A lot of couples trying to get pregnant eventually talk to fertility doctors about IVF treatments.
In vitro fertilization is one way a couple can get pregnant but it may not be the same scenario for every couple.
The basics of IVF
The process isn’t a romantic one. It involves getting the woman to produce high-quality eggs and collecting them from her during her ovulation cycle. Doctors also collect sperm from the man and use them to fertilize the egg in a lab. The embryo, usually two if they are available, is then inserted into the woman during her next fertility cycle.
The biggest challenge of IVF treatments is the amount of medication the woman must take to produce eggs, not over-produce them, and be able to keep the baby without miscarrying. All of the medications, shots, and fertility treatments are expensive but also wreak havoc on the woman’s emotions as well as her body.
Effectiveness of IVF
IVF treatments are considered by doctors to be the most effective method of getting pregnant. However, the effectiveness of it depends on personal factors such as the age of the couple, their health, and the cause of infertility.
It is also an expensive treatment and is highly time-consuming.
What doctors look for
Going through the process of producing eggs and sperm doesn’t mean the treatment will be a success even if the retrieval is successful. Doctors look at the viability of the eggs and sperm to pick those that have the best chance of fertilization.
Once fertilization occurs, doctors look at the embryos to determine the best ones that could lead to a
fully-developed healthy baby.
There are cases of the woman miscarrying after carrying the embryo for several weeks. Doctors will tell you there aren’t any guarantees.
Conclusion
Couples who desperately want a baby will go through almost anything to achieve a full-term pregnancy.
IVF could be an effective part of that. However, couples considering IVF should do their research and ask a lot of questions of their doctor before proceeding with the treatment.
You need to be prepared for all that comes with it. Hopefully, that will include a baby.
