Gone are the days when couples who could not have children had no hope. One of the greatest technological advancements in childbirth is ART – Assisted Reproductive Technology. There are many ART procedures like IUI, ICSI etc. however, IVF – In-Vitro Fertilization has been the most popular method owing to its success rates. One can use their sperm/eggs or any donor sperm or eggs. Many couples have been blessed with a bundle of joy due to IVF. The procedure is expensive and sometimes might involve multiple sessions. Hence, it is essential to know the procedure well before starting it. This blog has compiled the 10 top FAQs that will help you prepare for your IVF treatment.
1. Why should we undergo IVF?
If your doctor recommends an IVF, ask them why it is recommended. There are various reasons like:-
- Sperm count is low
- Several failed attempts at natural conception.
- Unexplained infertility
- Fallopian tube blockage
- Endometriosis
- Advanced age
Knowing the reason for IVF will help you understand why you cannot go for other less expensive options like IUI.
2. What tests are done before the start of IVF treatment?
The tests are done to evaluate your general health. The most common tests are blood sugar level, blood group, sexually transmitted infections and liver damage, among others. For the female partner, a series of tests to rule out PCOS, ovulation status, and ovarian reserve are done. In men, semen analysis is done before starting IVF treatment.
3. What is the type IVF most suited for me?
There are two types of IVF. A short-cycle and a long-cycle. Any IVF starts with ovarian stimulation, where special medications are given to women so that more eggs are released. In a short-cycle IVF, the ovarian stimulation period is shorter, and fewer eggs are produced. In a long cycle, medications are taken for a long time, and more eggs are produced.
4. What is the success rate of your facility in terms of live births and pregnancy rates?
Based on the tests conducted before the start of the treatment, the IVF specialist should be able to provide a general sense of whether the treatment is likely to work. The success depends on disease history, fertility rate, blood tests, weight and overall health.
5. Should I use Fresh Embryos or Frozen Embryos?
If it’s your first IVF, fresh embryos must be made. After successful fertilization in the lab, if there are more embryos, then most couples choose to freeze their embryos. These frozen embryos can be used for the next cycles. However, it has been observed in many cases that frozen embryos yielded better results. Presently, most couples are first going for embryo freezing and transferring the embryo in the later cycles.
6. What can I do to improve the success rate of an IVF?
Your doctor will make more specific recommendations based on your medical history. There are some things you may do to increase your chances. Make the below lifestyle modifications at least a couple of months before the start of IVF:-
- Low-intensity exercise.
- Well-balanced nutritious diet.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and BMI for your age and height.
- When one consumes too much alcohol and tobacco, they greatly affect reproductive health. Hence, strictly keep off from them. Another thing to keep in mind is to reduce your stress levels. If the stress levels are high, it releases high cortisol (stress hormone) levels. These stress hormones make it difficult to conceive.
7. Should I get a pre-genetic diagnosis of the embryos?
In the pre-genetic diagnosis of the embryos, some genetic or inheritable disorders are detected at the initial stages. Depending on the mother’s age, a pre-genetic diagnosis is a must. The lab fertilized embryo is genetically screened before inserting into the woman.
8. What possible side effects or issues should I be aware of while undergoing IVF treatment?
If the female partner is already suffering from PCOS, the IVF may cause Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS). Less serious side effects include fluid discharge, mild cramps, bloating, and constipation due to regular hormonal injections. Also, if you experience fever, severe abdominal discomfort, headache, swelling, or redness in your legs, immediately contact your doctor.
9. What happens if the treatment doesn’t work?
IVF has come a long way since its initial days when most couples conceive in the first cycle. However, the success rate of IVF is not 100 per cent, and if the first cycle of IVF does not result in a pregnancy, you can attempt again at a later period, based on the cause of failure the first time.
10) What other miscellaneous information should I know?
- How many embryos will I get?
- Will the blastocyst be stored?
- Will my baby be as healthy as a natural pregnancy?
- Are there chances of a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and abnormality in the foetus?
Preparing for an IVF beforehand is always a good idea so that you are physically, mentally, emotionally and socially ready for this journey. We at ZIVA offer full counselling services and will patiently answer all your queries. You can also read the testimonials of couples who underwent IVF treatment with us. Visit our website at https://zivafertility.com/ or reach us at +91-9100002737, +91-9392834024, and Info@zivafertility.com.
