IVF Facts that you need to know and no one tells you about.
IVF or in vitro fertilization is probably the most popularly known process of assisted reproductive technology. But, the question lies as to how many of us who are suffering from infertility, aware of this process. Sure many of you have heard this term in social media or advertisements for fertility centers, but to a person suffering from infertility, that is not enough. This blog is an attempt to enlighten you with the concept of IVF and its relation to infertility, so that you can choose your treatment wisely.
What is IVF?
IVF is the combined process of medicines and surgical procedures to help the sperm fertilize an egg, and help the fertilized egg to get implanted in your uterus. The first step of the process involves you to take you take medication that makes several of your eggs mature and ready for fertilization. The doctor then takes the eggs out of your body and mixes them with sperm in a lab, to help the sperm fertilize the eggs. These fertilized eggs are then placed inside the woman’s uterus. Pregnancy happens if any of the embryos implant in the lining of your uterus. Since IVF has so many steps it takes several months to complete the entire process before any result can be expected. In some cases people get positive results in the very first try, but others might need to go through the process more than once. The transferring of the embryo is done at the doctor’s office or at a fertility clinic, and it’s usually not painful. Also plan on resting for few days after your embryo transfer. You may also take pills or get daily shots of a hormone called progesterone for the first 8-10 weeks after the embryo transfer. The hormones make it easier for the embryo to survive in your uterus. This assisted fertilization procedure definitely increases the chances of your pregnancy.
Effects of the treatment
Like all medications and medical procedures, IVF has some risks and possible side effects. It is safer to get a consultation about these with your doctor and prepared for it. These include:
- bloating
- cramping
- breast tenderness
- mood swings
- headaches
- bruising from shots
- allergic reaction to medicines
- bleeding
- infection
Apart from this IVF also has various emotional side effects, both for the person having the procedures and for their partner and/or family. Many people doing IVF treatments struggle with depression and anxiety throughout the process. You can talk to other people who have successfully been through the process and its side effects. Your doctor, fertility specialist, or local Planned Parenthood health center may also be able to offer you other resources and tips on finding therapists or support groups in your area.
When is IVF absolutely necessary?
For some people under some situations IVF is the only option to have a biological child. Women suffering from severe fallopian tubal issues or men suffering from severe infertility or diseases like low sperm count, should definitely go under the IVF treatment. People who have preserved their sperm or eggs due to certain inevitable health issues, will also be required to go through IVF for utilizing their preserved eggs and sperm. Despite being one of the most secure and assured procedures of assisted fertilization, IVF is often not the first choice of people especially if they are financially unable, are not ready to take the invasive risks, have religious obstructions or are not educated properly about the process, the last being the most popular reason among Indian families.
How successful will you be?
Behind the success of any life changing treatments especially in the case of fertility, are two major reasons, positivity and proper treatment. When it comes to IVF no fertility center can provide you with 100% guaranteed success. A fertility center becomes great if and only if the staff there is empathetic and caring towards the patients, they have the latest technologies for the treatment and most importantly who emotionally support the patient if and after a failed treatment cycle and encourage them to keep trying. A fertility specialist should be honest about the diagnosis and possibilities of success for every patient.
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