FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers
IVF is a process where eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized egg (embryo) is then transferred to the woman’s uterus to develop into a pregnancy.
IVF can help couples facing various fertility issues such as blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, ovulation disorders, unexplained infertility, or after unsuccessful fertility treatments.
The IVF process typically involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.
The IVF cycle from the start of ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer usually takes about 4-6 weeks.
Most women experience mild discomfort during the procedure. Sedation or anesthesia is usually provided during egg retrieval to minimize pain.
ICSI is a specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization. It is often used in cases of severe male infertility or previous IVF failure.
Risks include multiple pregnancies, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and minor surgical complications during egg retrieval.
The cost of IVF varies based on the clinic and the specific treatments required. It’s important to discuss all potential costs upfront with your fertility clinic.
Coverage for IVF varies widely among insurance plans. Some plans may cover part of the cost, while others do not. Check with your insurance provider for details.
Preparation may include lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and following specific medical advice from your doctor.
While stress is a common part of the IVF process, it’s unclear if it directly affects the outcome. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and support systems is beneficial.
Yes, donor eggs or sperm can be used for IVF if there are issues with the couple’s own gametes. Your doctor can provide guidance on this option.
Donors undergo extensive medical and genetic screening to ensure they are healthy and free of hereditary diseases.
Embryo freezing (cryopreservation) allows embryos to be frozen and stored for future use. This can be useful for multiple IVF cycles or delaying pregnancy.
Embryo glue is a substance used during embryo transfer to enhance the chances of the embryo implanting in the uterus. It contains a high concentration of hyaluronan, which helps the embryo stick to the uterine lining.
Blastocyst culture involves growing embryos in the laboratory for 5-6 days until they reach the blastocyst stage, which has a higher implantation potential compared to earlier stage embryos.
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a process where a woman’s eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. This can help preserve fertility for women who are not ready to conceive but want to ensure the possibility for future pregnancy.
Women who are not ready to conceive but want to preserve their fertility for the future, those undergoing medical treatments (like chemotherapy) that may affect fertility, or women with a family history of early menopause may consider egg freezing.
The process involves ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, egg retrieval under sedation, and then freezing the mature eggs in a laboratory using a method called vitrification.
Eggs can be frozen for many years. Current studies suggest that eggs can be stored indefinitely without significant degradation in quality.
When you are ready to use your frozen eggs, they will be thawed, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory (through IVF or ICSI), and the resulting embryos will be transferred to your uterus to attempt pregnancy.
Egg freezing is generally considered safe. The risks are similar to those associated with IVF, including the risks of ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.
Success rates depend on factors such as the woman’s age at the time of egg freezing and the number of eggs frozen. Younger women generally have higher success rates.
Yes, counseling is often available to help patients cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of IVF treatment.
After the transfer, you’ll need to rest for a short period. A pregnancy test is usually done about two weeks later to determine if the procedure was successful.
If IVF is unsuccessful, your doctor will review your cycle to understand what happened and discuss potential next steps, which may include additional IVF cycles or alternative treatments.