Lifestyle

IVF — The Costs, Success Rates, and Everything In Between

In Vitro fertility treatment has made infertility a much more treatable condition for most couples worldwide. The procedure involves using multiple procedures to collect and fertilize eggs before implanting them back into a healthy womb. Let’s learn a bit more about IVF therapy, what it entails, and how you can increase your chances of conception.

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What Is IVF Treatment?

IVF stands for in Vitro fertilization, a complex medical procedure designed to help women and couples with infertility. IVF can also be performed to avoid genetic issues and assist patients in getting a precious, healthy, bouncing baby or two.

What Are the Costs of IVF?

IVF treatment costs vary depending on where you are getting the services. In the United States, one round of IVF can cost you around $15,000. Some patients get lucky because their health insurance covers at least one round of health insurance. To confirm if your insurance covers IVF treatment, consult your insurance provider.

Are You a Good Candidate for IVF Treatment?

A good IVF candidate should have healthy eggs produced by the ovaries. Most IVF patients have some obstruction in their fallopian tubes or had their fallopian tubes tied in the past. In addition, a good IVF candidate should have a healthy womb to carry the fertilized embryo for nine months.

IVF should be the last result after trying to conceive naturally and even with the help of fertility medication. It is also important for IVF patients to remain patient and persistent because most couples usually have to go through several rounds of IVF before realizing results in the way of a healthy infant.

The Chances of Success With IVF

There are a few factors that can affect the chances of success with IVF treatment; some of them include:

Age
Prior medical conditions
Certain types of medication
Egg and sperm quality
Poor lifestyle choices

These are just a few factors that affect IVF success rates. Other factors may include anything that affects the general well-being of your body, like stress and excess consumption of recreational drugs.

Alternately, there are also ways you can increase the chances of success with IVF; some of them include:

Exercise
Eating a balanced diet
Taking dietary supplements
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid stressful situations

Risks and Complications Associated With IVF

Patients that undergo IVF may face certain risks, side effects and complications during the process. Some of them include:

Nausea from medication used during IVF
Pain from procedures like the egg extraction
The risk of multiples pregnancy increases
Mood swings

How Long Does IVF Take?

One round of IVF can take about three weeks from start to finish. The process starts when mature eggs are extracted from the ovaries and fertilized using sperm from a selected donor in a lab. The now-live embryo is then placed back into the uterus, which is usually already primed using fertility medication. 55% of first-time IVF patients achieve success, while the rest require a second or third round before realizing success.

IVF Treatment Costs Q&As

Is IVF painful?

IVF can be uncomfortable, and fertility specialists administer pain medications to manage any pain. The most uncomfortable part of IVF may be the injections administered daily. The good news is these needles are designed to be as painless as possible since they are administered regularly. You will be anesthetized during the egg retrieval procedure.

Will I have eggs after IVF treatment?

A typical woman’s ovaries can produce millions of eggs during her lifetime, so you do not risk running out of eggs after IVF. The only way you can stop producing eggs is if there is a medical condition behind it.

What happens if a woman does not have eggs for IVF?

In some cases, the woman’s ovaries may not be able to produce viable eggs for the fertilization process. In this case, the couple can choose eggs from a donor bank and use their sperm to create a viable embryo. This is also an option for same-sex couples who may not have sperm to fertilize their eggs. Bear in mind that using sperm or eggs from a donor bank may come at an extra cost.

Is it possible for someone else to carry my pregnancy?

For one reason, some women may not be able to carry their own pregnancy. In such a situation, a couple can seek the services of a surrogate who can carry the pregnancy to term at a fee. It is important to check the local legal regulations imposed on this kind of transaction or use a professional surrogacy firm.