Scientific advances in reproductive medicine and the development of assisted reproductive technologies have created hope and the possibility for biological parenthood for many couples who would have been considered permanently infertile just 30 years ago. These advances have also fueled the development of a multibillion dollar fertility industry that has dramatically increased access to advanced treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Choosing when to move from trying to get your partner pregnant naturally to using advanced fertility treatments like IUI or IVF is a difficult decision. It’s particularly tough because of a few major factors. First, reproduction is a highly personal and emotional issue for both partners. That can make it difficult to make level-headed decisions. Second, there are medical risks to assisted reproduction that need to be considered for your female partner and for your future children. Third, logistical factors like timing, insurance coverage and money can play huge roles in decision-making. And finally, there are potential financial incentives that favor assisted reproduction that can bias the advice you get from fertility doctors.
Natural conception certainly has advantages. Sex is a great and fun way to connect with your partner. There are no costs associated with getting pregnant naturally. Natural conception also leverages the natural selection process in which millions of sperm compete to fertilize a single egg - and some evidence suggests that this weeds out sperm that are genetically abnormal or less functional. Although IVF is considered safe, population based studies do suggest that the rate of having a child with a congenital anomaly is slightly higher after IVF when compared to natural conception. Sex also avoids the medical risks and stress from medications that promote egg development that are necessary in most IVF cycles. Finally, there is also something preferable for most couples about doing it the old fashion way without any medical interventions.
On the other hand, assisted reproduction has many advantages as well. It is effective in couples with fertility problems when natural conception isn’t possible. It can be scheduled, and times to pregnancy are often faster than in couples who are attempting to conceive naturally. IVF also allows couples to screen embryos for heritable genetic diseases and other genetic abnormalities, which can reduce miscarriage risk and eliminate certain diseases in your offspring.
In the end, the decision to give up on natural conception and pursue assisted reproduction is a tough, personalized decision. Some of it depends on sperm quality, which is why it is so important to be proactive about male reproductive health. Simple actions like taking a daily supplement and modifying your behaviors can improve sperm quality to make it easier to conceive naturally. In the end, you want to have every available option and make the decision that is right for you and your partner.
