In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process that allows people who are struggling to conceive to have healthy babies. It involves monitoring the woman’s ovulation, collecting her eggs, and injecting them with the man’s sperm in a lab. Once these fertilized eggs grow into clusters of cells called blastocysts, they are transferred back into the woman’s uterus. So,
how does IVF work? How does it help people to get pregnant? If you or your partner struggle to get pregnant, you might be considering in vitro fertilization as an option for starting a family. In this article, we explain what IVF is and how it works, including exploring its pros and cons and potential costs.
What Is In Vitro Fertilization?
In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a procedure in which eggs are removed from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab. The fertilized eggs are then transferred to the woman’s uterus, where they implant and grow. IVF can be a helpful option if you have irregular ovulation, if you have low sperm count or quality, if you have a history of infertility or if you’re over 40 and have trouble conceiving. IVF is used to treat infertility in about 12% of all fertility cases worldwide. Many people think of IVF as what happens when everything else has failed. But for many, it’s the first step towards having a family.
How Does IVF Work?
IVF is a complex process and will likely involve several appointments and procedures over the course of several weeks. The first step is for you and your partner to complete a comprehensive medical evaluation and get appropriate treatment for any health problems. You will also both have to take daily injections of fertility drugs to stimulate your ovaries and produce multiple eggs. When your eggs are ready, they will be retrieved by inserting a needle into your ovaries and collecting them with a small syringe. The eggs will then be placed in a special solution and sent to a lab where they will be mixed with sperm to create embryos. The embryos will then be examined to make sure that they have not been damaged and that they are growing properly. The embryos will also be tested for genetic abnormalities. If the embryos look healthy, they will be placed in your uterus with a small catheter through your cervix.
Why Choose IVF?
There are many people who choose IVF to become pregnant, and their reasons for doing so vary. You may have a health condition that makes it hard to get pregnant, such as endometriosis or PCOS, but your doctor thinks it’s possible for you to get pregnant. You and your partner might both have fertility issues, such as low sperm count or quality, hormone issues, or your partner might be a man who is transgender and trying to get pregnant. You might also be over 40 years old and have trouble conceiving. These are all examples of people who might benefit from IVF.
What to Expect During the IVF Process?
The process of IVF takes several weeks, and you may have to go in for more than one appointment. To get ready, you should start tracking your ovulation. This can be done by recording the consistency and colour of your cervical mucus, keeping a record of your basal body temperatures, or using ovulation prediction kits (OPKs). When you are ready to start your IVF cycle, your doctor may recommend that you start taking birth control pills or use an intrauterine device (IUD) to trick your body into thinking it’s pregnant. You can also be treated with progesterone to help your uterus prepare for the embryo transfer. If you have had any complications with previous embryo transfers, you might be given a progesterone gel as a precaution. As the process goes on, you will also have to be careful not to become pregnant, as this can cause complications with your next IVF cycle.
Potential Downsides of IVF
While many people who use IVF successfully have a healthy baby, there are some potential downsides to the process that you should be aware of. First, IVF is expensive, with the average cost ranging from $12,000 to $16,000 per cycle. Health insurance may cover part of the cost, but you should expect to contribute a significant amount. IVF is also time consuming. You will have to carefully track your menstrual cycle, take daily medication, and attend appointments throughout the process. Finally, there are some small risks associated with the procedure, including mild cramping and bleeding during retrieval and mild to moderate cramping during embryo transfer.
Conclusion
In vitro fertilization is a complex process that can be helpful for couples who are struggling to conceive. It’s important to remember, though, that not every couple who struggles to conceive should jump straight to IVF. If you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your fertility and what options might be best for you and your partner. From there, you can decide if IVF is right for you.