If you are having a hard time trying to conceive and carry a baby to term, you probably have considered in vitro fertilization (IVF). Before you move on to phase two and seek out a fertility clinic, let’s explore some things about IVF that every infertile couple or hopeful mother should know.
The Conditions IVF Will Treat
IVF and any other assisted reproductive technology (ART) is not a magic panacea for everyone who is trying to conceive. There are some conditions that will not be helped by IVF.
The conditions and situations that can be alleviated by IVF include the following:
- Genetic disorders
- Uterine fibroids
- Premature ovarian failure
- Ovulation disorders
- Damaged or blocked Fallopian tubes
- In women whose Fallopian tubes were cut, tied, burned or removed
- Males with lower sperm count or motility
- Infertility of nonspecific origin
It’s Not Cheap
The IVF process is expensive and very few health insurance policies carry coverage for these procedures. That doesn’t mean that it is unaffordable, though, as often there are financing options available to IVF patients and couples through the fertility clinic.
But it does mean that you will need to be realistic about which procedures you can afford to try. Learning about all of your IVF options now can help you plan for the future.
Many Patients Need Multiple IVF Cycles
Some women do get pregnant and carry their baby to term on the first IVF cycle. But you should prepare yourself to undergo possibly three or more cycles before getting pregnant.
IVF More Likely to Result in Multiple Births
One often-welcome “side effect” of IVF is that it is more likely to produce multiple births. Twins are fairly common, triplets less so, but possible. After longing for an infant to fill your empty arms, you may need more arms to hold your infants!
Other Side Effects of IVF Medication Can Be Mitigated
As a smooth muscle relaxant, progesterone can bring on uncomfortable bouts of constipation. Adding fiber slowly to your diet to achieve the desired results is better for prospective mothers than ingesting a lot of over-the-counter (OTC) meds to combat the condition.
Eating healthfully in general is always advised when you are trying to conceive. Getting the proper nutrients into your body allows your organs to work at peak performance.
IVF Requires a Serious Commitment
When you decide on IVF, both you and the fertility clinic commit to doing all you can to get you pregnant with and delivered a healthy baby. Dr. Zaher Merhi of New Hope Fertility Long Island states that his facility accesses “the forefront of fertility science innovations, procedures, and approaches” to help women who are trying to conceive.
Once you learn all that you can about the process of IVF, you will be in a better place to determine whether it would be a good option for you. Then, should that be your choice,
you can begin the vital process of selecting the appropriate fertility clinic to perform your IVF procedure.