Reasons for Trying IVF
At MCRM, we recommend the most effective fertility treatment based on each patient and/or couple and the unique circumstances each bring. Therefore, we recommend beginning with an initial consultation with one of our fertility specialists. This allows them to learn more about each patient/couple and the unique fertility journey that has already been traversed. Based on this initial visit, recommendations for additional diagnostic testing may be recommended to evaluate further the cause(s) of the fertility difficulties. For women, this may include simple lab work and/or a transvaginal ultrasound to obtain and antral follicle count (AFC) and to evaluate the uterus. For men, diagnostic testing for evaluating fertility potential often includes a magnified semen analysis (MSA) and simple lab work. Additionally, a testicular ultrasound and/or sperm DNA-fragmentation testing may be recommended.
IVF may not be the fertility treatment path for a particular patient/couple. Instead, our fertility doctors may recommend timed intercourse (TI), lifestyle changes, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and other treatments. Many couples who end up undergoing in vitro fertilization do so for different reasons. You may consider IVF if your partner has had a previous vasectomy, has low sperm count and/or has high sperm DNA-fragmentation. Other popular reasons include ovulation and fallopian tube problems, advanced maternal age and/or diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), endometriosis and recurrent miscarriage. If you’re unable to ovulate because of conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), IVF may offer a remedy.
IVF treatment is also recommended if you’ve been sterilized or diagnosed with endometriosis. Some couples choose in vitro fertilization with donor eggs or sperm to avoid passing down inheritable genetic disorders. Women with cancer may freeze their eggs to prevent damaging them during chemotherapy. The eggs are later thawed and fertilized through IVF and implanted after cancer treatment.
Should I Try IVF First?
In vitro fertilization is often considered last when other treatments have failed, but nothing is wrong with trying it first. If you’re older than 35, you should probably start with IVF to avoid spending money on treatments that may fail due to much lower success rates. IVF is the preferred treatment for some people, so you don’t need to try other procedures if your mind is made up.
Pros and Cons of IVF
IVF treatment has many advantages compared to other assisted reproductive technologies. The treatment has high success rates in women younger than 35, so you should consider IVF early in life. Most women get their eggs removed and frozen while younger to use later in life. Others use donor eggs or embryos. Here are some pros and cons of IVF treatment:
Pros
- IVF doesn’t require fallopian tubes. The treatment is ideal if your tubes are blocked due to endometriosis, appendicitis, or Chlamydia.
- If your partner has low sperm quality, IVF is a good option because through the use of ICSI and MCRM Fertility’s unique sperm selection methods the healthiest sperm are able to be selected for fertilization.
- IVF embryos can be tested before implantation, so you can select the gender and reduce the chances of abnormality.
Cons
- The embryo may split, or you may get multiple pregnancies, resulting in twins.
- Sometimes no eggs are collected, so you may need multiple egg collection procedures.
- IVF involves putting you under different hormones that can make you emotional during the cycles.
- The procedure doesn’t guarantee pregnancy
- Average cost of IVF is about $13,000*
Working With An IVF Specialist
In vitro fertilization is one of several infertility treatments our fertility doctors may recommend. At MCRM Fertility, we’re dedicated to assisting couples safely conceive, and fulfill their dreams of becoming parents. Our patient-focused care covers more than just clinical care. Our IVF specialist is interested in knowing you as an individual, personalizing the treatment, and providing emotional support and encouragement. If you are ready to learn more about how MCRM Fertility and our fertility specialists can assist you, request your initial appointment today.
]]>