FAQs related to the IVF procedure
IVF or In Vitro Fertilisation is a solution for numerous childless couples who are unable to conceive. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of treatments that are used to help with pregnancy or avoid genetic problems and to assist with a child’s conception. In this article, we will touch upon the FAQs related to the IVF procedure.
IVF is the most efficient and invasive form of assisted technology for reproduction (ART). You can do the IVF Cycle with your own eggs and the sperm of your partner. Or else, IVF can include a known or unknown donor’s eggs, sperm, or embryos. In some cases, it may be possible to use a gestational carrier (also known as a surrogate mother)— a female with an embryo implanted in her womb.
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In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex yet highly effective assisted reproductive technology that has helped countless couples achieve their dream of parenthood. This comprehensive guide addresses the most frequently asked questions about IVF, providing you with valuable insights into the procedure, its success rates, and what to expect throughout the journey.
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What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) where eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred back into the woman’s uterus with the goal of achieving pregnancy.
Key Points:
- IVF bypasses several obstacles to natural conception
- It can be used with a couple’s own eggs and sperm or with donor gametes
- IVF is often recommended when other fertility treatments have failed
Who is a good candidate for IVF?
IVF can be an effective treatment for various fertility issues. Good candidates for IVF typically include:
| Condition | Description |
| Tubal factor infertility | Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes |
| Male factor infertility | Low sperm count or poor sperm quality |
| Ovulatory disorders | PCOS or premature ovarian failure |
| Endometriosis | Severe cases affecting fertility |
| Unexplained infertility | No clear cause identified after testing |
| Advanced maternal age | Women over 35 with declining egg quality |
| Genetic disorders | Couples at risk of passing genetic conditions |
It’s important to consult with a fertility specialist to determine if IVF is the right option for your specific situation.
What are the steps involved in an IVF cycle?
An IVF cycle typically involves the following steps:
- Ovarian stimulation: Fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Egg retrieval: Eggs are collected from the ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure.
- Sperm collection: A semen sample is provided or thawed (if using frozen sperm).
- Fertilization: Eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory for fertilization.
- Embryo culture: Fertilized eggs are monitored as they develop into embryos.
- Embryo transfer: One or more embryos are transferred into the uterus.
- Luteal phase support: Hormonal support is provided to prepare the uterus for implantation.
- Pregnancy test: A blood test is performed about two weeks after the embryo transfer.
How long does an IVF cycle take?
A typical IVF cycle takes about 4-6 weeks from start to finish. However, this can vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific protocol used. Here’s a general timeline:
| Phase | Duration |
| Ovarian stimulation | 10-14 days |
| Egg retrieval | 1 day |
| Fertilization and embryo culture | 3-5 days |
| Embryo transfer | 1 day |
| Pregnancy test | 14 days after transfer |
It’s important to note that some patients may require multiple cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy.
What are the success rates of IVF?
IVF success rates vary depending on several factors, including:
- Age of the woman
- Cause of infertility
- Quality of eggs and sperm
- Number and quality of embryos transferred
- Overall health of the couple
According to the latest data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), the average live birth rates per IVF cycle for women using their own eggs are:
| Age Group | Live Birth Rate |
| Under 35 | 55.6% |
| 35-37 | 40.8% |
| 38-40 | 26.8% |
| 41-42 | 13.6% |
| Over 42 | 4.1% |
These rates are for fresh embryo transfers using non-donor eggs. Success rates may be higher with frozen embryo transfers or when using donor eggs.
What are the risks associated with IVF?
While IVF is generally safe, there are some potential risks to consider:
- Multiple pregnancies: Increased chance of twins or triplets
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Ovaries become swollen and painful
- Ectopic pregnancy: Embryo implants outside the uterus
- Miscarriage: Slightly higher risk compared to natural conception
- Egg retrieval complications: Bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding organs (rare)
- Birth defects: Slightly increased risk, though most IVF babies are born healthy
Your fertility specialist will discuss these risks in detail and take steps to minimize them during your treatment.
How much does IVF cost?
The cost of IVF can vary widely depending on location, clinic, and individual treatment needs. On average, a single IVF cycle in the United States can cost between $12,000 and $17,000. However, this basic cost may not include:
- Medications (an additional $3,000-$5,000)
- Genetic testing of embryos
- Frozen embryo storage
- Additional cycles if the first is unsuccessful
Some insurance plans cover IVF, but coverage varies greatly. Check with your insurance provider and clinic for detailed cost information.
Are there any alternatives to IVF?
While IVF is often the most effective treatment for many fertility issues, there are alternatives depending on the underlying cause of infertility:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Less invasive and less expensive than IVF
- Fertility medications: To induce ovulation or improve egg quality
- Surgery: To correct structural issues like blocked fallopian tubes
- Lifestyle changes: Improving overall health and fertility naturally
- Adoption or fostering: Alternative ways to build a family
- Egg or sperm donation: Using donor gametes if needed
- Surrogacy: When a woman cannot carry a pregnancy herself
Discuss these options with your fertility specialist to determine the best approach for your situation.
What lifestyle changes should I make before starting IVF?
Preparing your body for IVF can improve your chances of success. Consider making these lifestyle changes:
- Maintain a healthy weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is ideal
- Eat a balanced diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Take prenatal vitamins: Especially folic acid and vitamin D
- Quit smoking: Both partners should stop smoking at least 3 months before treatment
- Limit alcohol consumption: Ideally, avoid alcohol completely
- Reduce caffeine intake: Limit to 1-2 cups of coffee per day
- Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation
- Exercise moderately: Regular, gentle exercise can improve overall health
- Avoid environmental toxins: Minimize exposure to harmful chemicals
How can I cope with the emotional stress of IVF?
The IVF journey can be emotionally challenging. Here are some strategies to help you cope:
- Seek support: Join support groups or connect with others going through IVF
- Communicate openly: Share your feelings with your partner and loved ones
- Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation
- Consider counseling: Professional support can be invaluable during this time
- Stay informed: Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety
- Set realistic expectations: Remember that success may take multiple cycles
- Take breaks: It’s okay to take time off between cycles if needed
- Maintain perspective: Focus on your overall life goals and relationships
Remember, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions during IVF. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.
Top 7 FAQs Related To The IVF Procedure that Intended Parents ask
#1. What is the success rate of IVF?
IVF is a more successful procedure as compared to other fertility methods. According to the national statistics by Disease and Control, the average success rate of IVF gets reduced when women age. It is a little less during the early thirties and extremely less when the mother is around 40. For a specific individual success rate, the fertility specialist will advise based on many factors.
The national averages (2016) show the following probabilities:
| Female age | Live birth rate per retrieval |
| < 35 | 41.3% |
| 35-37 | 31.7% |
| 38-40 | 21.6% |
| 41-42 | 10.6% |
| > 42 | 3.4% |
Source: https://www.sart.org/
There are other factors as well that will determine the fertility rate of the mother like her weight, height, the sperm count of the father, reproductive history, previous pregnancy records or miscarriages, etc. All of these factors also play an important role.
#2. Stages of IVF procedures involving donor eggs
Donor egg recipients are invited to select one or more candidates for egg donors that they find suitable. Upon availability and completion of all required screening, one of the selected egg donors will be provided to a donor egg recipient. The donor egg recipient always has the option to choose an egg donor.
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After egg retrievals, the viable eggs produced in a single donation process are inseminated with sperms and all formed embryos belong to the recipient of the donor egg. It is strongly recommended that the remaining embryos be cryopreserved if more embryos are produced than the number needed for a safe transfer. Such cryopreserved embryos can be added later in the next attempts of childbirth irrespective of the quality of the completed fresh embryo transfer.
#3. Can I select the gender of my child?
Technically it is possible depending upon the country where it is legally allowed to do so. This is done through the clinics that operate in the Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) field with advanced sophisticated laboratories in the world. PGS is a type of early embryo prenatal test prior to implantation in the uterus and initiation of pregnancy. PGS is important not only for gender equality but also for the prevention of genetic diseases.
#4. How do you know whether you are a candidate for IVF or not?
There are a number of factors involved in deciding whether a patient is eligible for IVF treatment. Before IVF, less invasive infertility treatments like IUI (intrauterine insemination) are done. If not successful, then an IVF cycle is planned. Appropriate applicants often include people who may experience:
- low sperm counts
- problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Sperm unable to penetrate
- Sperms unable to survive in cervical mucus
- Ovulation disorders
- Other unexplained health or reproductive issues
#5. Are there any restrictions while undergoing the process of IVF?
Yes, there are a lot of restrictions regarding your lifestyle while undergoing IVF treatment. Some of them are –
Smoking: All partners must stop smoking at least three months before starting an IVF cycle and before initiating ovulation induction. It has been shown that smoking effects are toxic and detrimental to the eggs of a female.
Drinking: At the start of IVF treatment, alcohol should be avoided before one’s pregnancy test or, if pregnant, until the child’s birth.
Medications: If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, it is necessary to notify your doctor. Many medications may interfere with the prescribed medication for fertility or embryo transfer, and others may not be safe to take before surgery.
Vigorous exercise: During ovarian stimulation and until the effects of one’s pregnancy are established, intense physical exercises such as weightlifting, running, and aerobics are forbidden.
Supplements: One should not take herbal supplements during the IVF procedure.
#6. What happens when I become pregnant/ will not become pregnant?
Once a pregnancy is confirmed, for further blood testing, you will see the fertility doctor and finally an ultrasound to ensure that the pregnancy is progressing smoothly. Once the heartbeat of the fetus has been confirmed, for the rest of your pregnancy you will be referred to an obstetrician.
If not pregnant, patients are asked to wait for one or two full menstrual cycles before resuming another IVF cycle to try again. Any additional tests that might prolong subsequent IVF cycles may be required.
#7. What are the side effects associated with IVF?
As IVF involves the use of medication, these fertility medications can result in headaches, abdominal pain, hot flashes, mood swings, and bloating. In rare cases, it may result in OHSS (Ovarian Hyper Stimulus Syndrome) which can produce symptoms such as – nausea, vomiting, faint feeling, shortness of breath, severe stomach pain, weight gain in a short period of time, and bloating.
The potential side effects of IVF include the following –
- Passing a small amount of cleared or blood fluid after the procedure is performed.
- Breast tenderness
- Mild cramping
- Mild bloating
- Constipation
Despite all these side effects, IVF is a miracle procedure to opt for because the feeling of holding your baby in your arms is a wonderful feeling compared to these side effects. One should consult the doctor before going for an IVF procedure and know whether the procedure is right for you.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy services to build families with love.
Get in touch for FREE SURROGACY CONSULTING:
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Email: neelam@ivfconceptions.com
Web: www.completesurrogacy.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions people have about IVF:
- Q: What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?
A: IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) involves combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory dish. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. ICSI is often used in cases of severe male factor infertility.
- Q: How many embryos are typically transferred during IVF?
A: The number of embryos transferred depends on various factors, including the patient’s age and embryo quality. In many cases, especially for younger patients, single embryo transfer (SET) is recommended to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies. Your doctor will discuss the best option for your situation.
- Q: Can I choose the gender of my baby with IVF?
A: While gender selection is possible with IVF through preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), it is only allowed in certain countries and typically only for medical reasons to prevent genetic disorders linked to a specific sex.
- Q: What is the difference between fresh and frozen embryo transfers?
A: In a fresh transfer, embryos are transferred to the uterus within 3-5 days after egg retrieval. In a frozen embryo transfer (FET), embryos are frozen after creation and transferred in a subsequent cycle. FETs often have higher success rates as they allow the body to recover from the effects of stimulation medications.
- Q: How soon after IVF can I take a pregnancy test? A: Your doctor will typically schedule a blood pregnancy test about 14 days after the embryo transfer. Home pregnancy tests may not be reliable before this time due to the hormones used in IVF treatment.
- Q: What are the chances of having twins or triplets with IVF?
A: The chance of multiple pregnancies depends on the number of embryos transferred. With single embryo transfer, the twin rate is about 1-2%. If two embryos are transferred, the twin rate increases to about 30-35%. Triplets are rare with current IVF practices.
- Q: Can I exercise during IVF treatment?
A: Light exercise is generally okay during IVF, but you should avoid high-impact or strenuous activities. During ovarian stimulation and after embryo transfer, it’s best to stick to gentle exercises like walking. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.
- Q: How soon can I try another IVF cycle if the first one fails?
A: Most clinics recommend waiting at least one full menstrual cycle before starting another IVF cycle. However, the exact timing can depend on your individual circumstances and your doctor’s recommendations.
- Q: Are there any dietary restrictions during IVF?
A: While there’s no specific “IVF diet,” a balanced, healthy diet is recommended. You should avoid alcohol, limit caffeine, and take prenatal vitamins as advised by your doctor. Some doctors may recommend avoiding certain foods like raw fish or unpasteurized dairy products.
- Q: Can stress affect the success of IVF?
A: While stress doesn’t directly cause infertility, it can impact overall well-being and potentially affect treatment outcomes. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, counseling, or support groups is often recommended during IVF.
- Q: What is PGT and should I consider it?
A: PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) is a procedure used to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before transfer. It may be recommended for patients with recurrent miscarriages, previous failed IVF cycles, or those at risk for specific genetic disorders. Discuss with your doctor if PGT is appropriate for you.
- Q: How does age affect IVF success rates?
A: Age significantly impacts IVF success rates, particularly for women. Success rates generally decline after age 35 and more sharply after 40. This is primarily due to decreased egg quality and quantity. However, IVF can still be successful for older women, especially when using donor eggs.
