Thousands of Swedes May Conceive Faster with New Insights

In Sweden, a growing number of couples are facing challenges in conceiving, with many experiencing unexplained infertility. This issue has become increasingly prevalent, particularly among women over 35, who represent a significant portion of those undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.

As couples delay starting families, the age factor becomes critical. Research indicates that fertility declines sharply for women after the age of 35, with a notable drop at 38. While women may have regular menstrual cycles and a sufficient number of eggs, the quality of these eggs deteriorates with age, impacting the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development.

For couples like Daniel and Emelie Meurk Demerud, the journey to parenthood has been fraught with emotional and physical challenges. After getting married six years ago, they assumed that discontinuing contraception would lead to a quick pregnancy. However, after months of trying without success, they were diagnosed with unexplained infertility.

Statistics reveal that more than 40% of women undergoing IVF treatments in Sweden are over the age of 35. The selection process of embryos plays a crucial role in the success of these treatments. Currently, the method used in Sweden primarily relies on the morphological assessment of embryos, which evaluates their development and appearance. This approach, while common, is not foolproof.

After two years of marriage, Daniel and Emelie began their IVF journey, which started with hormone treatments to stimulate egg production. Despite achieving the retrieval of four embryos, they faced several disappointments before finally achieving a successful pregnancy after multiple attempts.

During the IVF process, women undergo hormonal preparations that can mimic the sensations of pregnancy, making the emotional rollercoaster even more challenging. Emelie shared that the experience of failed embryo transfers felt akin to losing a child, a sentiment that is often overlooked in discussions about fertility treatments.

Experts suggest that while the morphological assessment method is commonly used in Sweden, other countries have adopted more advanced techniques. In nations such as Finland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, genetic testing of embryos is employed to identify those with the highest likelihood of leading to a successful pregnancy. This method, known as Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), enhances the chances for women, particularly those over 35, by reducing the number of unsuccessful embryo transfers.

Research indicates that women aged 35 to 40 who utilize PGT-A testing could see their chances of conception increase from approximately 26% to 64%. Each year, around 2,500 women in Sweden begin IVF treatments with their own eggs, highlighting a significant demographic that could benefit from this testing.

Despite the clear advantages, PGT-A testing is not permitted in Sweden due to a 2006 law aimed at preventing early prenatal diagnostics. Critics of the legislation argue that current practices, which involve waiting until later stages of pregnancy to test for genetic disorders, may be more ethically questionable than testing embryos prior to implantation.

As discussions around reproductive technologies continue, medical professionals advocate for the inclusion of genetic testing as a standard practice in fertility treatments. The Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU) is expected to release comprehensive findings on this matter, which could influence future legislative changes.

In their pursuit of parenthood, Daniel and Emelie have decided to explore IVF options in Spain, where genetic testing is permitted, in hopes of expanding their family. Their experience exemplifies the emotional and physical toll of fertility treatments and underscores the need for advancements in reproductive healthcare to support couples facing similar challenges.