World IVF Day 2025: Celebrating Hope, Science, and the Journey to Parenthood

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology that helps individuals and couples conceive a child when facing infertility or other reproductive challenges. 

The IVF process typically involves several key steps:

• Ovarian Stimulation: Hormone medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

• Egg Retrieval: Mature eggs are collected from the ovaries in a minor procedure.

• Fertilisation: The eggs are combined with sperm in the lab to form embryos.

• Embryo Development: Embryos are monitored for quality over a few days.

• Embryo Transfer: One or more healthy embryos are transferred into the uterus in hopes of achieving pregnancy.

IVF also allows for the use of donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, and may include genetic testing to rule out hereditary conditions. It can also be a fertility preservation option for people undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. 

IVF is a treatment option for a wide range of individuals and couples experiencing infertility or genetic issues. The following groups can benefit from it:

• Individuals with Fallopian Tube Concerns: Clogged or damaged fallopian tubes may prevent natural fertilisation. This makes IVF a suitable option as the fertilisation process takes place outside the body.

• People with Ovulation Disorders: Individuals who don't ovulate periodically or at all can have difficulty conceiving without help. IVF can assist by stimulating egg production and fertilising eggs in the laboratory.

• Couples with Male-Factor Infertility: Low sperm count, decreased sperm motility, or abnormal sperm can prevent fertilisation. IVF, perhaps in conjunction with procedures such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), can improve chances.

• Individuals with Endometriosis or Uterine Conditions: Conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids affecting the reproductive system can lower fertility levels. IVF can bypass some of these complications.

• Unexplained Infertility: When no specific cause is found despite testing, IVF is often recommended to increase the likelihood of conception.

• Genetic Disorders Concern: IVF and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) enable screening embryos for certain genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, and haemophilia. This reduces the risk of passing these conditions to the child.

• Fertility Preservation Needs: People undergoing cancer treatments or having other conditions like endometriosis or autoimmune disorders (such as lupus) may have compromised fertility. Through IVF, they can freeze eggs or embryos for future use. 

• Same-Sex Couples or Single Parents: Those using donor sperm, eggs, or embryos can use IVF as part of their family-building process. It is also commonly used by individuals or couples who choose a gestational carrier to help achieve pregnancy.

Do you consider it is just a day on the calendar? If yes, know that the day is a tribute to the strength of science and the resilience of the human spirit. 

World IVF Day is important mainly because of the following reasons:

1. Raising Awareness: Millions of individuals globally are impacted by infertility. According to WHO, it affects approximately 1 in 6 people, around 17.5%, consistent across high, middle, and low-income countries. World IVF Day creates a space for open and heartfelt conversations. This enables individuals and couples to open up about their issues without shame. Advancements in IVF and fertility treatments make more people aware that help and solutions exist and that they are not alone.

2. Celebrating Success Stories: Behind every successful IVF story is a journey of courage, patience, and unwavering hope. World IVF Day is an opportunity to celebrate those who never gave up on their dream of becoming parents. Every child born through IVF shows the power of strength and science combined. It was a reminder that families are built in many beautiful ways.

3. Honouring Medical Professionals: From embryologists and fertility specialists to researchers and nurses, thousands of professionals work tirelessly to make IVF possible. World IVF Day is a time to celebrate their hard work, innovation, and compassion. Due to their efforts, millions of families are holding their little miracles in their arms.

The use of IVF has expanded rapidly over the past decades. About 750,000 babies were born in 2019 from IVF, according to data from the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART). The annual volume of IVF cycles is continually increasing (roughly 6.7% per year), reflecting both advancing technology and increasing accessibility worldwide.

For individuals, families, healthcare providers, or society, World IVF Day is a call to actively contribute to raising awareness about infertility and advances in reproductive medicine. The following are the ways to participate:

• Share reliable information about infertility and IVF to increase public awareness and reduce misconceptions.

• Break the stigma by talking openly about the fertility challenges and creating safe spaces for discussion.

• Advocate for greater access to ethical and affordable fertility treatments in your community.

• Acknowledge and share IVF success stories to inspire hope for others on the journey.

• Honour the dedication of embryologists, fertility specialists, nurses, and support staff who make IVF possible.

• Join fertility awareness workshops, online campaigns, or community health camps.

• Listen with empathy and encourage mental health support for individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatment.

World IVF Day is a time to celebrate the miracles made possible by science. It's a moment to honour families affected by infertility and raise awareness about the many paths to parenthood.

Whether you're on your own journey, supporting someone else, or simply curious, this day is a chance to learn more about reproductive health. It's a unique opportunity to celebrate science-led new beginnings and the hope they bring.