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IVF- Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to fertility issues, no other technology has had a greater impact than IVF. Currently, there are well over 5 million individuals worldwide who owe their existence to IVF, and this number is expected to grow significantly in the near future.

Despite the abundance of helpful information about IVF online and offline, there is also a lot of misinformation and outdated material circulating. The objective of this article is to address a few of the more frequently asked questions about IVF and to provide you with knowledge that may be beneficial when speaking with your doctor or visiting to IVF hospital.

What is IVF?

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely utilized form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that is employed to generate an embryo by circumventing specific factors contributing to infertility, including minor sperm irregularities in males, and fallopian tube or ovulation irregularities in females.
• In the process of IVF, a woman’s eggs are extracted surgically and subsequently fertilized within a laboratory setting through the combination with either a partner’s or donor’s sperm.
• Following fertilization, the resulting embryo is allowed to develop for a period of two to five days before being surgically re-implanted into the woman’s uterus.

Is IVF associated with discomfort?

• The majority of patients do not experience significant discomfort throughout the IVF process.
• Some women may encounter bloating during the ovarian stimulation phase, and there may be instances of light bleeding or cramping after egg retrieval.

Will IVF significantly enhance the likelihood of conceiving twins or triplets?

• This is the most common question raised by couples considering IVF treatment. The number of embryos to be implanted in the uterus is based on various factors.
• You and your doctor will collaborate in deciding the appropriate number of embryos to be transferred. Opting for a single embryo transfer eliminates the possibility of a multiple pregnancy.
• Nevertheless, due to the uncertainty of successful embryo implantation, numerous women opt for transferring multiple embryos. This will increase the chance of conceiving twins or triplets.

Is there any restriction while undergoing IVF?

• It is advisable for both partners to refrain from smoking at least three months prior to starting an In vitro fertilization cycle and before ovulation induction. The harmful effects of tobacco on a woman’s eggs have been well-documented.
• Similarly, alcohol consumption should be avoided from the beginning of IVF treatment until after the pregnancy test, and if pregnant, until the child is born.
• Inform your doctor of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, as some may interfere with fertility medication or embryo transfer.
• Intense physical activities such as aerobics, weightlifting, and running are not recommended during ovarian stimulation and until pregnancy results are confirmed.

What is the duration of the IVF process from beginning to end?

• The average duration of a single IVF cycle spans approximately four to six weeks.
• In this process, the female partner undergoes an ovulation induction protocol to optimize the yield of mature eggs for that cycle.
• Upon reaching maturity, the eggs are retrieved and fertilized with a sperm sample from the male partner, a procedure lasting approximately half a day.
• Subsequently, three to five days later, the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus.

What is the right age for IVF?

• In women over the age of 35, the success of IVF treatments may decrease due to the natural decline in ovarian reserve and egg quality.
• Nevertheless, the utilization of advanced ART techniques like PGS/CCS can enhance treatment outcomes by identifying and transferring only viable embryos, leading to improved chances of a successful pregnancy.
• Those opting for these procedures exhibit implantation rates similar to younger women, as the primary challenge often lies in identifying a healthy embryo.

Is there a possibility of any adverse effects associated with IVF treatment?

• Fertility medications have the potential to elicit mild side effects including mood swings, headaches, hot flashes, abdominal pain, and bloating.
• In rare instances, the use of fertility medication may lead to ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS), resulting in more severe symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, decreased urinary frequency, feeling faint, significant weight gain within three to five days, and severe stomach pain and bloating.

When is the appropriate time to seek guidance from a fertility specialist?

• Typically, individuals will consider consulting a fertility doctor after a year of unsuccessful attempts to conceive.
• It is important to note that the natural pregnancy rate for a fertile couple in any given month is approximately 20%, with approximately ninety percent of couples achieving pregnancy within a year of trying.
• It is advisable for the remaining 10 percent of couples to visit IVF hospital. Specifically, women over the age of thirty are urged to undergo a fertility treatment evaluation after six months of trying to conceive.
• Additionally, it may be advantageous for women over the age of forty to consult with a fertility doctor soon after making the decision to start a family.

What is the approximate cost of IVF treatment?

• Costs for IVF can differ based on the age and health of the patient, as well as the location of the treatment facility.
• Patients have the option to finance the procedure through various EMI plans or saving plans.

Wrap-up

In Vitro Fertilization has given a sense of hope in numerous couples embarking on their journey towards parenthood. It is imperative for individuals considering this reproductive choice to have a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of IVF, encompassing its procedure, associated risks, and potential outcomes.