Top 8 FAQs On IVF
‘IVF’ or 'In vitro fertilization' is a word with a big hope for many childless couples. It may turn years of despair and frustration for infertile couples into the excitement of welcoming little feet to their families. However, IVF-seeking couples may find themselves in a state of dilemma before adopting this new world fertility treatment procedure. They may have a bunch of questions before agreeing to the treatment.
If you too are among those couples contemplating an IVF treatment but feeling double-minded with some unanswered questions, then read this blog to find answers to the 8 most common questions that are frequently asked about IVF.
Top 8 FAQs On IVF
1. What is IVF?
IVF stands for In vitro fertilization. ‘In vitro’ is a Latin word that means outside the biological environment or in artificial conditions. In simple words, IVF is aimed at fertilizing female eggs by male sperm inside the laboratories and not inside the female’s body.
2. When is the Right Time to Opt the Procedure?
This is completely a matter of choice for any couple to choose or not choose IVF or any other assisted reproductive technology to get pregnant at any age. But in general, if as a couple you have been trying to get pregnant naturally for more than a year but fail, you are advised by a gynecologist or an infertility specialist to consider an IVF treatment plan. IVF has higher success rates for women in their 20’s or early 30’s.
3. How do I know whether I am an ideal candidate for IVF?
The success of IVF or any other fertility treatment depends on multiple factors including age, the nature of underlying infertility issues like ovulation disorders in females or low sperm count in males, physical health, and the genetic makeup of germ cells, for both partners. Consult an Infertility Specialist, who will confirm if you are suitable for the IVF treatment or not based on your test reports or unsuccessful pregnancy history events, if any.
4. Is the IVF treatment painful?
IVF treatment is not quite painful. Female partners are put under anesthesia while eggs are retrieved from their ovaries so they may not feel pain during the procedure. Egg retrieval is a short procedure of around 20 to 30 minutes. Embryo transfer is painless and does not need anesthesia. An embryo-loaded catheter is used to insert the embryo into the womb along with ultrasound imaging. You may feel a little cramping just like during your regular menstrual cycles.
5. Does the IVF procedure guarantee pregnancy?
IVF success rates vary from region to region in the world but are pretty high globally. However, multiple parameters, especially the aspiring partners' age, affect the outcomes. Every IVF cycle does not ensure success and more than one cycle may be attempted, based on the expecting couple’s circumstances and their doctor’s advice.
6. How soon will I get pregnant after the embryo transfer procedure?
Once the embryo grown in the embryology lab is inserted in your uterus, your doctor will perform ultrasounds to confirm if the implantation is successful and if the embryo has started growing inside you. You may perform a pregnancy test after around 2 weeks of embryo transfer procedure. Before that, it may give false results.
7. Is there an increased risk of birth defects in IVF-implanted embryos?
Every human birth is associated with a risk of having birth defects whether through normal pregnancy or assisted-reproductive technology. So far there is no strong evidence that there is any significant increase in birth defects in IVF-conceived babies. However, some research findings suggest that there could be a minimal increase due to human or systemic errors in IVF or embryo transfer operating procedures. Sufficient data is needed to establish a potential association between IVF and increased birth defects. Your healthcare provider will analyze all the risk factors before recommending IVF.
8. Is it possible to conceive naturally after IVF?
IVF procedures do not affect a woman’s ability to conceive naturally. Achieving it or not does not depend on IVF treatment at all. The possibility of having a natural conception depends on reproductive health, underlying infertility issues if any, age, lifestyle, etc.
Conclusion
IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies have emerged as a boon for many childless couples. With the observed success rate of IVF in the past couple of decades, one can hope to overcome the odds of normal pregnancy-related issues with it. However personalized advice and consultation play a major role in making this crucial decision as the procedure requires considerable physical, emotional, financial, and time investment by the couples dreaming of parenthood through IVF. If you are facing any gynecology or fertility issues, you can Ask an Infertility Specialist or consult an OB and GYN Specialist Online at Ask a Doctor - 24x7.
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Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is not intended to substitute for proper medical advice provided by your healthcare professional. This is only for informational purposes.
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