You might be considering in vitro fertilization (IVF) to grow your family, but you have questions. It’s a big decision – one that involves a lot of your time, energy, and oftentimes, money. Of course, it’s always advised to talk with your fertility specialist about your personalized treatment plan. In general, here are answers to some of the common questions people have when they’re thinking about doing IVF.
What should I know before starting IVF?
Prior to starting IVF, it is important to understand the process fully. There are many myths out there regarding IVF, and there is no “one size fits all” approach. We use different methods and medication doses for different patients based on their particular medical characteristics. At CCRM, we are very detailed with our pre-IVF evaluation so that we can tailor the best treatment strategy for each patient.
IVF success rates will also differ for each patient based on their age and cause of infertility. Being educated about your anticipated odds of conception and going into treatment with a realistic expectation helps patients handle the ups and downs of treatment better.
Patients also need a thorough understanding of the time involvement for an IVF cycle. Multiple visits to the clinic are required for monitoring sonogram, blood tests and pre-cycle testing to ensure the best outcome. If someone has a very stressful work schedule and is unable to make their appointments, then it is best to postpone IVF to a time when the patient can have flexibility, is not in a high-stress environment, and can be readily available for their appointments as needed.
IVF can also be a significant financial commitment due to the high cost of advanced laboratory techniques that make it possible for couples to conceive. Knowing the costs involved, insurance coverage and financing options, as well as discounted medication programs, can help couples navigate the financial burdens of treatment and better prepare.
The IVF laboratory is one on the most important considerations when choosing the clinic you plan to undergo IVF with. Not all clinics have the same systems or quality measures in place. I am very proud to say that at CCRM, our IVF laboratories are led by world renowned experts in fertility, and utilize the most cutting-edge technology in the field, which is reflected in our excellent success rates.
Preparing your body for IVF
Being in good health and following healthy dietary and lifestyle strategies is also important for optimizing your chances of success with IVF. Negative lifestyle factors such a smoking, high alcohol consumption, drug use and poor nutrition are all associated with low chances of successful conception. Obesity can also have a negative impact on pregnancy rates. CCRM recommends clean eating, regular exercise, antioxidant supplements and avoidance of artificial sweeteners and highly processed foods.
Wellness habits such as regular yoga can also help manage stress levels, allow you to take some time for yourself and focus on your own wellbeing during the process and after. It is also very important to have other health issues, like thyroid dysfunction, diabetes or hypertension, in good control so that the IVF process is not only smooth but the pregnancy outcome is also improved.
There is a lot of information on the internet and social media about IVF. However, not all of it is accurate and not all will be applicable to you. It is critical to be able to discuss your concerns/questions with your physician and have trust that they will do their best for you.
Is IVF painful?
IVF involves taking injectable medications which may cause some discomfort. Some patients find that icing the area for a few minutes prior to injection is helpful to minimize pain. As your ovaries respond to the medications to grow multiple follicles, you may experience some discomfort and bloating.
During the egg retrieval procedure, you will receive an anesthetic. The procedure is quick and pain-free. However, it is not uncommon to have some soreness and abdominal bloating and cramping for a day or two after your egg retrieval. The embryo transfer is similar to a pap smear is virtually pain-free in most cases.
Is IVF expensive?
IVF can vary in cost from clinic to clinic, depending on where you go and if any additional procedures are needed, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or genetic testing of embryos. The average cost for an IVF cycle at CCRM Fertility using frozen eggs is $12,880, with additional fees for anesthesia, testing, medications, and storage.
Before starting treatment, it’s important to check your fertility health benefits with your insurance provider. Your insurance may cover fertility testing necessary to begin IVF, but may not cover the process itself, which includes egg retrieval and possibly the embryo transfer. CCRM Fertility has numerous financing partners and offers IVF Refund and Multi-Cycle programs to help make the IVF process more affordable for patients.
Is there a risk of twins or multiples?
Depending on how many embryos are transferred to your uterus, you have an increased chance of twins or more with IVF. Thanks to advances in fertility treatment, single embryo transfer greatly reduces the risk of twins or multiples to 1-2%.
How many embryos to transfer is a conversation to have with your fertility specialist as part of your treatment plan.
What are the side effects of IVF?
You might notice side effects from the injectable medications you take during the IVF process. These could include:
- Mild bruising or pain at the injection site (using different injection sites can help)
- Breast tenderness
- Hot flashes
- Bloating
- Fluid retention
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Low energy or fatigue
- Cramping
In addition to side effects from the medications, your fertility specialist may recommend exercise restrictions and abstaining from sex at some point in your cycle. Fortunately, all side effects and restrictions are temporary.
Keep your care team informed if these effects become difficult to manage. Bleeding, fever, and significant pain in your pelvic area are more serious side effects and should be reported right away.
How successful is IVF?
IVF success depends on many factors, including your age, your clinic, and if you or your partner have a health condition that affects your reproductive system.
CCRM has some of the highest IVF with comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) live birth rates in the nation.
What happens if it doesn’t work?
Unfortunately, for some people, it may take more than one IVF cycle to get pregnant. And even with the highly scientific nature of IVF technology, it does not always work for everyone. While IVF can be successful, there are other options to consider if you are told your chances are low or if you have already done an IVF cycle without getting pregnant.
Donor eggs or sperm can help increase your odds of a successful pregnancy, as well as using donor embryos, which are given by those who have completed their families and are donating their extra embryos. Gestational carriers can help in case implantation or maintaining a pregnancy is the main issue.
You can also increase your chances of success by working with an experienced fertility specialist and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Is IVF time consuming?
During the IVF process, you will have frequent doctor appointments, phone calls, and message exchanges with your fertility care team, as well as a calendar of medications to manage. With IVF, it can be difficult to schedule events in advance because you may have an appointment with your fertility doctor that comes up at the last minute or an injection you need to give yourself at a specific time.
Prior to starting IVF treatment, you may want to consider clearing your schedule as much as possible to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed. Plan to not be traveling anywhere, but you will need to notify your team of any travel plans you may have.
How will I feel emotionally during the process?
It is not uncommon to experience a range of emotions throughout the IVF journey, from anxious and depressed to hopeful and elated. In addition to the medications you are taking which can impact your mood, you may feel a sense of helplessness as you navigate a journey in which so much is outside of your control.
To help ease the stress of the IVF journey, set time aside to do things you enjoy that will not interfere with treatment, such as a movie night with friends or a relaxing massage. (Learn about: Self-Care Tips for Women Undergoing IVF)
Is there support out there for me?
IVF can be isolating, especially if you do not know anyone else who has experienced it firsthand. You may find fertility support groups helpful, and these are offered both online and in-person. A trusted friend or family member can also be invaluable to talk with about your treatments or provide a good distraction from the stress. Please do let your fertility team know if you are feeling overwhelmed, as they will be able to provide advice and resources to help you.
If you are not comfortable with talking openly about your fertility treatments, there are other ways to support your emotional health through IVF including:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Journaling
- Taking daily walks
If you’re ready to take the next steps to grow your family with IVF, meet with one of our CCRM Fertility specialists by making an appointment today.
