This couple harnessed the power of AI to overcome IVF hurdles

The unconventional IVF story feels like it's straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Lisa and Prue's quest for motherhood unfolded like a captivating sci-fi movie, marked by determination and unexpected twists.

Little did they anticipate that the realm of AI would become a pivotal player in their unique IVF story.

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Diagnosis and doctor's guidance

In the throes of her mid-20s, Lisa confronted escalating challenges in her menstrual cycles.

"After laparoscopic surgery in late 2019, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, adenomyosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome," she told SBS.

Prompted by the doctor's advice to expedite family planning, the duo embarked on their emotional journey, initiated by a visit to a fertility clinic.

Amidst the whirlwind, the early chapters of their IVF journey were adorned with hope and excitement. 

With Lisa taking the lead as the carrier, they navigated ovulation tracking, blood tests, ultrasounds, and the involvement of an international sperm donor, yielding an unexpected 11 embryos – a number surpassing their initial expectations.

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Lisa (right) and Prue (left). Source: SBS

AI takes the stage 

A turning point emerged when their fertility specialist introduced them to an AI program capable of precisely grading embryo quality. 

Drawing insights from tens of thousands of historical embryo images, the AI algorithm offered a distinctive lens, predicting the potential for a genetically normal pregnancy. 

"We thought, if AI could enhance this part of the process, then why not?" Lisa said. 

"It would hopefully minimise the number of transfers needed and give us the best chance of success."

The initial transfer brought anticipation, followed by the sting of a negative result. 

They forged ahead, only to face the heartbreak of losing an embryo.

"On the morning of the transfer, we learned we lost an embryo to the thawing process," she revealed.

Despite the setbacks, the third attempt proved successful, ushering in joy and realising their long-awaited pregnancy.

Pregnancy limbo

Joy turned to uncertainty as the couple faced seven weeks of emotional limbo, pregnant but with low and slow-rising hormone levels – indicative of a non-viable pregnancy. 

"We felt like we were on an emotional roller coaster as we endured seven weeks of living in limbo - pregnant but … not," Lisa shared.

The emotional strain of awaiting a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy pushed them to the limits of resilience.

Confronting multiple IVF setbacks, the couple became more resilient and determined. 

Each setback provided valuable insights, with the AI program pinpointing the issue not with the embryos but with Lisa's body. 

"My body wasn't an optimum environment for the embryo to grow in."

This revelation led to tailored medication adjustments, reigniting a sense of hope.

RELATED: Using your superannuation to pay for IVF

An AI program helped look at the couple's fertility challenges from a new perspective. Source: SBS

A different direction

Approaching round three with a fresh perspective, Lisa departed from the conventional 'rest and repeat' cycle. 

Juggling night shifts around the embryo transfer, she discovered a unique rhythm that minimised nervous energy. 

"My transfer date fell between night shifts. I went to the clinic after working all night, had the transfer, went home to sleep, and then went back for another night shift," Lisa said.

"It seems silly, but in a way, I needed to keep moving, any nervous or anxious energy was minimal because my mind was busy and focused on work."

This unconventional approach emerged as their secret sauce for success.

The rollercoaster was worth it

Their fourth embryo held, bringing the couple nine months of anticipation and joy. 

In January of the following year, Sullivan made his entrance, injecting purpose and indescribable joy into Lisa and Prue's lives. 

The rollercoaster ride, filled with sacrifices, now felt worth every twist and turn.

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Lisa (right) and baby Sullivan. Source: SBS

Doctors are still the heroes, but AI is soon becoming their sidekick

In the realm of healthcare, AI is making waves, especially when it comes to supporting parents and children. 

AI is not just fine-tuning early diagnoses with advanced image analysis but also serving as a round-the-clock virtual assistant through savvy chatbots delivering real-time guidance.

Predictive analytics also enable healthcare providers to foresee and prevent potential health issues. 

Still in its early days, the future of AI in the medical world is exciting.

Originally published as This couple harnessed the power of AI to overcome IVF hurdles