That’s where in vitro fertilization, or IVF, comes in.
What is in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
During in vitro fertilization, eggs are fertilized by sperm outside of the body in a laboratory.
How does IVF work?
There are a number of fertility treatments that your doctor may suggest before turning to IVF.
Read This Next
What is the IVF process and how long does it take?
A lot is involved in an IVF cycle.
Luckily, youll have a whole team of doctors and nurses to help you along in the process.
If the answer is yes, youll be placed onbirth control pills(oh, the irony!)
The ultrasounds will also monitor how well your uterine lining is thickening.
Egg retrieval.Your eggs will be ready for retrieval approximately 36 hours after the trigger hCG shot.
Because youll be groggy after the procedure, youll need someone else to drive you home.
Once youre back, plan on taking the rest of the day off, resting and relaxing.
Be sure to avoid high-impact activities and even sex until after your pregnancy test.
About 30 to 50 percent of IVF embryos make it to the blastocyst stage.
Any extra embryos that arent going to be transferred can be frozen for future use.
This hormone will optimize your uterine lining in anticipation of the embryo transfer and implantation.
Most doctors recommend that you take it easy for the first five days after the embryo transfer.
Thats to minimize the chances of uterine contractions that might prevent the embryo from implanting.
For the same reason, youll likely be advised against having sex.
What is the IVF success rate?
Your fallopian tubes
The healthier your fallopian tubes, the higher your IVF success rates.
A simple procedure called salpingectomy before attempting IVF can bump up your odds for success.
Keep in mind that different fertility clinics have varying success rates.
What are the possible side effects of in vitro fertilization?
And more good news: IVF is a safe and often successful procedure.
That said, in vitro fertilization does pose a small chance of side effects and can be somewhat painful.
OHSS can cause your ovaries to become swollen and painful.
Symptoms include abdominal swelling, mild to moderate abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Call your doctor if youre experiencing symptoms of OHSS.
After embryo transfer
You might notice some bloody or clear discharge after the transfer.
Its usually just the result of the cervix being manipulated during the procedure.
Also not unusual: mild cramping, bloating and even slightly sharp pains a few days post-transfer.
Contact your doctor if you have questions about any pain you’re experiencing.
Even singleton IVF babies face some increased risks, including premature delivery and low birth weight.
How much does IVF cost?
Using frozen embryos from a previous cycle can lower the cost for subsequent cycles.
Does insurance cover IVF?
So are you out of luck if you cant afford the hefty bills?
Will health insurance help you foot the bill?
Currently only 16 states mandate some sort of insurance coverage for infertility treatments.
Check with your employer or insurance company to find out whether any IVF coverage applies to you.
There are other ways to finance your IVF.
And you’re able to turn toorganizationsthat provide grants to select couples facing infertility.
Many couples are launching online IVF fundraising crowdsourcing campaigns.
There are a growing number of such crowdsourcing websites you’re able to turn to.
How is IVF done using a frozen embryo?
Theres a definite trend in the United States toward using more frozen embryos in IVF cycles than fresh embryos.
How does it work?
Eggs are harvested and fertilized in a laboratory as in a standard IVF cycle.
A frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle uses less medication than a fresh embryo cycle.
Another potential bonus: no stressful waiting to find out if the embryos conceived in the lab are healthy.
Your eggs will be fertilized and the healthiest embryos will be frozen.
Your doctor may give you shots that will suppress ovulation.
So should you have a fresh versus frozen preference when it comes to your embryos?
Definitely talk to your doctor to find out which is best in your case.
