AI in IVF: Enhancing Success and Cutting Costs

Published Date : 13/01/2025 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves in the field of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), offering hope to the one in six couples affected by infertility. With 52,500 people using IVF in 2022, clinics are integrating AI to improve success rates and streamline the process. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), offering a glimmer of hope to the numerous couples struggling with infertility.

One in six couples face this challenge, and in 2022, approximately 52,500 individuals turned to IVF for help.

However, the success rates are not guaranteed, and the process often requires multiple attempts, which can be costly.

Now, a growing number of clinics are incorporating AI to enhance the odds and make the experience more efficient.

At the Avenues Clinic in north London, just a stone's throw from Euston station, the medical director takes us on a tour of a lab that boasts AI integration in all its techniques.

Dr.

Jyoti Taneja, the clinic's medical director, explains how AI software helps identify the healthiest sperm, eggs, and embryos, crucial for fertilisation and implantation.

During an embryologist’s assessment of a patient's sperm sample, individual male gametes appear on the screen circled in green with letters 'A,' 'B,' or 'C,' indicating the 'best grade' sperm.

Dr.

Taneja claims that this technology can save her team hours of work and lead to more successful and healthy outcomes, reducing the risk of miscarriage and other abnormalities.

One of the clinic's success stories is mum-to-be Laura Farrell, who transferred her embryos from another practice.

With the help of AI software, the clinic selected the best embryo for implantation.

Laura, now nine-and-a-half weeks pregnant, is thrilled with the results and believes that women should be aware of the AI capabilities when choosing an IVF clinic.

However, Laura also highlights the challenges in accessing IVF, including the high costs and discriminatory policies that can deny single women NHS help despite a confirmed infertility diagnosis.

She emphasizes that if AI can improve the chances of success on the first try, it is a fantastic development.

But she also stresses the need for more equitable access to IVF services.

The current success rates for IVF are low and vary significantly by age.

In 2022, only about one-third of women under 34 had a successful birth from IVF using their own eggs, and this rate drops to just 5% for women aged 43 to 44.

While it’s too early to see substantial data on how AI has improved these outcomes, Avenues Clinic consultant Ali Al Chami notes that AI has streamlined the process without taking over crucial medical decision-making. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: What is the role of AI in IVF?

A: AI is used to identify the healthiest sperm, eggs, and embryos, which can improve the success rates of IVF and reduce the risk of miscarriage and other abnormalities.

Q: How does AI help in the IVF process?

A: AI software can analyze and grade sperm, eggs, and embryos, helping embryologists and doctors make more informed decisions, saving time and improving outcomes.

Q: What are the current success rates for IVF?

A: Success rates for IVF vary by age. In 2022, about one-third of women under 34 had a successful birth from IVF using their own eggs, while this rate drops to just 5% for women aged 43 to 44.

Q: Are there any challenges in accessing IVF?

A: Yes, IVF can be expensive and certain policies may deny single women access to NHS help, even with a confirmed infertility diagnosis. There are also issues of inequality and discrimination in accessing these services.

Q: What is the future of AI in IVF?

A: As AI technology advances, it is hoped that it will improve the success rates, reduce costs, and make IVF more accessible and efficient for all parents. 

More Related Topics :