IVF, the most commonly performed assisted reproductive technology (ART), is used worldwide by patients and couples trying to conceive. As a reproductive and infertility specialist, we answer IVF questions from patients daily, and decided to compile some of the more commonly asked IVF questions.
How long is the IVF process from start to finish?
It typically takes 2-4 weeks to prepare for IVF, and the stimulation phase entails about 8-10 days of fertility shots and an egg retrieval is performed 2 days later.
Is IVF painful?
Most patients do not report significant discomfort during the IVF process. Some women may feel bloating during the ovarian stimulation phase, and light bleeding or cramping may occur after egg retrieval.
Am I a candidate for IVF?
There are a number of factors involved in determining if a patient is suitable for IVF treatment. Appropriate candidates often include couples who may experience:
- Low sperm counts
- Endometriosis
- Problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Ovulation disorders
- Sperm unable to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucus
- Other health or unexplained reproductive issues
The only way to know for sure if in vitro fertilization is right for you is to undergo a complete exam and consultation.
What happens if I become pregnant?
Once a pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll see your fertility doctor for continued blood testing, and eventually an ultrasound to confirm that the pregnancy is progressing smoothly. Once the fetus’ heartbeat has been verified, you’ll be referred to an obstetrician for the rest of your pregnancy.
If I’m not pregnant, when can we try again?
Normally, patients are asked to wait for one or two full menstrual cycles before resuming another IVF cycle. Certain additional tests may be needed that could delay subsequent IVF cycles.
Can I Afford IVF?
IVF treatments can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean that they are out of reach. There is a greater understanding of the benefits of IVF, especially as more and more people are waiting until later in life to start their family.
Before you make a decision, check with your insurance plan and talk with a fertility specialist. They can often provide advice on how to find a solution that you can afford.
Does IVF Lead to Twins and Multiple Births?
In the past, physicians recommended transferring multiple embryos to improve the chances of fertility since knowing which embryo was viable was hard to determine. This sometimes led to multiple births.
However, new advances like extended blastocyst culture and PGS/CCS have made this less necessary. In fact, due to the potential health risks related to multiple births, most fertility specialists advise against implanting more than one embryo at a time unless indicated. Instead, viable embryos can be frozen and stored for future use.