5 Interesting Facts About IVF
Posted on October 26th, 2024
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an advanced fertility treatment that can help couples and individuals overcome various types of infertility. You may be a good candidate for IVF if you have a medical condition that impacts your reproductive system, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or experience male factor infertility. Keep reading to learn some interesting facts about IVF and how you can start your journey to parenthood today.
1. IVF Takes Time
IVF is a process involving four main steps: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. This process can be lengthy, as the female patient must take medication and undergo multiple ultrasounds and check-ups before egg retrieval to stimulate the body into developing enough mature eggs to collect. After egg retrieval, the patient must come back to the clinic for embryo transfer. About two weeks after transfer, they'll come back again to take a pregnancy test. The total IVF process can take around 4-5 weeks.
2. You May Need More Than One Cycle of Treatment
Some patients have to undergo multiple IVF treatment cycles before achieving a successful pregnancy. Therefore, it's important to view your first IVF cycle as the beginning of your treatment journey rather than a one-and-done guarantee. Studies show that the chances of pregnancy success increase with each IVF cycle, so don't give up if you don't get pregnant on the first try. It's normal and doesn't mean you won't get pregnant during future cycles.
3. You May Need IVF Even If You’ve Conceived Naturally Before
Not every couple who has successfully conceived a child at home can easily do so for a second time. In fact, secondary infertility accounts for 30% of all infertility diagnoses. If you're under 35 and have had regular, unprotected sex for a year without success, or you're over 35 and have been trying for six months without success, you should consult a fertility specialist. You may need IVF or another fertility treatment.
4. You Can Undergo IVF With or Without a Partner
IVF is a suitable treatment for a wide range of couples and individuals, including heterosexual couples, LGBTQ+ couples, and intended single parents. In some cases, you may need an egg donor, sperm donor, or a surrogate carrier to deliver a healthy baby.
5. IVF is the Most Successful Fertility Treatment
Overall, IVF is the most successful assisted reproductive treatment (ART). According to the Society for Reproductive Technology (SART), the percentage of live births via IVF for women under 35 is 55.6%. The chances of success increase with multiple rounds of IVF.
Learn More About IVF
IVF can be an extensive process, but your chances of success are high, especially if you have the right fertility team on your side. At Aspire HFI, we’d be happy to answer your questions about IVF and how you can start your journey to parenthood. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at our Houston, Willowbrook, Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands, Memorial City, Beaumont, Kingwood, or Clear Lake locations.
