Getting Pregnant Is Not Always Straightforward
Some couples can easily plan to get pregnant and do so with ease. Others experience pregnancy as a happy accident. Yet, this isn’t always the case for millions of individuals or couples. The path to parenthood is a winding road filled with bumps, such as medical and emotional challenges. At the pinnacle of these trials lie infertility, a medical diagnosis that states having a child naturally is nearly impossible. This conclusion asserts there is an underlying issue preventing a natural, uninterrupted pregnancy. Even among perceived healthy individuals, the situation is unexplained, making the dream of parenthood feel distant. There is hope thanks to medical strategies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). The goal, however, is to know when to consider IVF as a next step.
Let’s talk about IVF
IVF was once available in specific areas and only accessible to the wealthy. Today, there are hundreds of clinics in America that provide accessible fertility services. Now, statistics reveal that over 86,000 babies are born via IVF every year. IVF retrieves multiple eggs from a woman’s ovaries using a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Before egg retrieval, the woman must take specific hormone medication to increase the number of available follicles. Each egg is combined with a sperm sample acquired by the woman’s partner or a donor. Once the embryos are ready, a doctor will then transfer at least 1 to the woman’s uterus. After several days, the doctors will then test for pregnancy, with a successful IVF cycle leading to a healthy baby.
Who can benefit from IVF?
IVF is more effective in some situations than others. However, the process benefits couples who have struggled with infertility and have not had success with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or other strategies. Women with blocked fallopian tubes or certain reproductive challenges like endometriosis can benefit from IVF. Unexplained infertility and men with severe male-factor infertility are also ideal candidates. IVF now has other uses, such as preserving fertility, using specific donor sperm or eggs, and serving the LGBTQ+ community. Through initial consultations, a fertility specialist can advise if IVF is the next best step.
When should you consider IVF?
There’s no right or wrong time to consider IVF, especially if an individual or couple has struggled with infertility for some time. Yet, there are some factors that can influence the decision. A woman’s age, for instance, should play a role in the decision. Due to diminished ovarian reserves, especially at age 35 and beyond, turning to IVF may help. The severity of infertility confirmed by a doctor also matters. This severity coincides with the length of time a couple has been trying to conceive. A fertility specialist can determine if IVF is an ideal alternative. A couple who is also financially and emotionally prepared for the inevitable challenges of IVF should consider the procedure.
Before you leap, know this
Everyone is not a candidate for IVF. A fertility clinic, however, can assess each case and determine if the procedure will be effective. There may be other options, such as trying IUI, hormone therapies, or surgery to address a reproductive challenge. Many couples need multiple IVF cycles, and there are risks, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and miscarriages. What makes IVF effective is the support from the fertility team, friends, and loved ones. Partners should also have open lines of communication throughout the process. Furthermore, taking a holistic approach through the process, including diet, exercise, and stress reduction, can increase success.
With IVF, there is hope
After months or even years of trying to conceive, some couples give up hope. The cycle of sadness and disappointment is sometimes unbearable. With IVF, there may be hope. IVF can work around significant fertility challenges, giving couples a renewed sense of hope. Navigating IVF can also feel complicated, making a journey to parenthood feel even longer. The support of the fertility clinic and family members is vital to success. The choice to pursue IVF is ultimately a personal one. Find the ideal doctor, get a consultation, and take another step toward parenthood.