Infertility affects a significant portion of the population, with approximately one in six couples struggling to conceive. However, with the latest advancements in fertility treatments, there is newfound hope for those struggling to have a child.

Here are some of the most revolutionary advancements that are changing the landscape of fertility treatments:.

1. In Vitro Maturation (IVM)

In vitro maturation (IVM) is a technique used to mature eggs outside of the body. Instead of using hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries, eggs are collected before they have fully matured and are matured in a laboratory setting.

This is particularly useful for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), who are often resistant to conventional fertility treatments. It is also less uncomfortable compared to traditional IVF or In Vitro Fertilization treatment.

2. Ovarian Tissue Transplantation

For women receiving cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation that can cause infertility, ovarian tissue transplantation has been a groundbreaking fertility treatment.

This procedure involves removing and freezing ovarian tissue before cancer treatment begins, and then transplanting the tissue back into the woman’s body after she has finished treatment. The transplanted tissue will then stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

3. Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

Pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) is an exciting advancement in treating genetic disorders.

It involves testing embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation in utero, reducing the likelihood of genetic disorders being passed down to future generations. PGS also increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, reducing the risk of miscarriage and failed implantation.

4. Single Embryo Transfer (SET)

The use of single embryo transfer (SET) increases the chances of conceiving a healthy baby, while reducing the likelihood of multiple pregnancies.

In conventional IVF, multiple embryos are transferred to increase the chances of success, leading to a higher likelihood of multiple pregnancies, which carry additional risks. SET avoids these risks, increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy while reducing the risk of complications.

5. Three-Parent IVF

Three-parent IVF is a technology developed to minimize the risk of inherited mitochondrial disease, a genetic disorder passed down from the mother.

It involves taking the nucleus from the intended mother’s egg and placing it in a donor egg with healthy mitochondria, resulting in an embryo with nuclear DNA from both parents and healthy mitochondria. Three-parent IVF has offered hope to thousands of couples who previously faced the prospect of passing down inherited mitochondrial diseases to their offspring.

6. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world of fertility treatments. One example is that of IVF Embryo Scoring, a software that accurately predicts the likelihood of success in embryo implantation.

This allows fertility doctors to make better-informed decisions, improving the chances of a successful pregnancy.

7. Oncofertility

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on oncofertility, which aims to provide cancer survivors with fertility options after cancer treatment.

It involves integrating fertility preservation into cancer care, allowing cancer patients and survivors to have more options for starting a family after treatment.

8. Ovarian Rejuvenation

Ovarian rejuvenation is a relatively new treatment that uses stem cells to regenerate ovarian tissue. This technique can be used to treat infertility in women with early ovarian failure or premature ovarian insufficiency.

Ovarian rejuvenation offers a new hope to women who have previously been told that they can never have children.

9. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves injecting sperm directly into the uterus.

This procedure is less invasive and less expensive than conventional IVF treatments, making it an appealing option for couples struggling with infertility. IUI also has a higher success rate when combined with fertility drugs or hormonal treatments.

10. Natural Cycles

Natural cycles are a fertility treatment that utilizes a smartphone app that tracks a woman’s menstrual cycle to identify the most fertile days for intercourse.

This method is favored by couples seeking to have a baby naturally and is a less invasive and less expensive alternative to IVF. This technology allows couples to take control of the process, giving them greater insight into their fertility and the ability to conceive naturally with optimal timing.

These innovations have not only transformed the field of fertility treatments, but also given renewed hope to couples who previously thought they had exhausted all options.

With the continued growth of this field, it is likely that even more breakthroughs will emerge, providing even more options for those struggling with infertility.