In-Vitro Fertilization or IVF Facts

 

Although there has been a considerable decrease in the infertility rate, many women still suffer from unexplained infertility. Increase in stress is also a contributing factor. In-Vitro Fertilization or IVF is one of the most common infertility treatments. In short, this procedure is performed by the doctor, who takes the egg from the woman and fertilizes it with the sperm from the male. The fertilization occurs in the lab where the eggs develop into embryos.  After a few days the doctor inserts the embryo into the woman’s uterus for further growth.

The National Infertility Association provides us with certain ivf facts. According to them, ivf success rates are known to be higher than any other infertility treatment. In one cycle, women under the age of 35, faces 40% success rate and women over the age of 40 faces 20-35% success rate. If you go through three full cycles, your chances of getting pregnant increases up to 53%.

Main Causes for Using an IVF in Women

There can be many causes when a couple cannot conceive after having unprotected intercourse. The number one cause is undue stress, anxiety and depression. 85% of couples go through an increased amount of stress in their life. Other permanent factors which compel people to go through IVF treatment can be listed as follows:

• ·         Hormonal problems usually related with the thyroid gland.
• ·         Blocked or damaged fallopian tube, when causes immobility of sperms.
• ·         Pelvic diseases like gonorrhea or chlamydia.
• ·         Premature menopause or diminished ovaries.
• ·         Too much exposure to chemicals like pollution, pesticides, tobacco, alcohol and more.
• ·         Presence of Diabetes.
• ·         Over training the body, this is applicable to athletics.
• ·         Certain medication also causes infertility.

Main Causes for Using an IVF in Men

Apart from a few common causes like exposure to harmful chemical, stress, diabetes or presence of genetic diseases, the following can be considered:

• ·         Premature ejaculation.
• ·         Enlarged veins in the testes which disturbed the flow of blood in the penis.
• ·         Surgical removal of testicles, due to some major problems.
• ·         Impotency.
• ·         Chronic bacterial infections.

The Treatment

The entire ivf process can be detailed for your better understanding:

·         A minor procedure is performed by the doctor whereby he retrieves eggs from the follicles of the ovaries.

·         In the next step a single sperm is inserted into the egg for fertilization. This procedure is called Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection.

·         The fertilization occurs inside a chemical solution, which increases the chances of fertilization.

·         After fertilization in the ivf process the egg develops into an embryo and begins to grow. This stage is referred as the Cleavage Stage.

·         The fertilized egg which has now transformed into embryos is carefully placed into the woman’s uterus.

IVF Treatment Cost

Babies born through IVF come at a high cost. The ivf treatment cost is quite expensive. On an average one single cycle can cost up to 10000 US Dollar. On taking a full on three cycle procedure, your cost, excluding medication can mount to 30000 US Dollar. However, treatment costs vary from clinic to clinic and also in the medications involved.  Your doctor or gynecologist will be able to say, which is better suitable to your condition.

FAQ

Does insurance cover ivf treatment cost?

Insurance health benefit plans does not necessarily cover infertility problems. However, if this is a concern to you, make sure you look for the types of insurance that covers an IVF treatment or infertility in general.

Are there any side effects of IVF?

IVF causes minor discomfort in women like bloating, cramping, slight menstrual spotting. Most women faces anxiety and mood swings for a few days. Other symptoms can include breast tenderness and mild bruising from injections. However these are temporary and go away after a few days.

Are there any restrictions on physical activity after an IVF procedure?

Heaving sports like gym training, swimming, horse riding, running, cycling etc. are generally advised against. A woman should have a relaxed body and mind after a procedure.

Is the egg retrieval procedure painful?

The egg retrieval procedure is performed under heavy anesthetics. Hence a feeling of pain is not understood. A mild discomfort is felt after the anesthetic fades away.

Can I have sex after an IVF procedure?

Sex is generally not advised after the formation of an embryo. But patients can indulge in some sexual activity two weeks after an IVF treatment. However, make sure you consult with your doctor before engaging in sex.