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.