment before you’re able to get pregnant or carry a baby to term. This could end up costing several thousand dollars. When treatment isn’t successful right away, you may end up on an emotional roller coaster as you feel hopeful for a while, but your hopes may be dashed if pregnancy doesn’t happen.
As part of your treatment, you may be give fertility drugs. These drugs sometimes have unpleasant side effects, and if you do get pregnant, they may cause multiple births. Being pregnant with multiples carries a risk of health problems for either the mother or the fetuses.
Deciding Whether to Pursue Assisted Reproductive Technology
The decision on whether to undergo fertility treatment is an individual one, and you have to weigh the pros and cons of having it done. The best thing to do is get as much information as you can so that you can make the right choice for your situation.
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant without success, don’t give up hope without finding out your options. Reach out to the Center for Reproductive Health for more information or to set up a consultation.
