In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process by which eggs are harvested from the female and combined with sperm outside of the body. The resulting zygote, or embryo, is then implanted in the uterus to carry out implantation and gestational development.
How Does IVF Work
IVF is a process in which a woman’s eggs are collected from her ovaries and fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. The fertilized eggs, or embryos, are then placed back into the uterus. IVF can be done without fertility drugs, but that is rare. Most women need fertility drugs to stimulate their ovaries to produce multiple eggs for possible fertilization.
Risks of IVF
There are some risks and side effects associated with IVF. Most people who undergo this process will experience a small number of complications, such as:
- Stress
Prolonged stress can be observed among some patients who have undergone IVF. - Multiple births
Similar to Intrauterine insemination (IUI), there is a slight risk of multiples when using IVF. - Premature delivery and low birth weight
The most common complication is premature labor, which occurs in about 6% of cases. This can be caused by the fertilized egg not being fully developed when it’s placed in the uterus.
- Birth defects
The mother’s age is the primary risk factor in the development of birth defects.
When is IVF Performed
IVF is often the option for primary treatment for infertility in women under the age of 43 who have been trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for 2 years. It can also be an optional treatment when a woman has fallopian tube damage or blockage.
Why IVF is Done
Severely damaged fallopian tubes, unexplained infertility, and male-factor infertility are the common reasons why IVF treatment is performed. IVF has been frequently used in recent years as a first line of therapy for different causes of infertility.
Advantages of IVF
IVF helps many patients who would be otherwise unable to conceive.
- The success rate is high for IVF treatment.
- It is successful in cases of ovarian failure and male factor infertility.
- It is also successful in case of advanced maternal age, multiple failed IVF cycles and other factors that may limit the number of embryos transferred at one time.
- The ultimate advantage of IVF is achieving a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Disadvantages of IVF
- IVF is a very expensive treatment. The cost of IVF treatment can range from $10,000 to $20,000 (depending on clinic) per round of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- The time it takes to complete the first round of IVF varies depending on where you live and how many embryos are transferred at each transfer.
- The IVF procedure is one of the most invasive and expensive fertility treatments.
- IVF can take an emotional toll on your health.
- IVF can increase the risk of premature birth.
Factors that Determine the Success Rate of IVF
- History of Previous Pregnancy
There is a high chance of having successful pregnancy with IVF if the couple had a successful pregnancy in the past.
- Age
The quality of the egg cell may decrease with age. Between 24 to 34 years old, women have the highest chance of a successful IVF treatment.
- Lifestyle
The patient is recommended to have a healthy lifestyle if they plan to undergo IVF. The patient’s lifestyle is one factor that contributes to create a thriving, healthy environment for the embryo. Studies have shown that smoking, obesity, and drinking alcohol decrease the chances of IVF success.
Take Home
IVF can often be the best option when you are unable to conceive by natural methods. If there are issues with egg quality or sperm quality, IVF gives you the option of using donor’s eggs or sperm. IVF even though it is pricey, is a highly successful fertility method.
I work with many fertility patients, both women and men. Acupuncture, health coaching, lifestyle and nutritional supplements can all make your fertility efforts more successful. If you’d like to know more about how I can support you, let’s schedule a chat. If you’d like to take the supplements I use for my female fertility patients, here’s a link.
