Who should be treated with in vitro fertilization?
In vitro fertilization can be used as an effective treatment for infertility of all causes except for women with infertility caused by an anatomic problem with the uterus, such as severe intrauterine adhesions. It is generally used in couples who have failed to conceive after at least one year of trying who also have one or more of the following: – Failed 2-6 cycles of ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination – Severe male factor infertility (low sperm count or low motility) – Advanced female age – over 38 – Severe endometriosis – Blocked fallopian tubes or pelvic adhesions with distorted pelvic anatomy. Women that have had tubal ligation and are considering tubal reversal surgery as well as men that are considering vasectomy reversal surgery might also consider IVF. – Reduced ovarian reserve, which means lower quantity (and sometimes quantity) of eggs. A day 3 FSH and estradiol test and antral follicle counts are often done as screening tests for egg quantity (and quality).
