PROS and CONS of IVF

In vitro fertilization is an assisted reproductive technique in which medications are used to stimulate development of eggs which are then picked up and fertilization process is done in laboratory to form embryos, which are then transferred into women's uterus.

PROS of IVF

IVF serves as boon in following conditions :

Tubal factor: Fertilization process occurs in fallopian tube. If tubes are affected due to previous pelvic infections such as appendicitis/chlamydia/tuberculosis. IVF is the only treatment option to conceive.
Male factor: If sperm count is low, even less than 1 million IVF is the best option as sperm is injected directly into egg, which facilitates successful fertilization of egg.
Female factor: Egg reserve usually falls with age. For those women with poor egg reserve in order to reduce time to pregnancy IVF would be the best option.
Genetically normal baby birth: As the age of couple advances risk of having chromosomally abnormal baby increases. Certain genetic disorders runs in families. IVF certainly helps in such conditions. Genetic testing can be done on embryos (PGT - A and PGT - M). Genetically normal embryos can thus be transferred resulting in healthy baby.
Cryopreservation of gametes: Patients who are suffering from cancer prior to chemotherapy can freeze their gametes (egg/sperm). Cancer survivors can utilize gametes once they are disease free to conceive through IVF procedures.

CONS of IVF

Multiple Pregnancy: Even though one embryo may be transferred into uterus, it's possible that an embryo can split resulting in twin babies. In case of twin gestation mother's at risk of developing complications like Hypertension, diabetes during pregnancy, increased blood loss during delivery. Fetuses are at risk of growth restriction.
Empty follicle Syndrome: Usually each follicle contains an egg. During ovarian stimulation at times few follicles grow but may not contain egg. This may be due to inadequate drug dose or technique of administration or inherent genetic defect.
Emotional toll: IVF is an emotional process for which patient should be prepared physically, mentally and financially as well. Daily hormonal injections at the same time should be taken for about 10 - 12 days. Usually 1 or 2 embryos are transferred at a time. Not everyone will conceive at first attempt itself. Couple should not lose hope with one or two failed attempts
Egg pick up complications: Ovum pick up is usually done under anesthesia. Very rarely anesthetic complications could be anticipated. In hyper responders there are chances of complication like OHSS, condition in which there is fluid accumulation in peritoneal cavity, pleural cavity. Very rarest of rare cases injuries to ovarian vessels during egg pick up.