As infertility has grown increasingly common, an increasing number of people are turning to the medical procedure known as In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF. Couples prefer to plan their pregnancies later in life, which is arguably the most common cause of infertility, combined with a high frequency of sexually transmitted illnesses. When a couple decides to undergo IVF therapy, they should be prepared for difficult days ahead. Knowing a few things about IVF before starting the procedure will help them be more prepared for the results.
Before you go through with IVF treatment, here are some things you should know:
1. IVF Success Rate
There are various factors that influence the success rate of IVF, which varies from couple to couple. These factors include a couple's age, lifestyle, and the reason of infertility. As a general rule, persons under the age of 30 have a 50% probability of success, while those beyond the age of 40 have a 20% chance. However, things are looking up as technology has advanced significantly.
2. Female Fertility Decline
When a woman reaches the age of 35, her fertility begins to decline rapidly, both in terms of the quantity of eggs and their quality. A blood test called AMH can be used to determine the quantity of eggs produced in a woman, but it does not reveal much about their quality.
3. Male Fertility Reduction
Men, like women, endure a decline in fertility as they age.Though men continue to produce sperm, the quality of sperm deteriorates as they enter their forties, which can lead to reproductive issues. Furthermore, sperms from older men are less motile and less plentiful, and they are more susceptible to DNA damage, which might result in birth abnormalities in the offspring.
4. It is preferable to respond quickly.
If a couple suspects infertility, they should get care as soon as possible. Those under the age of 35 should consult a specialist if they are unable to conceive after 12 months of trying, while those over the age of 35 should do so after 6 months.
5. IVF is expensive in terms of both financial and emotional aspects.
The IVF process is not only costly in terms of money, but it also has a negative impact on one's physical and mental wellbeing. It can induce exhaustion, mood swings, and headaches, not to mention the tension she feels while waiting for the procedure to be completed.
6. It is preferable to freeze your eggs while you are younger.
Women should have their eggs frozen before the age of 35 and use them for their first and future pregnancies since these eggs improve the odds of IVF success.
7. IVF Treatment Timing
The timing of the therapy in relation to the woman's cycle is critical to the success of the IVF process. In addition, a pregnancy test should be performed just two weeks after the embryo is transferred to the womb.
8. The Dangers of IVF Treatment
Though IVF is considered a safe procedure, roughly 1% of patients are at risk of developing a syndrome known as Ovulation Hyperstimulation Syndrome. It signifies that a lady developed an abnormally large number of eggs as a result of the hormone therapy. The use of modest medication dosages, on the other hand, has reduced the danger.
9. No one can promise success.
Despite the fact that IVF has revolutionized fertility treatments, there are no certainties because many other unanticipated complications may arise. Such couples who have failed in previous attempts may be forced to settle without result. Counseling may assist them in dealing with reality.
10. A single cycle can be used to complete the entire family.
Medical technology advancements have enabled couples to complete their entire family on a single cycle. They can do so by having the first kid in a cycle and freezing the embryos for eventual use in subsequent pregnancies.
Overall, it is now feasible to determine whether IVF is right for a couple, as they may learn after a few attempts whether they are likely to ever achieve a happy outcome.
