Happiness
tells a compelling and true account of how three pioneering individuals were able to successfully produce the first child through in vitro fertilization ever born, but the process may look a little different to modern science. In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is the scientific method that allows doctors to extract an egg and sperm from suitable donors, create an embryo by combining the two outside the uterus, and then implant the fertilized egg back into the body to continue the process. pregnancy in the uterus.
However, this revolutionary method is relatively modern, with the first individual born using this method being born in 1978. Before that, years of research and testing were required. led to the first successful IVF treatmentbut there was considerable trial and error along the way, as those on the cusp of innovation in this space struggled to refine and perfect the method. However, with persistence and variable testing, success was finally achieved using something called the natural cycle method.
How Joy’s “Natural Cycle” IVF Worked for Louise Joy Brown
The Method Behind Natural Cycle IVF
In any IVF treatment, an egg and a sperm are needed to create an embryo. These are collected from parents using the method or from suitable donors if the parents are unable to provide the required sample. In the film based on a true story, HappinessThe method that eventually produces the desired result is known as the natural cycle method. This means that the IVF treatment is administered around the natural cycle of the mother in order to increase the chances of success.
This method requires intense supervision, near-constant monitoring of the cycle through urinalysis, and collection of samples at the exact time they will be most effective. Although this obviously leads to a more laborious process, which requires a lot of support and monitoringit was the best chance for success for the pioneering individuals who were at the beginning of their journey of administering successful IVF treatments to more women on a large scale.
How the IVF process has changed since Louise Joy Brown was born
There have been many advances since 1978
Today, with many of the other elements of IVF, such as sample storage, embryo creation, and implantation, all being refined from early efforts, IVF may look noticeably different from what is shown on the Happiness end. Although natural cycle IVF is still an option for some, the chances of getting pregnant through this method tend to be considerably lower, which can lead to higher costs, as those wishing to use the IVF method may need to Do this several times before a successful deployment. , if they have one.
Instead, modern IVF often relies on the fertility medication assistance which cause a woman’s body to release several eggs at once, instead of the typical egg during a normal cycle. With multiple eggs, doctors can create multiple embryos and implant several to increase the chances of successful attachment to the uterus. However, this also increases the chances of having multiples in one birth, due to the body receiving several embryos at once.
What is the success rate of IVF today
The chances of IVF have steadily increased
Today, thanks to the more than 12 million children who have been successfully born through IVF, the method has improved and been considerably refined. THE the chances of success are by no means guaranteedbut there are more methods and tools to use to ensure success. However, conditions and success rates vary drastically based on the age and condition of the women receiving treatment and the sperm quality and count in the male sample. For this reason, success rates can reach 50-55% for women under 35 (through CDC), with visible reductions as women age.
Although this number is not incredibly high, there are many options that can be pursued and repeated efforts to successfully implement IVF. Of course, anyone considering this type of treatment will need to consult their doctor for accurate information based on their age and condition, but as a general rule, IVF has come a long way since Happiness. With new methods, tools, useful medications, and tests that can identify sample strength and viability, IVF is much more accessible and generally accepted today than it was in 1978, when the events of the film take place.