In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Rising success rate of IVF technology: Several individuals and couples are pursuing fertility treatments encouraged by the increasing success rates of IVF technology. As per a press release by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, in April 2024, the number of babies born from IVF increased from 89,208 in 2021 to 91,771 in 2022. It further states that 2.5% of all births in the U.S. result from successful ART cycles. Advancements in reproductive technologies have significantly increased the chances of successful pregnancies. As IVF becomes more effective and reliable, it boosts patient confidence, leading to a greater demand for these services. This trend is further supported by an increasing number of R&D practices, enhancing precision and safety in fertility treatments.
• Delayed onset of pregnancies: Career priorities, financial stability, and personal choices are some of the reasons driving the recent trend of delayed pregnancies. This in turn has proven highly beneficial for the in-vitro fertilization market. As more individuals opt to conceive later in life, fertility naturally declines, increasing the need for assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.  This shift in societal norms has contributed to the growing demand for fertility treatments, especially among women in their late 30s and 40s. Additionally, rising awareness of fertility preservation options, such as egg freezing, further supports the use of IVF among individuals planning to conceive later in life. As per an article by BBC, June 2023, HFEA declared that over 4,000 patients froze their eggs in 2021, in comparison to 2,500 in 2019.

Challenges

• Associated complications with IVF: The treatment can lead to several complications, including multiple pregnancies, which increases the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. OHSS is another potential complication that makes the ovaries swell painfully due to excessive hormone stimulation. Additionally, IVF sometimes results in ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo implants outside the uterus. Multiple IVF cycles can prove to be emotionally and physically draining for several patients. These factors are a threat to the in-vitro fertilization market, leading to lesser adoption rates for the treatment.
• Associated social stigma, and ethical, and legal issues with IVF: These treatments often face social stigma, particularly in conservative cultures, where infertility is misunderstood or viewed as a taboo. Ethical issues arise concerning embryo selection, freezing, and disposal. Furthermore, legal challenges exist around the use of donor sperm or eggs, surrogacy, and parental rights, which vary by country or region. This further complicates the access and regulation in the IVF market. These factors are restraining the in-vitro fertilization market growth, majorly in developing countries and regions.