Most people think they will be able to welcome a baby naturally when the time is right. However, some need a little help from in vitro fertilization (IVF). Because IVF is something people don't usually know much about, our experts are here to demystify the process. Read on to find out what you need to know before your upcoming IVF cycle.
There is a lot we could talk about when it comes to IVF. But instead of covering every detail of an IVF cycle, we've chosen to focus on 10 important things you should know before you get started.
Fact 1: IVF can help treat many causes of male and female infertility
There are many reasons why a fertility specialist may recommend IVF as a way to start or grow your family. Female problems ranging from tubal infertility and endometriosis to advanced maternal age or early menopause are among the most common. IVF can also help make pregnancy possible in the face of male infertility, recurrent miscarriages and unexplained infertility.
Fact 2: IVF isn't just for couples experiencing infertility
Most people think of IVF as a treatment for infertility. However, it is much more than that. It can help single parents, LGBTQ couples, and couples who want to avoid passing on a genetic disease to their children. It can also help you find a faster path to parenthood.
Fact 3: IVF with donor eggs is a powerful combination
Some women hope that IVF alone can help them overcome age-related problems with egg quality and quantity. While IVF alone cannot overcome age-related female infertility, IVF with donor eggs can make pregnancy possible for women later in life.
Fact 4: Simple embryo transfer can provide peace of mind
People often worry about having multiple pregnancies when pursuing an IVF cycle. However, as single embryo transfer has become the norm, the risk of multiple pregnancies has decreased significantly.
Fact 5: IVF is not the only fertility treatment option
In fact, fertility drugs and intrauterine insemination (IUI) can help some patients conceive. However, IVF is one of the most effective treatment options available. This is especially true when preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is added to an IVF cycle.
Fact 6: Injectable fertility drugs are part of IVF
One of the things you need to know about IVF is that you will need to give yourself injectable fertility drugs. But you won't be alone in this. Our team will show you how to do it and be there to answer your questions as they arise.
Fact 7: Follow-up appointments are vital during IVF
When taking injectable fertility drugs, you should visit your chosen fertility center at regular intervals for follow-up appointments. These visits help your doctor determine how your body is responding to the medications and whether the dose needs to be adjusted.
Fact 8: No two women have exactly the same medication plan
Medical IVF protocols are tailored and individualized, so you shouldn't compare yours to others. This just further proves that it is never helpful to compare yourself to other people.
Fact 9: Gender selection is available using IVF
You can choose the gender of the embryo that the specialist will transfer using pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT). This is called family balancing or sex selection.
Fact 10: Don't take a pregnancy test right after IVF
We understand the temptation to take a pregnancy test right away. However, you will need to wait about two weeks to take a pregnancy test after your embryo transfer. This is to avoid false positive and false negative results.
Our team can answer all your IVF cycle questions
We know you probably have questions beyond these 10 facts about IVF. Our experts are always happy to answer your questions to help you feel informed and empowered. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about how IVF can help you start or grow your family.
