CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Incredible, New Low-Cost IVF Procedure Could Change the Future of Fertility Treatments

save article
profile picture of Kylie McConville
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image
Image: Thinkstock

In May, Marybeth Scheidts gave birth to a healthy baby boy with her husband, David Levy, thanks to a new technique using modern, low-cost DNA sequencing to check for whole chromosome abnormalities and specific gene defects before the embryo is implanted into a mother’s womb. The new technique, used in in vitro fertilization (IVF), helped Marybeth and David conceive after four years of trying for a baby and could help thousands of other women become mothers.

According to Reuters, the screening of embryos during the IVF process is mostly used in older women who are at a higher risk for chromosomal abnormalities. It is also used in women who have recurrent miscarriages. Scientists now say that the birth of baby boy Levy proves the validity of the genome screening, but more clinical trials are needed before the wide use of the new system is approved. Currently, only about 30 percent of embryos selected during IVF actually implant successfully. Research sites chromosomal defects are a major factor in the 70 percent of failures.

During a woman’s early 30s, one-quarter of embryos are abnormal. Into her late 30s and early 40s, the number of abnormal embryos sky rockets to three-quarters. In the UK, the cost of chromosomal screening adds anywhere from  £2,000 and £3,00 to the total cost of IVF procedures. In the U.S., it cost Marybeth and her husband $6,000 for the test to be done in Pennsylvania. Dr. Dagan Wells from Oxford University said, “Current tests are adding a significant amount of money on to an already expensive procedure and that is limiting access; most patients are having to pay for this out of pocket themselves.”

Scientists believe that the new method of screening will be substantially cheaper than the techniques that are available to couples now. Wells told Reuters, “We can do this at a cost which is about a half to two-thirds of what current chromosome screening costs are. If further randomized trials confirm this, we could reach a point where there is a very strong economic argument that this should be offered very widely — perhaps to the majority of IVF patients.” Within 24 hours, the new tests can ensure the correct number of chromosomes are present.

Would you try this new treatment? Do you think it will improve IVF success rates?

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

dads denied ivf by insurance write children's book "you come from love"
Dad Initially Denied IVF by Insurance Pens Children’s Book
By Wyndi Kappes
twin baby feet in black and white
Record-Breaking Twins Are Born From Embryos Frozen 30 Years Ago
By Wyndi Kappes
liquid nitrogen straws with frozen embryos and egg cells
Frozen Embryos Linked to Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
kourtney kardashian and travis barker at the oscars
Kourtney Kardashian Opens About Her IVF Journey With Travis Barker
By Nehal Aggarwal
parent holds newborn in hospital after birth
California Couple Sues Fertility Clinic Over Devastating IVF Mix-Up
By Nehal Aggarwal
IVF: What to Know About in Vitro Fertilization
IVF: What to Know About in Vitro Fertilization
By Maggie Overfelt
bravo tv star writes book for children explaining infertility
Bravo TV Star’s New Book Wants to Teach Kids IVF Is Totally Normal
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
actress amy schumer posts about her egg retrieval procedure
Amy Schumer Is Staying Positive Through Egg Retrieval Procedure
By Nehal Aggarwal
amy schumer with chris fischer
Amy Schumer Reveals IVF Struggle and Reaches Out to Fans for Support
By Nehal Aggarwal
mina starsiak hawk opens up about her infertility struggles on instagram
HGTV Star Mina Starsiak Reveals Infertility Struggle and IVF Journey
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
new parents happily holding their newborn baby
This Picture Book Wants to Teach Kids That IVF Is Completely Normal
By Nehal Aggarwal
chrissy teigen and john legend sitting together at en event
John Legend Gets Real on How IVF Changed His Relationship With Teigen
By Nehal Aggarwal
mom opens up about her decision to have her children via reciprocal ivf
How Reciprocal IVF Let Two Moms Both Be a Part of Creating Their Baby
By Christina Bailey
ADVERTISEMENT
birthday cake with confetti sprinkles
World’s First IVF Baby Celebrates 41st Birthday
By Stephanie Grassullo
doctor folding his arms in medical environment
Mom Claps Back at Doctor Who Said IVF Allows ‘Disease-Prone’ People to Have Babies
By Stephanie Grassullo
Baby born with genes from three different people.
How a Baby in Greece Was Born With Genes From Three People
By Stephanie Grassullo
woman reflects on her emotional ivf journey
New Mom Reflects on the Emotional Roller Coaster That Is IVF
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
woman at work looking at her phone
Women Want Fertility Benefits So Badly They're Willing to Switch Jobs, Survey Reveals
By Stephanie Grassullo
image of one couple's rainbow baby and the process of ivf represented in the fertility treatment shots.
Powerful IVF Newborn Photo Celebrates Parents' Rainbow Baby
By Stephanie Grassullo
john legend with pregnant wife, chrissy teigen
Chrissy Teigen, Honest as Ever, Defends Fan Who Asks About IVF
By Laurie Ulster
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List