Understanding The IVF Process. Looking At IVF Success Rates, IVF Cost & Finding Support At An IVF Forum.

ivf success rates Men and women who have infertility issues are said to be luckier now due to the extensive availability of various assisted reproductive techniques.

These infertility treatments help couples come to terms with unexplained or unresolved infertility, and help them achieve the goal of having a baby through high-technological means.

Once such procedure that many couples have tried out is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

What Is In Vitro Fertilization - IVF?

One of the most popular ART procedures is the in vitro fertilization or IVF. During the IVF process, the egg cells are removed from the body and are fertilized by the sperm in a petri dish. One or more mature oocytes are removed from a woman's ovary by laparoscopy, while the male partner ejaculates into a specimen container where sperm cells are extracted for fertilization.

IVF Success Rates

While the IVF process sounds promising, only about 2% of infertile couples use this. The overall IVF success rates for women under the age of 35 is 35% per cycle. For those who are between 35-37 years old, the odds are set at about 30%, while it drops to 22% for ages 35-37. If you are over 40, chances are down to 12%. At this point, you can try other alternatives to be use din conjunction with another round of IVF procedure.

You can actually perform the treatment for a second or third time, if you find that your first IVF process was not successful. This is because everyone has unique body systems, and while it may work easily for other, it may be harder for some. Various factors can also influence the IVF success rate, so it's best for you to take a look at your own body and figure out what you can do to maximize the benefits of the IVF procedure. For IVF to be successful, it requires a healthy egg cell, sperm cell, and a uterus that implant itself into. This is a time-consuming and expensive option, so it's best to commit yourself totally to the procedure once you and your partner decides to go for it.

The IVF Process

The IVF procedure is most often used for couples who have not been able to conceive because the woman has blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. In cases where the man has low sperm count, the IVF process is helpful because the controlled, concentrated conditions in the laboratory require only one sperm. It may also be helpful for couples when an absence of cervical mucus prevents sperm from travelling to or entering the cervix, or antisperm antibodies cause immobilization of the sperm. In addition, couple with unexplained infertility of long duration may be helped by the IVF procedure.

The IVF process typically involves the five steps:

Monitoring the growth of egg cells by stimulating them.
Collection of the eggs.
Extraction and securing the sperm.
Combining the egg and sperm together under laboratory conditions for fertilization.
Transfer of the embryos into the uterus.

The IVF Procedure

Step 1: The egg development is monitored and controlled using medications that will stimulate their maturity and growth. Fertility medications such as clomiphene citrate or Clomid, are prescribed to control the timing of egg ripening, and to increase the chance of collecting multiple eggs in a woman's cycle. Multiple eggs are extracted in order to ensure and increase the chances of getting good-quality eggs. This is done because not all eggs continue to develop and be fertilized after retrieval.

Step 2: Urine and blood tests are used to check the hormones in your body to ensure that ovulation is taking place. Once ovulation has occurred, the woman is sedated and local anesthesia is injected in order to proceed with the egg retrieval. This is done using a laparoscopy, wherein a long, thin, hollow needle is inserted into the abdominal cavity and the eggs are extracted. Cramping is usual after the first day, and a feeling of fullness or bloatedness may be experienced for a few weeks after.

Step 3: The male partner provides sperm sample through ejaculation. Once this sample is obtained, these are subjected to a "washing" wherein sperm cells are stripped off its natural proteins, making them more viable for fertilization. The sample can be obtained weeks or even months beforehand, and can be frozen or cryopreserved until the time comes when it can ne used.

Step 4: Once both samples are obtained, the egg and sperm are allowed to meet for fertilization to occur. This is monitored very closely in order to ensure that conception happens. In cases where sperm counts are severely low, the sperm can be directly injected into the egg.

Step 5: Once an embryo is formed, the fertilized egg or eggs can be transferred back into the woman's uterus for implantation. Several fertilized eggs are injected to again make sure that the chances of implantation are high. If in case one or two embryos fail to implant, there are other embryos to choose from. The transfer process involves the use of a vaginal speculum to visualize the cervix, where the now two-to-four celled embryos are injected. This procedure is guided by ultrasound. Some women may experience mild cramping, or even slight bleeding. This does not mean implantation has failed, but rather, it is an effect of the embryo transfer. If it goes on for several days, then it's best to consult your doctor instead. The expected date of delivery can then be calculated using an IVF due date calculator.

Who Performs IVF – Cost & Success Rates?

In some centers, nurse practitioners are the health providers who complete oocyte removal and transfer. Doctors with specializations or are licensed in ART procedures can be consulted. Whatever your preference, make sure you find someone who has had years of credible experience in the IVF procedure. You can also take a look at the IVF success rates and how much does IVF cost for each fertility clinic to help you decide.

Once implantation is successfully established, the woman's prenatal care is the same as that for any pregnancy. Check-up may or may not be more regular than with any normal pregnancy – depending on the need and your doctor's evaluation.

Using The IVF Due Date Calculator & IVF Forums

In a normal pregnancy, the expected date of delivery can easily be calculated. This is not so different with a pregnancy brought upon by IVF. Although it is said that only 10% of women actually give birth on their due dates, looking on an IVF Forum or Google for a good IVF due date calculator can help you prepare for which month you are most likely to welcome your baby.

Ovulation, egg retrieval, and insemination typically happen all on the same day. You can base your calculation on this using a very simple formula. You will have to count 38 weeks from the day of insemination and the result will be your delivery date. Bear in mind though – not all pregnancies are the same, thus you may give birth earlier or longer than your computed date.

Now that you have learned what is IVF, you can then proceed to explore this treatment option. It may just be what you and your partner need. We wish you all the best!