IVF is becoming an ever more popular- and often necessary- procedure for women looking to get pregnant. As the IVF rate increases, information has become more widely available, yet it is often hard to know what is fact or fiction. Dr Andrew Zuschmann is a fertility expert from Demeter Fertility, and combines the latest techniques and innovations to give the most sensitive patient care.Dr. Zuschmann answers our questions about how to approach IVF, the possible risks that may come with the procedure and what new technologies are becoming available to future parents.
RESCU: Australia is considered one of the lucky countries when it comes to IVF – can you explain why this might be?
Dr. Andrew Zuschmann: A number of Australian researchers were at the forefront when IVF started. This interest and commitment to research has continued, hence results with IVF in Australia are world-class.
On the funding side, we’re quite lucky that there’s good support from Medicare and private health funds, making IVF more affordable in Australia than some other countries. On top of this, IVF is more available to the population, with less government restrictions on eligibility than in some countries.
RESCU: Infertility seems to becoming more and more common. Statistically, is it really? And, if so, why might this be?
Dr. Andrew Zuschmann: More and more babies are being born with the assistance of IVF, but it’s difficult to know whether infertility per se is on the rise. Some older studies suggest stable rates of infertility, but we’re seeing lifestyle changes, such as older mums which means that IVF is being utilised more. The ways society considers IVF has changed, and it’s spoken about more and more, and has become very mainstream. Most of us personally know someone who’s been through IVF, so perhaps this is driving the perception that infertility is becoming more common.
RESCU: What are the first steps couples looking in to IVF should take?
Dr. Andrew Zuschmann: We need to come back a step here- the population needs education as to when to seek help when they’re not successful. Standard timeframes are mentioned below.
If you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive naturally for at least 12 months, or you are over 35 and have been trying for 6 months then you should get a referral from your GP to see a fertility specialist. During your first consultation you’ll learn more about why you’ve not conceived so far. Usually, there will be a few tests conducted to learn the cause of infertility and then we work through what your best treatment options are.
The family doctor is the first port of call for a couple (or individual) concerned that they may need help getting pregnant. The family doctor may organise some tests, or arrange referral to a fertility specialist for further investigation.
There’s lots of treatment options available, depending on the diagnosis, with Medically Assisted Reproduction being the most involved.
The internet is a great place to get information, but it’s important to stick to reputable sites. Couples may like to research their local Fertility Specialists online.
RESCU: Health-wise, what should couples be aware of when looking into IVF? Do you need to be in good shape physically and what are some of the risks involved?
Dr. Andrew Zuschmann: It’s fair to say that success rates with IVF are optimised as a couple’s health is optimised. It’s important to exercise, and minimise toxins. Often, there’s a balance that needs to be attained between maximising lifestyle factors and choosing intervention, that becomes a very individual decision.
The medications and processes used with IVF are very safe, without longterm concerns. There are a few important complications to be aware of, which need to be individualised.
RESCU: Recently the world’s first baby using timelapse (Eeva) IVF was born. Can you explain what timelapse IVF is?
Dr. Andrew Zuschmann: From a couple’s point of view, the IVF treatment experience is the same whether or not time-lapse is used. The difference is in the lab.
Embryos are created in the lab, with a scientist checking on them on a daily basis. Adding time-lapse video means that the embryos undergo constant surveillance, allowing us to see (via a computer program) what goes on between the once-daily check by the scientist. It’s interesting technology, adding another parameter to select the best embryo for transfer. Ultimately, though, all ongoing embryos still have a chance of achieving pregnancy, so this test perhaps only alters the order in which a cohort of embryos are utilised.
RESCU: Can you tell us about any other new IVF technologies that are emerging?
Dr Andrew Zuschmann: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an area receiving a lot of attention at the moment. Embryos can have a single cell extracted very early on, without causing harm to the embryo. We’re able to analyse the chromosomes (genetic makeup) of this cell very quickly, enabling us to only utilise those embryos with normal chromosomes (knowing that abnormal chromosomes is a major cause of miscarriage). PGD allows us to help many couples who carry a known genetic disorder as well.
On the patient side, we’re developing simpler, more patient-friendly treatment protocols that minimise injections and blood tests, whilst maintaining excellent pregnancy rates.
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