Changing times and increasing awareness about Artificial Reproductive Techniques (ART) today have given a world of hope for couples, who are unable to conceive naturally
Even as the world celebrates the 35th birth anniversary of Louise Brown, world’s first test tube baby, infertility is still considered a taboo in India and continues to be perceived so in many sections of our society even today. Infertile women are made to feel incomplete and unworthy of their existence. However, times have changed and so have perceptions. Increasing awareness about Artificial Reproductive Techniques (ART) such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), test tube babies and surrogate mothers, have led people to experiment and try different means to start a family.
Advances in scientific technology and clinical breakthrough in physiology and medicine have come a long way. IVF meant that even women without ovaries are able to conceive with donated eggs through this procedure. The advent of laparoscopic surgery has been a blessing for women suffering from painful periods, absence of ovulation, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids. Advances in laparoscopic surgery are such that it is possible to remove a large cyst and going back to work next day, completely pain free. Early Embryo Viability Assessment (EEVA) is non-invasive assessment test is designed to improve IVF outcomes by providing objective information that will enable us to predict embryo viability with a new level of accuracy.
With so much of awareness around, a good number of people are still hesitant about ART/IVF. Dr Vijayalakshmi G Pillai, chief medical officer - Head of Department, Infertility, Vijayalakshmi Medical Centre, explains why. “Lack of education, social stigma attached, opposition from family and society, cost factor, general perceptions of society are among the many factors people are not forthcoming to experiment in ART.”
She further adds, “Artificial Reproductive Techniques (ART) is no farce. From 1978, seven million babies have been born through IVF till date, which is proof enough that it is not a myth and real people are behind it. I am quite happy to be in this medical fraternity, which gives immense hope and brings a smile to many childless couples.”
There are many factors to be kept in mind before opting for fertility treatments. Bourn Hall Clinic is Asia’s only infertility clinic to have a clean room IVF lab which is very important to carry out procedures like Single Embryo (Blastocyst) Transfer. Dr Ganesh Lakshmanan, Regional Business Director – South, Bournhall Clinic suggests a five pointer:
1. Counselling is one of the most important factors in the whole cycle of the treatment. One should be well informed about the pros and cons before opting for the right treatment.
2. One should opt for a clinic where he can view the embryology lab also so as to make an informed decision.
3. Transparency of information and treatments is also important in order to avoid unnecessary hassles later.
4. A facility with a full time dedicated team of doctors and embryologists is a positive sign.
5. A clinic which has regular clinical and quality audits will make it more trustworthy.
“The cost of treatments will depend upon the type of anomaly causing the infertility. It may range from a few hundred rupees for initial consultations / counselling sessions to a few lakhs for medications needed for advanced procedure or surgical interventions needed or for surrogacy. Since some of medicines and procedures for IVF/ART are costly, medical insurance companies should include it in their insurance coverage of diseases. Also state and central governments must include infertility treatment for reimbursement.” adds Pillai.
- Sherene Joseph
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