What is personalized medicine? How is IVF treatment personalized?
24 January 2025What is personalized medicine? How is IVF treatment personalized?
In recent years, personalized medicine has become a game-changer in healthcare, offering tailored treatment approaches that consider individual differences in genetics, lifestyle, and environment. This tailored approach has found its way into various fields of medicine, including fertility care, where it plays a crucial role in enhancing the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
We believe in the power of personalized care and how it can positively impact IVF treatment outcomes. In this blog, we will explore the concept of personalized medicine and how it revolutionizes the IVF process for individuals or couples seeking to grow their families.
What is personalized medicine?
Personalized medicine, also known as precision medicine, refers to a medical approach that customizes healthcare based on an individual’s unique characteristics. These characteristics can include:
- Medical history: The patient’s previous health conditions or family history of diseases.
- Lifestyle: Behaviors such as diet, exercise, and stress levels.
- Environment: External factors like exposure to pollutants or chemicals.
- Genetics: The DNA and genes that contribute to a person’s overall health and predispositions.
Unlike the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach, personalized medicine recognizes that each person’s body functions differently, and therefore, medical interventions should be adapted to suit the individual’s specific needs. This leads to more effective treatments, reduced side effects, and better outcomes.
How does personalized medicine apply to IVF?
IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is one of the most advanced and widely used fertility treatments today. While IVF has helped millions of couples conceive, not every IVF cycle is the same. In fact, IVF success depends on various factors, including the woman’s age, ovarian reserve, hormone levels, and the presence of any underlying fertility conditions.
This is where personalized medicine comes into play. By tailoring the IVF process to an individual’s unique characteristics, healthcare providers can enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the time and cost involved in multiple IVF cycles.
Here’s how IVF treatment is personalized:
1. Genetic screening and Counseling
One of the most important aspects of personalized IVF treatment is genetic screening. Genetic tests can help identify potential genetic issues that might affect the success of IVF, such as chromosomal abnormalities that could lead to conditions like Down syndrome or miscarriages.
Mutation in certain genes and receptors like FSH and LH hormone receptors may change the requirement of hormones for stimulation. On the other hand some pro-inflammatory genes’ upregulation may reduce chances of good quality embryos and increase chances of miscarriage.
In addition, some individuals may carry genes that predispose them to certain health conditions that could impact pregnancy, such as cystic fibrosis or thalassemia. By conducting pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), fertility specialists can screen embryos for these conditions before they are implanted, ensuring that only healthy embryos are selected.
Genetic counseling is also a crucial part of the personalized IVF approach. This involves discussing the results of genetic tests with the couple, explaining any risks, and making recommendations for the next steps.
2. Customized ovarian stimulation protocols
Ovarian stimulation is a key component of the IVF process. The goal is to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which can then be fertilized in the lab. However, every woman’s ovaries respond differently to stimulation, depending on factors such as age, hormonal profile, and ovarian reserve. Other factors like weight, BMI and previous response to similar medicines may also change Stimulation protocol and results.
Personalized IVF treatment involves using specific ovarian stimulation protocols based on individual characteristics. One such approach is Individualized Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (iCOS) in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a personalized approach to stimulate the ovaries. It tailors treatment based on a patient’s characteristics like age and ovarian reserve. By adjusting medication doses, iCOS aims to improve egg quality and quantity, minimize risks like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and enhance pregnancy success rates.
By customizing the stimulation process, fertility specialists aim safer and more successful treatment.
3. Hormonal assessment and regulation
Hormonal imbalances can significantly affect fertility, and personalized IVF treatment takes this into account by monitoring and adjusting hormone levels throughout the process. A range of hormones is involved in the IVF cycle, including estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Before starting IVF, fertility specialists may conduct blood tests to assess the levels of these hormones and identify any imbalances. This allows for the tailoring of hormone treatment to correct the imbalance and create an optimal environment for embryo implantation. By addressing hormonal needs, the chances of a successful IVF outcome are greatly improved.
4. Embryo selection based on advanced technology
IVF involves selecting the healthiest embryos for implantation into the uterus. In personalized IVF, advanced technology is used to enhance the embryo selection process. One of these technologies is Time-Lapse Imaging. This technique allows for continuous monitoring of the embryos as they develop, providing detailed insights into their quality. By assessing factors such as embryo morphology (shape and structure), growth patterns, and cell division, specialists can choose the most viable embryos for transfer.
Additionally, Genetic Testing of Embryos (PGT) is a personalized approach that helps identify embryos with the highest potential for a successful pregnancy. With genetic testing, the chances of transferring healthy embryos with the correct number of chromosomes are significantly increased, reducing the risk of miscarriage and genetic disorders.
5. Personalized fertility medications
IVF patients are typically given fertility medications to stimulate egg production and regulate ovulation. However, not all medications work the same for every woman. Personalized IVF treatment involves tailoring the choice and dosage of fertility drugs to each patient’s specific needs.
For example, some women may respond better to injectable hormones, while others may benefit from oral medications. Personalized medication plans help ensure that the treatment is both effective and safe, minimizing the risk of complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and optimizing the chances of a successful IVF cycle.
6. Lifestyle and Dietary recommendations
While medical interventions are key to IVF success, a woman’s lifestyle can also play an important role. Personalized IVF treatments often include lifestyle and dietary advice to optimize the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
For example, fertility specialists may recommend certain dietary changes to improve egg quality, such as increasing the intake of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Regular exercise and stress management techniques, like yoga or meditation, may also be incorporated into the treatment plan to enhance overall fertility.
7. Emotional and Psychological support
Personalized IVF treatment also extends beyond physical health to emotional well-being. Fertility treatments can be emotionally taxing, and patients benefit from support throughout their journey. We understand the emotional challenges of undergoing IVF, and we provide counseling, therapy, and support groups to help our patients navigate the ups and downs of the process.
Conclusion
Personalized medicine has revolutionized the world of IVF, making it more effective, efficient, and accessible for individuals or couples facing fertility challenges. By tailoring the IVF process to the specific needs of each patient, healthcare providers can significantly improve the chances of success, reduce risks, and enhance overall outcomes.
At Bavishi Fertility Institute, we are proud to offer personalized IVF treatments that address the unique needs of each of our patients. From genetic screening to customized medication plans and emotional support, we are committed to providing comprehensive and individualized care. Contact Bavishi Fertility Institute today to explore how personalized care can help you achieve your dream of parenthood.
Author bio
Dr. Parth Bavishi
Dr. Parth Bavishi, MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology, brings over 12 years of invaluable work experience to his role as Director of Bavishi Fertility Institute, leading a group of IVF clinics committed to helping couples realise their dreams of parenthood.
Bavishi Fertility Institute is dedicated to provide customised and personalised treatments which are simple, safe , smart and successful. Bavishi Fertility Institute works with success and satisfaction for all at heart. Providing an ideal blend of professional treatment and personalised care.
Dr Parth had special training in infertility at Bavishi fertility Institute, the Diamond Institute, USA, and the HART Institute, Japan.
Dr. Bavishi is a distinguished expert in his field. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Bavishi is the author of the acclaimed book, ‘Your Miracle in Making: A Couple’s Guide to Pregnancy,’ offering invaluable insights to couples navigating the complexities of fertility. He loves to empower patients to make the correct choice by education both online and offline.
His exceptional contributions have earned him the prestigious Rose of Paracelsus award from the European Medical Association. Dr Parth has been an invited faculty at many national and international conferences.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Bavishi is an avid traveller who finds solace in exploring new destinations. He also enjoys engaging his mind with brainy puzzles, always seeking new challenges and solutions outside of the medical realm.
FAQs
Personalized medicine in IVF tailors the treatment to an individual’s specific needs, taking into account their genetic makeup, hormone levels, lifestyle, and other factors. In traditional IVF, the same general treatment protocols are often applied to all patients. Personalized IVF aims to increase the likelihood of success by customizing the approach for each patient, based on their unique characteristics.
Yes, personalized IVF may increase the chances of success for women over 40. By customizing ovarian stimulation protocols, monitoring hormone levels more closely, and using advanced technologies like genetic screening of embryos, specialists can optimize the IVF process, addressing age-related fertility challenges more effectively.
While personalized IVF treatments are designed to optimize outcomes, they are not without risks. Some of these include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) if hormone levels are not carefully controlled, emotional stress due to the intense nature of IVF, and the possibility of multiple pregnancies. However, these risks are generally reduced with careful monitoring and personalized care.
For couples with unexplained infertility, personalized IVF treatment can provide a more targeted approach by addressing individual factors that might not be immediately apparent. Genetic screening, hormonal assessments, and tailored treatment protocols help identify underlying causes that may be contributing to infertility, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
A partner’s genetic screening is crucial in personalized IVF, especially in cases of genetic disorders or inherited conditions. By screening both partners, fertility specialists can assess any potential genetic issues that could affect the pregnancy or the child’s health. This allows for more informed decisions, such as using preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to select healthy embryos for transfer.
Lifestyle and dietary recommendations are customized based on a patient’s specific health profile, which includes their nutritional needs, overall health, stress levels, and any underlying medical conditions. Fertility specialists may suggest diet changes, supplements, or stress management techniques like yoga to improve fertility and support the IVF process.
Yes, personalized IVF treatment involves a variety of tests and screenings, such as genetic screening, hormonal assessments, ovarian reserve testing (AMH levels, ultrasound), and semen analysis. These tests help create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the unique factors affecting fertility.
Personalized IVF treatments can offer long-term benefits by optimizing hormonal health, improving egg quality, and identifying any genetic or health risks early on. By addressing these factors during IVF, women can potentially have healthier pregnancies and improved reproductive outcomes in the future.
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