HYDERABAD: Imagine yourselves in the shoes of a couple, both aged 50 years and above, who have just lost their only child to a tragic accident. Years ago, a couple from Hyderabad found themselves in this very situation. With all but a faint glimmer of hope, they approached a gynaecologist specialising in In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) who could help them become parents again. Hundreds of such couples have found a new lease of life over the years due to IVF. Today, July 25, marks the fortieth anniversary of the day the first baby conceived through IVF was born in the country.
However, it is not an easy road for women aged above 50 who look towards IVF in the hopes of getting pregnant. Doctors maintain that they are cautious while considering such cases. Specialists say that when a woman crosses 50, both she and her child are at elevated risk during pregnancy.
“As people grow old, their bodies can have many complications. Such women might not be able to cope with nine months of pregnancy. We consider all these factors before proceeding with IVF,” says Dr G Preethi Reddy, a consultant at the infertility department at Birthright by Rainbow Children’s Hospital.
Dr Nirmala Agarwal, an IVF specialist at Juhi Fertility Centre said that, due to these issues, she did not recommend IVF for women aged above 50.
Most hopes get shattered
For most couples undergoing IVF, it is their last hope of becoming biological parents. Since the couples have a lot riding on the line, they are provided with counselling at every step of the process.
However, specialists say that there is nothing that can prepare a couple from disappointment when the treatment fails. Dr Naresh Vadlamani, general secretary of Indian Psychiatric Society - South Zone said that there were multiple cases of couples slipping into a severe form of depression. “Many of them lose all hope in life,” he said.