Are you considering in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
IVF is a process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body, then placed back into the uterus for gestation. If this is something you’re considering, then let’s discuss some do’s and don’ts of IVF!
Do know if you’re a candidate for IVF.
Factors that determine if a woman is a good candidate for IVF how long she has been unable to conceive naturally, her age, her overall health status, inability to conceive with other fertility treatments, a family history of genetic abnormalities and pregnancy loss history. To learn more click here or here.
Don’t expect IVF to have a 100% success rate.
There are many factors to consider when assessing your chance of success with IVF. Your age, health and lifestyle status, reason for needing IVF, use of donor eggs and the success rates of the fertility center all play a role.
The SART Patient Predictor is based on nearly 500,000 cycles of therapy to more than 320,000 women throughout the United States since 2006. This calculator is meant to help you understand your chances of having a live birth, based on your personal situation. The answers to the following questions influence the likelihood that the IVF treatment will be successful. The calculations from this Patient Predictor assume that you have not had prior IVF treatment and are using fresh embryos. Predicted live birth rates are also provided based on the information entered.
Do mourn the loss after a failed IVF.
First thing first, acknowledge it sucks.
It hurts, causes frustrations, anger and grief. It hurts really bad especially when you waited so long and been through so much in the quest to have a baby. Know that it is extremely normal and okay to mourn.
If you’re a type A personality, this is for you. We often tend to focus on success and ignore failures, but remember these feelings stay buried inside and hit you much harder when they return. So express your grief in a form that is meaningful to you. Let it flow.
Don’t get stuck thinking IVF Is your last resort.
I see people put off IVF for as long as possible for a lot of different reasons, but often it’s because they are worried that if it doesn’t work, they will never achieve their goal of having a family. IVF is your best chance of conceiving using your own genetics when other things aren’t working, and it’s significantly more successful when you don’t wait until the last second of your fertility window.
There is always a plan B though. Many creative options that you may have never even considered make lots of people parents everyday. Learning about these options (by reading or talking to your doctor) can help someone feel that IVF is only the next step in the process—not the last resort.
Do brush up on your IVF knowledge.
Watch this great discussion I had with Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh of "The Egg Whisperer Show". We answer several questions you might have regarding IVF!
Here are some great additional articles on the Babies After 35 blog!
- IVF Starter Kit!
- 5 Common Misconceptions About IVF
- Advice For Couples Undergoing IVF For The First Time
- Gateway to IVF Success: The ABC’s of PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening)
And of course, be sure to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about IVF! Your healthcare provider or specialist will be able to answer your questions as you go through the process of IVF.