In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Your Questions Answered

If you are a newbie to In-Vitro fertilization (IVF), you may have a bunch of questions. Even if you are familiar with the procedure and what it entails, it can still be a bit confusing and frightening. In this article, we will answer the most common IVF questions: What is it? What’s the process like? And, most importantly, is it for you? So, first things first…

What is In-Vitro Fertilization?

In short, in-vitro fertilization or simply IVF is a popular form of assisted reproductive technology (ART). In vitro means outside of the body. Fertilization is the process by which the sperm attaches to and enters the egg to begin the development of a new life.

Typically, an egg and sperm are fertilized inside a woman’s body. If the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus and continues growing, a baby will be born 9 months later. This process is called unassisted conception.

In-vitro is a series of procedures to facilitate conception or prevent genetic problems. Professionals unite the sperm and egg outside the body and then help the fertilized egg implant in your uterus. If any of the fertilized eggs (embryos) implants in the lining of your uterus, you’ll get pregnant.

Who is it for?

IVF is offered to treat fertility issues in women over the age of 40. Yet, IVF can be performed if you or your partner have the following health conditions

• Ovulation disorders
• Endometriosis
• Fallopian tube damage or blockage
• High risk of genetic disorders
• Uterine fibroids (benign tumors in the uterus)
• Sperm issues (low sperm concentration, weak movement, or irregular size and shape)
• Previous tubal sterilization or removal
• Unexplained infertility
• Fertility preservation after cancer and other conditions

What is the process like?

As summarized above, the process seems quite simple, right? Well, in reality, IVF has many steps, and completing the whole process takes several months. These are the 5 basic IVF steps.

Step 1: Superovulation

You’ll take fertility medications for several months. These medications contain FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). This will prompt your body to produce several mature eggs that are ready for fertilization; more than the usual, which is one egg per month. This process is called superovulation or ovulation induction.

Your doctor will perform regular ultrasounds or blood tests to examine the ovaries and check hormonal levels; all with the purpose of keeping track of your egg production.

Step 2: Egg retrieval

It’s time to remove the eggs from your body. A day before, you’ll get an injection that will help the eggs mature quickly. Then, your doctor will perform a follicular aspiration, AKA, an egg retrieval. Despite the ominous name, this is actually a minor clinical procedure. You’ll receive medicines to relax and feel no pain. Then, the doctor will use an ultrasound to guide a thin, hollow tube through your vagina into your ovary. The tube will eventually reach the follicles that house your eggs. The tube is attached to a device that suctions the eggs out one at a time.

Step 3: Insemination & fertilization

The doctor will collect a sperm sample from your partner or donor. The sperm is then put together with the best-quality eggs. The process of mixing sperm and egg is called insemination. Typically, it takes a few hours for a sperm to fertilize the egg. Then, the cells in the fertilized egg will proceed to divide and become embryos.

Step 4: Embryo culture

Laboratory staff will regularly monitor the embryo to ensure it’s growing as it should. Parents with a high risk of passing a hereditary disorder to their child might consider pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) during this time. PGD is done 3 to 5 days following fertilization. Laboratory staff will remove a cell (or cells) from each embryo and screen them for specific disorders.

Step 5: Embryo transfer

3 to 5 days after the egg retrieval, 1 or more embryos will be put in your uterus via a catheter. This is known as embryo transfer and it takes place at your doctor’s office or in a fertility clinic. And, luckily, it isn’t painful at all! If any of the embryos attach to the lining of your uterus, pregnancy will happen.

Is IVF safe?

In-vitro fertilization is generally a very safe procedure. Doctors and laboratory staff will be constantly checking and overseeing the process to ensure your safety. Of course, as with any medical procedure, IVF comes with its risks.

In-Vitro Fertilization and its risks

Being aware of the risks of IVF is crucial. Make sure you know all the possible complications and side effects before deciding whether IVF is right for you. Some of the risks include:

• Cramping
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Allergic reactions to medications
• Headaches
• Bleeding
• Infections
• Having twins, triples, or more, which leads to complications for the mother and children
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome — a reaction to injectable fertility medications
• Having an ectopic pregnancy, or when the fertilized eggs implant outside the uterus (2% – 5% of IVF patients experience this)
• Stress, anxiety, and depression that result from the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the whole process

You’ll likely read or hear about even more IVF risks. For instance, you may hear that IVF increases the risk of birth defects But, in fact, the mother’s age is the main risk factor for birth defects, regardless of how the baby is conceived. Similarly, the risk of pregnancy loss increases with the mother’s age.

How much does In-Vitro Fertilization cost?

It depends on where you live. In the United States, for example, IVF is pretty expensive. A single cycle, including medicines, procedures, anesthesia, ultrasounds, blood tests, laboratory work, and embryo storage can be up to 15,000 USD. However, in some states, your health insurance company might partially or fully cover the costs provided you meet certain requirements.

In the UK, the NHS can offer IVF if you meet certain criteria. Alternatively, it is possible to pay for private treatment, which usually costs 5,000 GBP per IVF cycle.

Make sure to check whether IVF is available in your country, region, or state. Then, find out what’s the approximate cost. However, bear in mind that factors such as age, length of infertility, and physical conditions of your uterus and endometrium may also influence the procedure’s total cost.

The most important thing…

There are lots of misconceptions about in-vitro fertilization. Many people who struggle to conceive believe that IVF is their go-to treatment. Less than 5% of people with infertility will use IVF. So, if you’re struggling to conceive, make sure you know all your options first. Discuss your situation with your doctor or healthcare provider, who will be able to guide you during this process.

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