If you can’t conceive naturally, for whatever reason, In-vitro fertilization (IVF) might be the medical solution you need to fall pregnant.
IVF is a revolutionary medical technology enabling women to experience the joys of motherhood. With IVF, you have control over your decision to have children every step of the way.
What Is IVF?
IVF is a medical procedure when doctors fertilize eggs with sperm outside of the uterus. The doctors can control the fertilization process, creating an embryo. They proceed to implant this embryo into the uterine wall in a specialized process where they optimize the chances of pregnancy.
There are several steps to the IVF process. The candidate will have to go through all of them in the space of several weeks. The first step is speaking to your GP about your decision to pursue the therapy.
Speak to qualified and experienced fertility counselors about the IVF process and if it’s the right decision for you.
Explaining the IVF Process Start to Finish
Stimulating the ovaries – Doctors prescribe you hormone medications to boost egg production in your ovaries. As a result, you create multiple eggs per menstrual cycle, instead of a single egg.
Harvesting your eggs – The clinic collects healthy eggs from your ovaries. This minor outpatient procedure occurs under general anesthetic.
Fertilizing your eggs – Lab technicians combine the sperm with the eggs to produce viable embryos.
Transfer – Doctors select viable embryos for implanting and end the rest to cryogenic storage.
Pregnancy confirmation – You take a pregnancy test around 2-weeks after the implanting procedure.
What Are Your Chances of Successful Fertilization with IVF?
The chances of a successful IVF treatment depend on several factors. Your age and health play a significant role in determining the outcome of your procedure.
For some women, the procedure works on the first try. Others aren’t so lucky and might have to undergo several rounds of therapy before they fall pregnant. Some may never get IVF to work at all.
What are the Costs of IVF?
Even with the benefits of private medical insurance and Medicare rebates, IVF therapy can end up costing you several thousand dollars.
Make sure you understand the costs before you start the treatment. Prices for IVF may differ between treatment centers, depending on the reputation and skill of the team.
Is IVF Right for You?
Before you commit to your IVF treatment, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about your treatment outcome. It’s a lot of money to spend on a therapy that might not produce any results, so you must be comfortable with the financial aspect first.
But beyond the costs involved with the therapy, the emotional toll it takes on your body and mind can leave you feeling disappointed and frustrated if you don’t get the results you want on your first try.
The therapy involves taking drugs to raise hormone levels. As a result, you’ll experience wild shifts in your emotions and mental state.
Finding Support During Your IVF Treatment
Some women experience severe anxiety during IVF treatment. That’s natural, but it’s not doing your therapy any good. When your cortisol levels are high, and you’re feeling stressed, there’s less chance of a successful outcome.
Before you commit to any IVF treatment, ensure that you have a support structure in place. You’ll need someone there for you, regardless of whether it’s a positive or negative outcome. If you have a partner, that’s great.
However, many women decide to go through this journey without a partner. You’ll need to find a counselor or friend that’s willing to help you iron out your issues with the treatment.
