What Are the Basics Of IVF Treatment All You Need to Know

Many couples opt to undergo in vitro fertilization if they are having a difficult time conceiving. You may have heard about the different IVF procedures and facts before, but what exactly is there to learn about IVF and what are your chances of a successful pregnancy with the procedure? There are so many things to learn about, and if you’re considering IVF, you need to learn more about the different things you go through, as well as the costs and what to expect.

So if you’re wondering, “what are the basics of IVF treatment?” read on as I talk about what you need to know about the procedure.

What Are The Basics of IVF Treatment?

In vitro fertilization or IVF is done through using a combination of surgical procedures and medicines which help sperm fertilize a woman’s egg, helping the fertilized egg become implanted in the uterus.

IVF begins by taking medications which would make your eggs mature and ready to fertilize. The doctor will then take these eggs out of the body, mixing it with your partner’s (or donated) sperm in the lab. The procedure is done for the spark to fertilize with the eggs.

The fertilized eggs (now embryos) will be placed directly in your uterus. If done successfully, pregnancy will be the next step!

Those are just the basics of IVF. There are actually many steps and procedures to be done, which can take a few months until the entire process is completed. Sometimes, IVF works on the first try. However, more couple requires over one round of IVF for successful conception. There is no guarantee though, as we all have different bodies and the procedure may not work for everyone.

Why Is IVF Done?

In vitro fertilization is a treatment for those who suffer from genetic or infertility problems. IVF may also be offered as a treatment for infertility in women who are over 40 years old. The procedure is also done if the woman or partner has certain health conditions.

Usually, IVF is an option if ever you or your partner have:

Fallopian tube blockage or damage, making it difficult for eggs to be fertilized or for embryos to travel to your uterus
Ovulation disorders which make eggs less available to fertilize
Premature ovArian failure is loss of your ovArian function before turning 40, the inability to produce estrogen normally
Endometriosis affects your ovary, uterus, and fallopian tube function
Uterine fibroids might interfere with fertilized egg implantation
Women who have had tubal sterilization or removal can use IVF to reverse it
Impaired sperm function or production
Unexplained infertility in one or both partners
Genetic disorders that IVF can remove to reduce the risk of it transferring to your child
Fertility preservation for serious health conditions like cancer to freeze their ovaries for later use, if they will begin treatment that affects their fertility

The Symptoms and Risks of IVF

Just like most medications and surgical procedures, IVF comes with side effects to take note of, such as:

Cramps
Bloating
Tenderness of breasts
Mood swings
Bruises from shots
Headaches
Allergic reaction to your medicine
Infection
Bleeding
Emotional trauma or anxiety

Besides this, there are also some risks the procedure may have, including:

Multiple births if over two embryos were implanted
Premature delivery and/or low birth weight
OvArian hyperstimulation syndrome
Miscarriage
Ectopic pregnancy
Birth defects
Physical or emotional stress
OvArian cancer (recent studies don’t support former findings, though it’s still important to note)
Complications from egg-retrieval procedures

That’s why it’s important to look into what to expect and prepare so you can prevent these symptoms or risks from happening during the IVF procedure. This can help with your physical and emotional health in the long run. Furthermore, the right fertility clinic and doctors can help guide you for a successful, pain-free IVF.

How Do You Prepare and What to Expect

There are many things to prepare for the IVF procedure, from selecting a clinic down to the costs. Before IVF itself, you and your partner will need to undergo some screenings, such as:

OvArian reserve testing for the quality and quantity of your eggs
Semen analysis
Infectious disease screaming
Mock embryo transfer
Uterine cavity exam

Also, before IVF, you’ll need to consider the following:

How many embryos should be transferred- this is based on your age and how many eggs were retrieved
What will be done with extra embryos
Prepare for the chance of multiple pregnancies
Consider potential complications and risks, which I mentioned above

If you are ready and have prepared yourself, from the finances down to the physical and mental health, you can undergo IVF and know the results within two weeks. You’ll go through a blood test to see if you have successfully conceived.

Wrapping It Up

In vitro fertilization is a serious procedure that requires a lot of research beforehand so you know what to do and expect. This can help you prepare for whatever is to come and what you can do to have a successful procedure. Next up is to know how to choose the right fertility clinic to help you and your partner conceive!

I hope that this article answered your question, “what are the basics of IVF treatment?” So don’t wait any longer and begin learning more about IVF now!

If you have any questions to want to share your experiences and knowledge on IVF, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated!