How does the ivf process work?

Question

My husband and I have been trying to conceive naturally and nothing. we have gotten to a point where we are so frustrated, so we want to look into starting the ivf process. Can anyone tell me how it works, what tests I need to do first before the actually process etc..

Answer

Happy to answer your question but I do want to make you aware that there are many other treatment options (depending on reason for infertility) before jumping to ivf.  Also it will depend on what country you are from.  In the US you will likely need a referral from your ob to a reproductive endocrinologist (aka a fertility specialist).  They will run a whole bunch of tests and scans at certain points in your cycle to diagnose why you likely aren’t getting pregnant.  These include bloodwork, ultrasounds, semen analysis on partner, tests where they inject dye or saline into your uterus and tubes, and possibly others.  If ivf is the right option for you, then you will begin taking medication to stimulate your ovaries to produce as many follicles as possible. These are mainly shots.  You will give yourself numerous shots and get monitored.  Once your follicles are a certain size (anywhere from 7-14 or more days of taking the meds), you will have an egg retrieval, they lightly sedate you and take a needle that they pass through your vagina and essentially suck out the eggs.  Then another specialist will use sperm from your partner to fertilize the mature eggs (either by injecting one sperm into each egg or putting the eggs and sperm together to meet on their own).  The fertilized eggs then have to divide properly and make it to day 3 or day 5/6.  At this point some people have a fresh transfer and some choose to freeze the embryos they get.  Either type of transfer requires additional medication.  At some point the embryo is placed back into your uterus, then 9-14 days later you’ll have a blood test to see if you are pregnant.  For me because of problems I had with my uterine lining the whole process from medication to transfer took 4 months.  I have pcos and my husband has low counts so ivf was our only option.  It was the best decision we ever made, but if there had been less invasive and less expensive options we would have tried those first.  Insurance doesn’t always cover ivf.  We paid 30k out of pocket for it.  It is an amazing thing and I am so blessed that it worked for me the first time but sadly that isn’t the case for everyone.  So I suggest really exploring all your options (if you haven’t yet).  Good luck!

Answer

I’d try an IUI (medicated) before jumping into IVF

Answer

Following

How does the ivf process work?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey