In Vitro Fertilization: Procedure, Risks and IVF Cost

Many couples turn In vitro fertilization--IVF--if they have been struggling to conceive naturally for some time, if there are known fertility issues (with the female or the male, or both) or if the female is over a certain age. IVF is the process of fertilization outside the human body. An egg from the female and sperm from the male are combined in a laboratory dish and placed in a suitable environment for fertilization and early growth of the embryo, before it is implanted back into the uterus. The term "test tube baby" comes from the fact that the eggs and sperm are mixed together in a laboratory setting.

IVF can be divided into the following stages:

Stage 1: Special medication is prescribed for the female, to control the timing of the ripening of the egg and improve female fertility so that there is more chance of collecting multiple eggs. As some eggs will fail to fertilize or develop following their retrieval, a large number of eggs is desirable.

Stage 2: Ultrasound imaging is used during a minor surgical procedure to retrieve the eggs. A hollow needle is passed through the cavity of the pelvis to remove the eggs. Many women feel discomfort and cramping on this day, but this should be mild and short-lived. A sensation of pressure in the area should be expected for several weeks, however, which is perfectly normal.

Stage 3: The next step is insemination, in which the sperm and eggs are put into incubators to promote fertilization. The eggs are monitored and after cell division and fertilization has occurred, they are considered to be embryos.

Stage 4: A few days following egg retrieval, the embryos are transferred into the uterus using a speculum to expose the cervix. The embryos are suspended in fluid and passed into the womb via a catheter. The number of embryos that are created during any one IVF cycle has been a matter of debate amongst medical professionals for a long time. Generally, it is thought that the transfer of a maximum of four embryos will bring the best results. The transfer of more than four embryos carries a greater chance of multiple pregnancies, which can bring complications. Couples should be aware that if four embryos are transferred, all four of them could implant.

Stage 5: The woman is encouraged to rest and look out for early symptoms of pregnancy. Pregnancy will be determined by a blood test and possibly an ultrasound.

IVF success rates vary, depending on the specific characteristics of the woman, in particular the severity of any fertility issues she has been experiencing. In the United States, approximate live birth rates for IVF are 30 to 35% for women below the age of 35; 25% for women aged between 35 and 37; and 15 to 20% for women aged between 38 and 40. For couples who have genetic concerns or specific problems with their eggs or sperm, donor eggs, sperm or embryos can be used. It is estimated that around 10% of all assisted reproductive technology cycles use donated eggs.

As with all medical procedures, there are some risks associated with IVF; additionally, each stage of the process carries its own specific risks. The act of stimulating the ovaries may lead to hyper-stimulation, resulting in swollen, painful ovaries, however this is a rare side effect. Due to the use of anesthesia, there is a risk of bleeding, infection and injury to the bowel, bladder or blood vessels during the egg retrieval process. Stress, anxiety and depression are common when undergoing IVF, particularly when it is unsuccessful. Couples should be prepared for the emotional side of undergoing IVF, as well as the physical.

Another important issue to consider is ivf cost. Many couples in the United States are unable to afford fertility treatment because of the financial implications; the average cost of a single ivf cycle is $15,000. Many couples have to undergo several cycles before they are successful. Not all states cover IVF treatment as part of standard health insurance policies, meaning couples have to find alternative ways to pay for the treatment. It is believed that ivf cost is higher in the United States than anywhere else in the world. This can add to the stress and anxiety the couples are already experiencing, and have an adverse effect on their chances of success. It is important to discuss cost implications with the doctor at the outset and make sure you ask about the range of payment options available.

 

Infertility - A Problem for Both Men and Women

Unfortunately, infertility is a problem for many couples and it is often difficult to establish the rooot of the problem. The root of the lack of fertility may lay with either partner and if there is nothing which is easily identifiable, then the cause could lay hidden for a long time. Typical causes of infertility include endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, problems with ovulation and an inadequate progesterone level for the ladies with low sperm count and poor sperm motility or mobility, sperm blockage or an STD being often to blame with the men. Any injury or serious illness of either party may also play a part. It is a fact of life that age must also be taken into account.

Accepting that there is a problem with fertility is the first hurdle and one which can cause stress and resentment in even the most stable relationship. Once, however, the truth has been accepted then you can move onto the more positive stage of action. Many of the above listed problems may be overcome by the systematic treatment of drugs. This is a big step to take and one which worries many couples. Side effects of such medication can be unpleasant and these are often counteracted with more drugs. You will find that there is a variety of alternative treatments available which are very effective and completely natural. These are not going to work for everyone but are always worth more than a cursory glance. Anything which is natural is going to be far better better than taking a range of drugs - especially in the case of fertility and pregnancy, which obviously a critical time for all concerned.

For example, a problem with the functioning of the ovaries may be helped by a course of acupuncture or auricular treatment. The messages which are sent around the body which promote the production of hormones can easily be confused and diverted resulting in a hormonal and ovarian malfunction. It would be a shame to treat a problem such as this with drugs when a simple course of holistic treatment would do the trick. It has been recorded in trials that women who have had a three month course of acupuncture, involving around 30 treatments, have responded extremely well. A similar cure using only hormonal therapy would certainly show signs of side effects.

Conventional medicine is now very advanced and it is possible to undergo IVF treatment and have eggs and sperm brought together and fertilised outside of the woman's body. This is not an uncommon practice but is a difficult and risking procedure.

Whether you are following a holistic or conventional route to help you conceive, one very important aspect must be diet. This is a very full subject and not one which can not be covered in such a short space. However, you can visit my new website, where you will find a variety of articles regarding fertility and pregnancy as well as all aspects of life with children!

Click here to visit my website - I have very tired parents! - http://www.ihvtp.com/.

Joanna is a mother of two adult daughters, a nanny in Paris and a long time freelance writer. She now has her own website dedicated to all things involving children and the fun and trouble that they can get into. It includes practical articles, great offers and good ideas for all. Visit http://www.ihvtp.com/ (I Have Very Tired Parents...!)

 

In Vitro Fertilization or IVF Alternative - Making the Right Choice

If you've been thinking about In Vitro fertilization or IVF, this article will give you information about IVF alternatives as well as the potential risks involved with the procedure. As always you should discuss your options with a doctor before making any medical decisions. Being unable to conceive is a devastating fact of life for millions of women, options such as adoption, IVF, and surrogacy to name a few have provided opportunities for women unable to conceive, but want to have children in their lives. But there are millions more women that are suffering from infertility problems that have external causes that can possibly be remedied.

What causes infertility in women?
? Hormonal deficiencies or imbalances
? Structural reproductive organ problems
? Illness
? Surgery can cause hormonal disruptions and chemical imbalances from potent medications.
? PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) an infection of the reproductive organs and the?pelvis is one of the most common causes of female infertility.
? Adrenal gland and thyroid deficiencies.
? Scar tissue from vaginal or abdominal surgeries.
? Medications - antibiotics, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory agents.

Indications that someone is infertile will vary from one individual to another, but the most common sign of infertility is the inability to become pregnant after having regular, unprotected sex for a year or more without any birth control in place. Even if you are generally healthy, have normal menstrual cycles, and exhibit a healthy sex drive you may still become infertile.

Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself if you believe you may be infertile.

- Is either partner 35 years of age or older? A 30 year old woman has a 20% chance of getting pregnant during any one cycle. However, at 40 years of age the chances are reduced to as low as 5%. So, if you are over 35 and have been unable to conceive for six months or more without success, you may want to seek medical attention to discuss possible fertility issues.

- Do you have regular or irregular menstrual cycles? Irregular menstrual cycle could be a warning signal of a fertility issue. This is hardly conclusive however, but if you are having trouble conceiving and your menstrual cycles are outside of the 24 to 35 normal menstrual cycle span, you might want to talk to a physician...just to be certain.

Risks Involved with (IVF) In Vitro fertilization.

Basically In Vitro fertilization is a process where a woman's eggs are retrieved from the body and inseminated in a lab with semen from a partner or a donor. The resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus in a separate procedure. Drugs are used to induce the release of mature eggs from the ovaries. A light anesthesia is administered, and the eggs are usually removed by ultrasound guided retrieval or, less commonly by laparoscopy. Any surgery, even what is considered minor surgery poses some risks. Many women are selecting one of the many IVF alternatives as a first choice instead of subjecting themselves to the possible risks associated with surgery.

Talk to you doctor about IVF alternative options if you believe you need help conceiving, you can also find information on the internet - just remember to talk with your doctor before undertaking any actions.

 

How Your Child Can Suffer From Smoking During Pregnancy

Anyone who smokes knows that it is unhealthy, but smoking during pregnancy also places your baby at great risk for many health problems. Actually, there are problems right down the line including adverse risks during birth and beyond. If you smoke and learn that you are pregnant, the ideal time to quit is immediately. However, we realize that not all mothers will quit immediately which is unfortunate. The benefits of quitting for both you are your baby are tremendous. Once you've made the decision to quit seek out a support group to help you succeed. Smoking during pregnancy poses some very real risks and we will talk about those risks here.

When a woman smokes while she is carrying her baby, all systems are essentially under attack from hundreds of known chemicals added to cigarettes. The baby's immune system is compromised, and the effect of that is the general tendency to be sick more often with colds and other infections. There are known complications to the respiratory system as evidenced by a slew of potential problems positively correlated to smoking during pregnancy. Children of mothers who smoked while pregnant can also have problems with normal growth.

Infants of smoking mothers are displaying an interesting trend. The babies in this category tend to have a higher heart rate than babies whose mothers did not smoke. A baby born to a smoking mother will have a heart rate that is about 30% higher than a baby whose mother doesn't smoke. This is speaking specifically about women who smoked during pregnancy. It is difficult to know the exact cause of this condition. But it may be due in part to the baby not receiving the normal amount of oxygen because of the smoking.

More children are being diagnosed with ADHD or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. In fact, millions of diagnoses are made each year, and the figure appears to be climbing each year. Smoking at least half a pack a day, increases your child's tendency toward hyperactivity, although there are many other causes of ADHD. This increased hyperactivity increases a child's risk of being diagnosed with ADHD.

This should be a tremendous cause for concern for women who smoke while pregnancy.

The highly negative effects on her baby are enormous and incompletely understood. The issues discussed have mainly focused on the unborn baby but these problems don't disappear after birth. These consequences are far reaching and can affect the child well into adulthood. The child can be left dealing with the consequences of their mother smoking while pregnant for their entire life. This is why it is extremely important to quit smoking for the sake of both the mother and the baby.

How to Overcome Stress From Endometriosis Laparoscopic Surgery

When families undergo stress, the next most important step to be able to cope up with a lot of stressful situations is to bond together, to hold substantial conversations, and to express in as numerous ways as possible the ill-feelings toward the stress. This is to make sure that they understand fully their predicament and for them to stay bonded to overcome this challenge.

An example of this stressful scenario is to witness a loved-one who has to go through the endometriosis laparoscopic surgery. This is a medical process that although can be performed on an outpatient basis for a short period of hospital confinement it can still cause stress on the person undergoing the knife and his family and friends. This pressure might eventually result in stressful situations before, during, and right after the endometriosis laparoscopic surgery that would lead the family wearing down emotionally, financially, and spiritually.

Now, how does a loved one become sufficiently strong to manage the challenge that the surgical procedure is going to pose on her body, soul, spirit, and the family members waiting for her outside of the operating room? How should one deal with a loved-one who just had or is still recuperating from endometriosis laparoscopic surgery?

Read on and discover the various ways to do it. Be encouraged that you are not alone in this.

• Yes, be encouraged that as the person going through the surgery, you are not alone in this because one's family will be there through thick and thin. Loved ones meanwhile shouldn't lose heart because an endometriosis laparoscopic surgery isn't that serious a medical procedure anyway. This is a non-invasive procedure and recovery is only for a short period. Sometimes one is even not required to stay in a medical facility.

• A family also needs to prepare their heart and spirit to whatever the outcome of the operation will be. Hope for what's best but always expect the worst. This is the way to do it so they won't be overly excited or perhaps be totally devastated with disappointment and frustration. This is most importantly applicable to a woman undergoing the surgery so that you can correct her infertility challenge and to the husband expecting that it's going to be a hundred percent successful --- that at long last his wife will likely be able to conceive soon.

• Then while the loved one in surgery, members of the family waiting from outside of the OR should stay calm and focused because anytime the surgeon might go out and ask for their opinion or approval in cases when the operation does not go well plus some other thing needs to be done. This is because the person on the operating table could no longer decide for herself. One shouldn't lose his calm in the whole duration.

• Come recovery time, loved ones need not surround the patient 24-7. All they have to do really is always to make him feel that she is loved and looked after. Keep the patient company only when she requests for it. Just that.

 

How to Name Your Muslim Child

Although it's still early for me, I don't think it's a bad idea for me to start thinking about naming my child. As for me, my religious teaching requires me to look for meaningful names, good names with good meaning as some believed that whatever name that you chooses for you children, it will somehow impact their future life and I believe this is also true for other religions too. Choosing a good and meaningful name is very important as a name is like a prayer, every single day people will be calling your name. Just imagine that you (without proper knowledge) named your child with a bad name, for example something that relates to stubbornness or stupid, people will be calling your child's name time and time and it will act like a prayer or wish and you won't want that for your kids right? So how exactly you should name your child? I will share today some of the tips i get to name your Muslim child and also bad way to name your child.

Recommended Way To Name You Child

1. Named after the Prophets like Muhammad, Isa, Ibrahim, Nuh, Yaakob, etc.

2. Name taken from Asma 'ul Husna (99 names of Allah) - Prophet Muhammad S.A.W has once told that Abdul Rahman (Slave of the Generous; Compassionate; Beneficent) and Abdullah (Slave of Allah) are the names that Allah loves most. I should also point out that in order to use one of the names of Allah, you must put 'Abdul' (meaning 'slave of') in front of it and you can't use 'Abdul' with other names except for the 99 names of Allah.

3. Named after the Prophet's close friends - Name such as Abu Bakar, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Saad, Zubair and others are also a good choice for a baby name. They are known as good friends of the Prophets, good leaders, good thinkers, good noble people.

Forbidden Way To Name Your Child

1. Bad and degrading such as Sariq (Thieves), Ashiah ( those who are immoral), Kilab (Dogs), Jahil (Stupid).

2. Specially for Allah only like Ahad (the only One).

3. Didn't have any useful meaning such as Malikul Amlak ( Kings of all kings), Aflah (Prosperous), Yasar (Left-wing - in political term) as prohibited by Prophet Muhammad S.A.W with his saying:

"Do not call your boy Yasar, nor Rabah, nor Najeeh, nor Aflah, since you will say: Is he there?' So it will be said: 'No'. Indeed they are four, so do not attribute more to me." (Reported by Muslim, Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhee)

4. Anything with 'Abdul' (Slave of) with other attributes other than Allah's 99 names like Abdul Uzza (Uzza's Slave), Abdul Kaabah (Kaabah's Slave), Abdul Fulus (Money Slave).

Recommended and Forbidden names information is taken from 'Indahnya Hidup Bersyariat by Dato' Ismail Kamus' book given by my uncle. It's a good book and I recommend those of you in Malaysia to get it.

 

How to Get the Most Out of Intercourse to Get Pregnant

If you have recently decided to try for a baby you may be wondering if there are any tips and tricks that can speed up the process, without resorting to supplements or fertility treatments. The good news is that there are some helpful hints to bear in mind when having intercourse to get pregnant.

Positions matter! The key is to give gravity a helping hand and make sure your partner's sperm is as close to your cervix as possible. Good ways to help the sperm swim up your fallopian tubes is to lift your legs in the air immediately after intercourse; lean them against the wall for a few minutes if you find it difficult to hold them in that position yourself. You could also try lying on your side with your knees drawn up tightly against your chest. Placing a pillow underneath your hips while lying in the missionary position on your back is another good way to get the sperm where you want it to go!

When it comes to intercourse itself, the missionary position is a good one to go for, as your partner is able to penetrate deeply into your cervix. Another good baby-making position is thought to be the man penetrating the woman from behind, when she is on all fours. The female orgasm is thought to be important when it comes to making a baby, because the muscles contract during an orgasm and draw more sperm deep into the cervix. Another common tip for increasing your chances of getting pregnant naturally is performing pelvic floor exercises after intercourse; again, this is down to muscle contraction and keeping that sperm where it needs to be!

As well as things you should do when having intercourse to get pregnant, there are some things you should avoid doing. Be careful to maintain a good diet when you are trying to conceive. Avoid eating certain foods that are considered potentially harmful to the baby. Foods that you should avoid at this time are raw or undercooked meat, poultry and eggs (including homemade food made with raw eggs); liver and liver products containing high levels of vitamin A; soft, ripe cheese such as Brie; blue vein cheese such as Stilton; and soft cheese made from unpasteurized sheep or goat's milk.

In addition, caffeine and alcohol should be kept to a minimum, and you should quit smoking straight away. A study in the United States found that drinking three cups of coffee per day could reduce the chance of getting pregnant by 27%, compared to a woman who drinks no coffee. It is believed that as little as five units of alcohol per week can also have a huge impact on your likelihood of conception. It is best to avoid alcohol completely when you are trying to conceive, and then follow the advice of your doctor in relation to alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Good news for the women is that men should pay attention to their drinking habits too; it has been established that alcohol can affect sperm production and motility, and drinking three to four units of alcohol per day can lower testosterone in the short term and shrivel the testicles in the long term. There are direct links between smoking and infertility. Again, male fertility is just as much of an issue as female fertility. Male smokers are thought to produce fewer sperm when they ejaculate, and smokers of both sexes are more likely to produce children with genetic defects.

You may have read that you can use intercourse to determine whether you will have a boy or a girl. While this sounds like fun, there is no scientific proof that it works. However, you may want to give it a go anyway! The most common myth is that if you have intercourse standing up, you will produce a boy. However, some studies have shown that the foods you eat when you are trying to conceive can affect whether you have a boy or a girl. It is possible that a diet rich in potassium and sodium-such as bananas, spicy foods and red meat-will be more likely to result in the conception of a baby boy. A diet high in calcium and magnesium, on the other hand, may be more likely to produce a girl. The consensus from health professionals, however, is that there is not enough evidence to back these claims up and your focus when trying to get pregnant should be on a well-balanced, nutritious diet.

 

How to Get Pregnant Now! Read This If You Are Sick of Waiting to Conceive?

"Tell me how to get pregnant now!" demanded the angry patient. It seems to be a common scene in doctor's clinics right across the world. Desperate women and partners who are at their wits end because they simply can't get pregnant and worse still doctors can't give them a straight answer as to how to solve this horrible problem.

The good news for those of you that really do want to know how to get pregnant now (or yesterday to be precise) is that there are some incredible methods that you probably haven't been using as yet. Whilst conceiving a baby can be much harder for some couples this doesn't mean that you should give up or accept that it will take years to successfully give birth to a family of your own.

Unfortunately most so called experts are far from that. Before you even begin speaking with your local GP or doctor I would first ask them "what results do you have to prove to me that you can teach me how to get pregnant now?". If the answer is vague and skips the question then I think you are looking in the wrong area of expertise.

The important thing to remember is to keep focused on the end goal, and that is having a healthy baby and starting a family. If you loose sight of that magic day when you 'will' finally give birth to that little precious baby you have always wanted then you may as well not even try. This can be your reality - why am I so confident? Because I have seen so many stories just like your where so-called miracles have occurred and now these people are happily living their family dream.

What steps should you take?

Fertility drugs are one option but they definitely shouldn't be your first port of call. They are expensive carry bigger risks and most importantly most people skip straight to this so call 'easy fix' solution of drugs. Believe me there are many easier, risk free and more effective easy of conceiving a baby. If you really want to get pregnant now then I would suggest some more natural alternatives, at least to begin.

I would first suggest to get your lifestyle and body as healthy as possible eg. No drugs, alcohol, smoking and diet. This is for both you and your husband as he is a vital par tin this process. You can also try some exercise which is a great way of decreasing the stress levels and giving your body some natural chemicals that help create a healthier and more positive body. No surprises that a healthy body leads to dramatically increased chances of getting pregnant.

Most important I would find an author or specialist that you really trust. Doctors and educated people are a great place to start but most importantly make sure they have a phd in results. Eg. Someone that has helped hundreds of women just like you achieve that incredible dream of easily conceiving and starting a family. Learning how to get pregnant now should be as hard as lots of so called specialists make it out to be.

Are you Having Trouble Trying to get Pregnant?

Finding real pregnancy expert with proven results can be very hard. If you want to read the exact methods that I have based my whole pregnancy philosophy on then I would love to share them with you. These are the How to get Pregnant Now methods that I used.
Pregnancy Miracle is the only 'how to get pregnant' resource that I have purchased and not asked for a refund. Incredible information with a spectacular success rate - I would love to see your success story amongst all the others!

 

How To Get Pregnant If You Are Struggling - Common Methods For Pregnancy and What You Are Missing

For most women, getting pregnant and having children is something they've wanted all their lives. If this describes you then you may have thought about or even began trying to get pregnant. What most women don't anticipate is how difficult it can be sometimes. There are times when nothing happens after months of trying. It can become frustrating and you may be worried about infertility.

While you see most couples who try to conceive, do so almost immediately. Here you are struggling even though you are doing everything the doctor says to do. You can't seem to figure out why you can't get pregnant. Here are a few common methods that many people use to get pregnant:

- Fertility pills - prescription and non prescription drugs that help induce pregnancy

- Pregnancy timing - having sex prior to ovulation, or during

- Eating the right foods - certain foods supposedly affects the cycle and stimulate blood cells

What most couples are missing is their knowledge on fertility. They think that just by having sex near ovulation, staying healthy and eating the right foods is all you need to do. There is a lot more to that. If you are someone who's struggling with fertility then there are some things you should know. If having a child of your own is important to you, then you need to take it a little bit further and do the proper research and find out what you've been missing or doing wrong. Sometimes doctors won't be able to tell you these things because they are not obvious. Many women have been able to have a child by simply getting the right information that will reveal things that they never knew before. The best way to learn is from someone who's been through the same situation as you have.

How to Get Pregnant Faster Than You Ever Imagined

A common trait most people who have decided to have children share is that they tend to feel the need to conceive as quick as possible in order to feel accomplished. Any delay would mean panic for most, which, in turn, slows down the process even more. If you don't want to fall into this same loop as others have in the past, you have to know that you can get pregnant faster than anyone else if you only know a trick or two. These things can really help you relieve the anxiety of starting a family and can get you feel more fulfilled in a short period of time.

Generally, there are only two most important things to do in order to get pregnant faster. That would be to remember to try for a baby during the female's most fertile days of the month, and to execute the most ideal sex positions for pregnancy.

Fertile Days

As everyone would know, a female body works like a calendar. The system works by following the menstrual cycle. Before the period comes, there would be a window for when the egg will just be sitting in the uterus waiting to get fertilized. This period is the most fertile time of the month for a woman, as the ovum will be in the right condition and position for fertilization. Trying for a baby around this time will boost the odds of getting pregnant.

Ideally, the ovum will sit and wait in the ovaries for at least 24 hours. After this time, it will then break, which causes menstruation. This, however, doesn't mean that you should only do it around this time, because there are also instances where you can get pregnant by having unprotected sex any time of the month. However, doing it during the ovulation period is still the most idea technique, as according to experts.

Sex Positions

This other technique calls for doing the right positions when trying for a baby. You see, in order to further boost your chances of getting pregnant, it would be ideal to help the sperm reach its target destination faster. To do that, you need deeper penetration, so you can deposit these swimmers nearer the uterus, where the egg is waiting. By doing this, you can easily help the sperm reach the egg without too much fuss.

Combination Routine

Combining these two techniques ensure higher odds of how to get pregnant faster. It's just a really simple system that you can try without having to worry too much, so there's no reason why not give it a shot.

To better ensure that the above mentioned techniques on how to get pregnant faster would work effectively, don't forget to take steps in setting the conditions right. For example, be on a good shape and health when trying to get pregnant. This way, you can be sure that your systems will function accordingly.