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Since its introduction in 1978, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has completely changed the way people approach the concept of fertility. IVF use is primarily driven by infertility, and if the obstacles to its use are removed, it has the potential to increase dramatically over the next few decades.

The use of IVF is rising due to shifting cultural attitudes and demography. Globally, reduced fertility rates and gradually postponed childbearing have been facilitated by increased access to effective contraception, professional possibilities, and education. With birth rates falling between 9 and 32.6% in the second half of 2020 compared to 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic further aggravated these trends.

IVF use is directly related to its accessibility and affordability. Nations and US states are implementing laws requiring insurance coverage and providing subsidies to reduce the cost of raising children to stop the decline in fertility rates. Prominent companies are supporting fertility benefits as part of their social purpose and to recruit and retain staff, as the idea that reproduction is a fundamental human right is gaining money.

Rich urban regions with the lowest fertility rates and the oldest mother ages at birth correlate with the spread of established fertility clinics. Poorer places with lower incomes and population densities have fewer access to IVF. Fertility rates and differences in IVF usage by race and ethnicity are negatively connected.

Another factor driving the use of IVF is the increasing acceptance of non-traditional families, such as those with single and same-sex parents. Using donor oocytes, sperm, embryos, and gestational carriers, or third-party IVF, is a fast-expanding practice that now accounts for more than 20% of all IVF-conceived births in the United States.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and IVF

Artificial intelligence has significantly improved In Vitro Fertilization, boosted pregnancy chances, and reduced costs. However, it also raises ethical concerns like data privacy and algorithm bias. Balancing these challenges remains a critical task for the medical community and society. Despite these challenges, AI remains a vital tool in the ongoing quest for assisted reproduction and bringing joy to those seeking parenthood. For example;

AI in gamete selection

The current clinical assessment of gamete health focuses on identifying early quality markers, such as follicle size, oocyte morphology, and cytoplasmic characteristics. AI can be transformative in this aspect by removing the subjectivity of human assessment from the decision-making process and objectively ranking gametes based on quality. However, the use of AI for oocyte selection may be limited due to the practice of fertilizing all available oocytes. The most significant benefit of AI may come from the selection of sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a process currently performed by embryologists. Unsupervised AI could develop new assessment criteria for sperm selection, identifying new markers of sperm quality such as swimming patterns, direction of motion, or differences in sperm compartments. AI may also compute the optimal sperm-egg combination to achieve the highest success rate or determine whether IVF or ICSI is the best fertilization approach. AI has demonstrated proficiency in predicting fertility outcomes based on distinct ultrastructural details of mouse sperm, yielding high accuracy in classifying human sperm using kinetic parameters and sperm head morphology with a high concordance rate with current manual classifications. AI can complement current clinical practices while offering objective gamete selection to substantiate the assessment made by embryologists.

AI in embryo selection

Morphological assessment is the primary method to select embryos for transfer through direct visualization or time-lapse imaging. Both methods grade embryos based on their ability to reach specific developmental stages. However, these assessments are subjective and vary between operators and clinics, making standardization challenging. Consequently, morphological grading is limited in predicting live birth outcomes. AI can objectively grade and rank embryos using routinely generated images or time-lapse videos, aiding decision-making to transfer or freeze them. AI may also analyze non-invasive metabolomic and secretory profiles during culture, potentially improving culture media formulations and regimens.

Gene Editing and Its Implications for IVF

Although gene-editing technologies such as transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) have been known for over ten years, they still require customized proteins to target certain DNA regions. Chinese researchers modified non-viable human embryos in 2015 using the RNA-guided technology CRISPR/Cas9. This method targets specific areas of the genome, which are then digested by Cas proteins using a naturally occurring defensive mechanism. This makes it possible to introduce genes and change the nucleotide sequences of DNA. Detractors of this technique claim that it might alter human DNA in an inheritable way.

Automated IVF Laboratories

IVF procedures have evolved to enhance clinical outcomes. The advent of automation is a typical trend that most medical fields are now experiencing in embryology. For instance, electronic witnessing and the classification of embryos based on their potential for implantation are two examples of automated methods used in IVF laboratories. The IVF laboratory will likely see a number of its processes automated shortly. In this sense, artificial intelligence and microfluidics would replace human methods for manipulating gametes and selecting and cultivating embryos.

Developments in the freezing of ovarian tissues

Over time, reproductive technology has improved to address female infertility issues. Egg freezing and embryo freezing are popular options for slowing down biological clocks and preserving ovarian function in cancer patients. Ovarian tissue freezing, a new technique, is used for fertility preservation. Initially developed for cancer patients, it is now used for women wanting to postpone pregnancy indefinitely, as well as those with genetic disorders and those at high risk of early menopause. This innovative approach is particularly beneficial for those who fear losing their ovarian function due to radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Personalized treatment plans for IVF

IVF is an expensive and complicated procedure for couples. Personalized IVF involves changing treatment plans based on diagnostic results, genetic tests, patient preferences, observed reactions, or particular symptoms. This method yields constant success rates and guarantees a successful cycle. Treatments for each couple are customized as part of personalized IVF. Diagnostic results, genetic tests, patient preferences, treatment outcomes, or particular symptoms may be considered when creating this personalized care plan.

Based on diagnostics, personalized IVF techniques include natural cycle IVF and minimum stimulation IVF, with case-by-case dosage adjustments. Performing biomarker or specific genetic sign screening can improve the likelihood of success. Biomarkers such as anti-Mullerian hormone help diagnose reproductive problems and guide therapy decisions. They can also assess the degree of male infertility as well as subfertility and infertility. The optimal time for implantation is determined using an endometrial receptive array, particularly for women who have experienced frequent failures. In individualized IVF therapy, genetic testing of embryos is also essential since it lowers the risk of miscarriages. These techniques offer a more conclusive identification of infertility problems even after conception.

Personalized IVF methods offer numerous benefits for couples, including reduced physical, emotional, and financial stress, increased pregnancy chances, improved patient trust, and increased satisfaction, all of which can be achieved through a highly personalized treatment plan.

The shift towards Natural cycle IVF

The natural cycle "Drug-free" IVF is another term for IVF. Instead of utilizing medications to stimulate your ovaries to generate numerous eggs, a natural cycle IVF procedure aims to collect a single, naturally developed egg. This lowers the cycle's required dosage of fertility medications.

In conventional IVF, many eggs are extracted from the ovaries by injecting hormones, after which they are fertilized and placed in the lining of the uterus. Due to the high cost of medications and hormone injections, this procedure is costly. On the other hand, one egg is used in natural IVF, which is an easy and successful fertility procedure. The complex process of conventional IVF procedures increases the risk of pregnancy-related issues and adverse effects. As a result, compared to traditional IVF, natural IVF is more economical and successful.

Conclusion: The Role of MMC IVF in Shaping the Future of Fertility Treatments

Although the future of IVF is bright with these developments, it is essential to remember that the success of any fertility therapy primarily depends on the clinic's knowledge and attention. That's where Dubai's MMC IVF comes into action. MMC IVF, one of the top IVF clinics in Dubai, guarantees you a caring, knowledgeable, and trusting experience.

With a committed group of ART specialists and embryologists, the MMC IVF Team has offered reproductive options to over 9000 newborns since 1990. They guarantee excellent service and provide state-of-the-art technologies such as Time Lapse Imaging and PGT-A and PGT-M, having 27 years of expertise and a 20-year laboratory director. They also offer individualized fertility treatments based on a deep comprehension of infertility problems. For further information, visit our website info@mmcivf.com or contact us at +971 56 404 5330