World IVF Day: Giving Hope and Changing Lives

Highlights:

World IVF Day is observed on July 25th to commemorate the advancements in infertility and reproductive endocrinology, with a focus on assisted reproductive technology
It marks the historic achievement of Dr. Robert Geoffrey Edwards, Dr. Patrick Christopher Steptoe, and Nurse Jean Marian Purdy, who successfully performed the first in vitro fertilization resulting in the birth of Louise Brown, the world's first "Test-tube baby"
Falling fertility rates worldwide have made IVF and assisted reproduction increasingly significant in addressing infertility issues and boosting birth rates

World IVF Day, also known as World Embryologist Day, is a global healthcare event celebrated on July 25, dedicated to recognizing the significant advancements made in infertility and reproductive endocrinology.

This occasion brings together local and global medical communities, particularly those working with infertility patients, to highlight the ongoing developments in assisted reproductive technology.

A journey through infertility can be emotionally and physically draining, and you may not know where to find the best information.

As part of ART, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is used to stimulate egg and sperm production and may be recommended when other methods fail. In IVF, an egg and sperm are joined outside of the body in vitro – "in glass" ().

Assisted Reproductive Technologies - Types, Preparation, Procedure & Risk Factors
Assisted reproductive technologies include all measures involving the manipulation of gametes and embryo outside of the human body to help a couple conceive.

‘On this World IVF Day, Let’s bridge the gap to parenthood. #WorldIVFday #Infertility’

IVF Offers hope to Countless Couples

In vitro fertilization (IVF) offers hope to countless couples struggling with infertility. Assisted reproductive technology involves handling spermatozoa, oocytes, and embryos outside the body for reproduction.

Medical interventions such as embryo transfer, genetic testing, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo biopsy, preimplantation-assisted hatching, and gamete/embryo cryopreservation have brought joy to millions of childless couples worldwide.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) - Introduction To Infertility and Reproduction
Encyclopedia section of medindia gives a brief introduction to infertility and reproduction

History: World IVF Day

The history of World IVF Day traces back to the remarkable achievement of Dr. Robert Geoffrey Edwards, Dr. Patrick Christopher Steptoe, and Nurse Jean Marian Purdy. Their pioneering work led to the birth of the world's first "Test-tube baby," Louise Brown, on July 25, 1978. Dr. Steptoe, known for his contributions to laparoscopy, collaborated with Dr. Edwards, a geneticist with expertise in human oocyte development and embryonic stem cells, to perform early in vitro fertilization experiments.

Infertility affects a significant number of people globally, and falling fertility rates have become a concern. It's estimated that one in every six individuals of reproductive age experiences infertility.

In some countries like Spain and Japan, declining fertility rates have led to predictions of a population decrease by half by the year 2100. In this context, IVF and assisted reproduction plays a crucial role in addressing the declining birthrate.

Quiz on Infertility
Obesity negatively affects fertility in females. Find out why fat women have lesser chances of falling pregnant by participating in the following quiz.

Prevent Infertility by Adopting These Simple Lifestyle Practices

To prevent infertility, both females and males can adopt certain lifestyle practices.

Females can consider quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, avoiding late marriage/conception, engaging in moderate exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight
For males, it's essential to avoid alcohol and smoking, wear loose clothing, avoid illegal drug use, and also maintain a healthy weight

World IVF Day or World Embryologist Day serves as a small token of appreciation for the valuable work done in the field of assisted reproductive technology, contributing to the well-being of families and communities worldwide.

Reference:

In vitro fertilization (IVF): a review of 3 decades of clinical innovation and technological advancement - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1936357/)

Source-Medindia

Infertility - Causes - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
Infertility is a condition wherein couples fail to achieve pregnancy or if the woman has been unable to carry a pregnancy that results in a live birth.