We all know someone who is struggling with the challenges of infertility, and many of us struggle ourselves. For couples struggling to become pregnant or remain pregnant, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has become a widely promoted solution, often presented as the most effective way to achieve pregnancy.
But IVF comes with a range of serious issues that are frequently overlooked. IVF has significant moral issues due to the routine destruction of embryos, and it also carries substantial medical risks for both mothers and children.
Despite its popularity, IVF is far from being the solution it is presented as. Restorative reproductive medicine, by contrast, offers an ethical, holistic, and effective approach to treating infertility, emphasizing healing and overall health rather than bypassing the body’s natural processes.
Here are 7 Reasons Why Restorative Reproductive Medicine Is Better Than IVF, adapted from our conversation with Dr Lauren Rubal this week:
1. Addresses the Root Causes of Infertility
- IVF Bypasses Issues: IVF often bypasses the underlying health issues contributing to infertility rather than addressing them. This approach may result in short-term success without resolving long-term health concerns.
- Restorative Medicine Targets the Problem: Restorative reproductive medicine focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of infertility, such as hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and conditions like endometriosis. Treating these issues promotes natural conception and overall well-being.
2. Higher Success Rates for Challenging Cases
- IVF Has Its Limits: Despite being a common treatment, IVF is not always successful, especially for women with complex fertility issues.
- Restorative Medicine Can Succeed Where IVF Fails: Studies, such as one conducted by Dr. Phil Boyle in Ireland, have shown that restorative reproductive medicine can achieve live birth rates of up to 32% in women with poor prognoses—cases where IVF had previously failed.
3. Lower Financial Costs
- IVF is Expensive: The average cost per successful live birth through IVF can reach $62,000, making it financially inaccessible for many couples. Costs rise even higher when donor eggs are used.
- Restorative Medicine is More Affordable: With an average cost ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, restorative reproductive medicine is a more cost-effective alternative. This affordability allows more couples to pursue treatment without the financial burden associated with IVF.
4. Fewer Ethical and Moral Concerns
- IVF Raises Ethical Questions: IVF often involves creating multiple embryos, with only a fraction resulting in a live birth. An estimated 93% of embryos do not survive the process - many are frozen indefinitely, killed, or experimented on.
- Restorative Medicine Aligns with Ethical Values: By working with the body's natural reproductive processes, restorative reproductive medicine avoids these moral issues.
5. Reduced Medical Risks
- IVF Can Pose Health Risks: IVF carries risks for the mother, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and potential long-term health impacts for children conceived via IVF. Egg and sperm donors may also face health risks.
- Restorative Medicine Promotes Overall Health: By focusing on improving the underlying health conditions that affect fertility, restorative reproductive medicine supports a healthier pregnancy and reduces medical risks for both mother and child.
6. Long-Term Health Benefits
- IVF Focuses on Short-Term Goals: IVF's primary focus is on achieving pregnancy, often overlooking the long-term health and wellness of the mother.
- Restorative Medicine Improves Overall Well-being: This approach emphasizes lifestyle changes and health improvements that not only increase the chances of natural conception but also contribute to long-term health benefits for the mother.
7. Less Financial Incentive for the Industry
- IVF is a Lucrative Industry: The IVF industry is worth billions, with significant financial incentives for clinics and pharmaceutical companies. This profit motive can drive the emphasis on IVF over other treatment options.
- Restorative Medicine Lacks the Profit Motive: Because restorative reproductive medicine is less expensive, it is not driven by the same financial incentives. This allows practitioners to focus on patient-centered care rather than profit-driven procedures.
