In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment that involves fertilizing an egg outside the body. The process involves retrieving eggs from a woman’s ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring the fertilized embryos (also known as zygotes) back into the woman’s uterus.
Who is IVF for?
IVF can be used to help people with a variety of fertility problems, including:
- Fallopian tube blockage
- Ovulation disorders
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Male infertility
- Unexplained infertility
What are the steps involved in IVF?
The IVF process typically involves the following steps:
- Ovarian stimulation: The woman takes medication to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Egg retrieval: The eggs are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries using a needle guided by ultrasound.
- Sperm collection: The man provides a sperm sample.
- Fertilization: The eggs are fertilized with the sperm in a laboratory.
- Embryo culture: The fertilized embryos are cultured in a laboratory for several days.
- Embryo transfer: One or more embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus.
What are the risks of IVF?
The risks of IVF include:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Multiple pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Birth defects
What are the success rates of IVF?
The success rates of IVF vary depending on a number of factors, including the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and the number of embryos transferred. In general, the success rate of IVF is about 30% per cycle.
What are the costs of IVF?
The costs of IVF vary depending on the clinic and the number of cycles required. In general, the cost of IVF is about $12,000 per cycle.
Is IVF right for me?
If you are considering IVF, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks, benefits, and costs of the treatment. You should also consider your own personal circumstances and preferences when making a decision about whether or not to pursue IVF.