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Things You Should Know Before Going for IVF

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Infertility treatments can be incredibly stressful. However, getting to know as much as possible before any infertility procedure can go a long way in helping to deal with the stress. If you and your partner are going for IVF treatments, here are certain points that are useful to know beforehand.

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What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization or IVF is one of the most well-known fertility treatments. You have probably heard the term before, but you may still not be completely clear about what it is. In basic terms, IVF is the joining of a woman's egg and a man's sperm in a laboratory dish, which can help couples conceive.

How do you know if IVF is the right treatment for you?

There are a number of cases in which IVF treatment is the right choice for a couple.

These can include individuals with hormone imbalance, low sperm count, low egg count, blocked or absent fallopian tubes, male infertility, and a number of other reproductive issues that may make conception difficult.

IVF treatments can take time

If you are considering IVF treatment, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the time involvement for an IVF cycle. Multiple visits to the clinic are required for monitoring sonogram, blood tests and pre-cycle testing to ensure the best outcome. If you have a very stressful work schedule and are uncertain about keeping your appointments, then it is best to postpone IVF to a time when you can have flexibility to be available for appointments as needed and are not in a high-stress environment.

IVF Treatment is expensive

IVF can be a considerable financial commitment due to the high cost of advanced laboratory techniques involved. If you are considering this procedure, it will help to prepare beforehand. Get informed about the costs involved, insurance coverage and financing options, as well as any discounted medication programs available to you.

The side-effects of IVF

IVF shots can cause some uncomfortable side effects, but none of them are too serious or severe. Breast tenderness and abdominal bloating are two typical side effects. You may also experience bruising at the site of the shots, typically your stomach or thigh.

Age affects the success of IVF treatments

When it comes to any fertility treatment, the younger age it is performed at, the better the chances of success. This is true in case of IVF treatments as well. In women, by age 45, there is a highly reduced chance of treatment succeeding. This is due to the decline in both the number and quality of eggs in the ovaries over time. Men’s sperm also gradually declines in both quality and quantity. So, if you are considering starting IVF treatment, it is better to do so sooner rather than later.

Being in good health is imperative for IVF

It is vital that you are in good health and are following healthy dietary and lifestyle choices for optimizing your chances of success with IVF. Avoid harmful lifestyle factors such as smoking, high alcohol consumption, drug use and poor nutrition, as these are all associated with low chances of successful conception. Obesity can also have a negative impact on conception rates.

You may experience stress/mood swings while undergoing IVF treatment

Typically, IVF treatments create a high-stress impact on the people undergoing them. It may also make you a bit moody, due to the drastic hormonal fluctuations you experience from injecting hormones every day.

How many IVF treatments will you need?

IVF treatment success depends on several factors. Hence it is difficult to provide any concrete statistics as to how many treatments you will need before IVF works. For some people, it does work the first time around, but for others, it may take a few tries. Typically, the first time is akin to trial and error because the doctors will not know how you will respond to the treatment until you start it.

IVF success rates aren't the same for all

It is important to keep in mind that success rates will differ for each patient based on a number of factors, such as their age or cause of infertility. Being educated about your anticipated odds of conception and going into treatment with a realistic expectation will help you handle the ups and downs of treatment better.

IVF increases the chances of a multiple pregnancy

Twins and triplets have a greater chance of occurring with IVF, with the chance of a multiple birth increasing from 3% in natural conception to 33% with IVF treatment. This is because more than one embryo can be placed in the womb to increase the chances of pregnancy.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

 

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