The first test tube baby was born more than four decades ago. At least eight million babies have been born through IVF since. So many people have had the chance to experience the joy of parenthood thanks to IVF.
This field has shown unrelenting growth since its inception, due to which its market size will grow to thirty-six billion USD by 2030. India has one of the most significant IVF markets, which will double in the next five years. Some of the best ivf centre in Punjab have had high IVF success rates in the previous years.
The global success rate in IVF is still lacking at around thirty-five to forty percent; it is directly dependent upon the following factors:
- Woman’s age
- BMI
- Sperm quality
- Quality of the eggs
Apart from these clinical parameters, some other factors have a significant bearing on the success of ivf treatment:
- The clinic/ hospital chosen by the patient
- The infrastructure in the IVF lab
- Temperature and air quality inside the lab
- Judgement of embryologists (based on their years of experience, hence subjective)
Although a bit disheartening, the low success rate in IVF implies that the doors to increased success in IVF treatment are still open with the help of new technology. A little technological advancement can lead a long way and fulfil many more families’ dreams of having children.
You must go through eight steps to have a successful pregnancy through IVF. The success rate decreases with each step. Here Artificial Intelligence can be a game changer in IVF. It can help in decisive decision making, improving IVF success rate with objective decision making.
Artificial Intelligence in fertility and IVF treatment
Determination of treatment method
AI algorithms can analyse large volumes of patient data, including medical records, genetic information, and fertility parameters. By identifying patterns and correlations, AI can predict the likelihood of successful IVF outcomes for individual patients. It assists fertility specialists in making informed decisions about treatment plans and recommending personalized approaches.
Embryo Selection and Grading
AI-based systems can analyse embryo images and evaluate their quality with high precision. By considering morphological characteristics, cellular patterns, and other relevant factors, AI algorithms can assist embryologists in selecting the most viable embryos for implantation, increasing the chances of successful pregnancies.
Time-lapse Imaging Analysis
Time-lapse imaging monitors embryo development and assesses its viability. AI algorithms can analyse these time-lapse videos to identify subtle changes and patterns that may indicate embryo quality and developmental potential. It helps embryologists make informed decisions about the optimal timing for embryo transfer.
Defining Stimulation Protocol
AI can analyse historical data from IVF cycles, considering factors such as medication dosages, stimulation protocols, and patient characteristics. By learning from this data, AI algorithms can suggest individualised treatment plans and optimise stimulation protocols, leading to more efficient and effective IVF procedures.
Decision Support
AI-based decision support systems can provide real-time guidance to fertility specialists during IVF procedures. By considering patient-specific information, treatment progress, and relevant clinical guidelines, AI can assist in making critical decisions regarding the timing of procedures, medication adjustments, and other aspects of the treatment process.
CHALLENGES
High-quality data
AI needs colossal amounts of data to train the algorithm to give accurate results. India still faces substantial digitization gaps in both rural and urban areas and between organised and unorganised sectors. So, We need to work on obtaining reliable data in large quantities.
Adaptation issue
IVF clinics in India might face issues adapting AI technologies from the existing infrastructure, which will call for a complete overhaul of their infrastructure.
High Investment cost
Smaller and local IVF clinics account for more than sixty percent of the IVF treatment market in India. They might need help making investments in IVF, which is expensive.
Lack of research data
Researchers still need more clinical data to disclose the level of impact AI can have on IVF and live birth.
CONCLUSION
By leveraging AI in IVF treatment, fertility clinics, and specialists can benefit from improved success rates, enhanced embryo selection accuracy, and more personalized treatment plans. It ultimately helps couples undergoing IVF to increase their chances of achieving successful pregnancies and fulfilling their dreams of starting a family.
