If you have been trying to get pregnant but have been unsuccessful at it several times, chances are you have considered in vitro fertilization. Deciding to do in vitro fertilization can be nerve-wracking, especially if you have little to no knowledge of the process. Therefore, it is best to consult your specialist; that way, you get to understand each step of the process, including the role of Mountain View aggressive IVF protocols. The following are some of the things you should know if you are considering IVF.
There is a risk of pregnancy and birth complications.
You will likely get multiple pregnancies if your provider implants more than one embryo during IVF. Pregnancy with multiples elevates your risk of low birth weight or preterm birth. Specialists recommend getting genetic screening on embryos and transferring one to the uterus to reduce the risk of low birth weight and preterm labor. Babies born from IVF have a one to two percent higher risk of congenital or congenital disabilities than the general population. However, this is more likely related to the nature of infertility than the treatment itself.
IVF does not guarantee a successful pregnancy
While IVF is meant to help with child conception, the process does not work for everyone. Some women get pregnant the first time, others need to repeat the process, and some couples are unsuccessful even after multiple trials. The success of IVF depends on factors like age and egg quality, and quantity. IVF success rate for women using their eggs and under 35 years is higher. The success rate drops to only three percent for women above 42 years. Your specialist can help predict your success chances based on your fertility diagnosis and personal situation.
If your odds of successful pregnancy with IVF are low or you have already been unsuccessful in previous cycles, there are other options you can try. For example, you may use donor eggs or donor embryos, usually from families who have used IVF and donated spare embryos.
IVF takes time and effort
IVF is a labor-intensive process with multiple doctor visits for various tests and screenings. The first step of IVF is ovarian stimulation or induction, whereby you take fertility medication to stimulate numerous egg releases by the ovaries. You will take these synthetic hormones for 10 to 12 days, during which you will visit your doctor for blood work and ultrasounds almost daily. Once your eggs are ready for retrieval, you will return to the doctor for the removal process.
A few days after egg retrieval, you will make another visit for the placement of the embryos. You will also need to return to your doctor two weeks later for a pregnancy test to determine whether IVF was successful.
There are side effects.
Expect to feel emotional during your IVF cycle since hormones are introduced into your body. You will also experience minor physical side effects such as breast tenderness, cramping in the pelvic area, and discomfort from fertility medications. Some women develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome – your ovaries become swollen and painful due to making a lot of eggs.
For further questions about in vitro fertilization, consult your specialist at NOVA IVF.