When you are excited about parenting but fail to conceive, you can boost your odds of being parents by adopting a type of assisted reproductive technique known as in-vitro fertilization . IVF allows to create a controlled environment and significantly enhances the opportunity for fertilization of the egg. IVF is the most effective way to help a woman conceive. However, every treatment has its pros and cons. There are some facts that you should be aware of before you choose to opt for the treatment:
- The Results Are Uncertain
It is assumed that once you start the process of IVF, it is sure that you'll have a baby. Unfortunately, this is not true. Chances of pregnancy immensely depend on the age of women as well as some couple-specific factors. According to researches, only 40% of women undergoing assisted reproduction cycles experience pregnancy and give live births. Also, the experience of fertility specialist is equally important. So, don't forget to ask about the live birth rates from your doctor during the counseling sessions.
- The Process Is Time - Consuming
In vitro fertilization treatment is a long process. IVF is not a single treatment but a series of procedures. Firstly, the consultation session with the doctor is done. Then, after a week preparing for the treatment is done including medication and monitoring. Thereafter, triggering, egg retrieval, and fertilization process occur followed by embryo transfer and pregnancy tests. An average cycle takes around six to eight weeks from the consultation to transfer. Also, everybody is different. So, each patient's response to multiple stages of the treatment may vary. In short, undergoing the IVF process can be stressful and needs a lot of patience.
- IVF Affects Males Too
It is that during the entire IVF process, a woman has to undergo most of the medical procedures but, it is a tough time for the male partner as well. The whole process keeps man emotionally anxious and tensed over the idea that everything may work properly or not.
- IVF Is A Common Phenomenon
In the present day, about one in eight couples opt for IVF treatment. The common reasons are increasing age, unhealthy lifestyle, etc. You need not be conscious and worried as you are not alone.
- Infertility Is Merely A Symptom
The causes of infertility are many a time unknown. Infertility is only a symptom, not a diagnosis. This does not mean that IVF needs to be done always. However, in the present day, IVF is the best way to treat infertility problems irrespective of its cause.
- A Positive Pregnancy Test Is Not Just Enough
Getting a positive pregnancy test is no doubt a happy moment for the couple but it cannot be taken as the ultimate step of the process. The relaxing phase is only when the delivery is done nicely and baby cries are heard. Until then, every step of the process is crucial.
- Secondary Infertility Is Possible
People think that if a woman has conceived naturally, then, she will not require any kind of assistive reproductive treatment in the future. But, this isn't always the case. This can be frustrating and depressing at times. Secondary infertility can be caused due to increasing age or health problems.
- You May Feel Like A Teenager After The Treatment
Due to IVF, you will have lots of hormones than usual coursing of the body. This may make you feel irritated and bloated. You may also have a frequent urge to have sexual intercourse. Feel free to discuss with your doctor about all this and don't be afraid to choose other options for adult fun.
- IVF Has Side Effects
Fertility drugs that regulate the IVF cycle can lead to side effects. They might induce ovulation before the egg retrieval procedure. Also, adverse reactions to the drugs can cause headaches, hot flashes, abdominal pain and even heavy bloating. In extreme cases, ectopic pregnancy might occur.
- Premature Childbirth And Low Birth Weights
Getting pregnant through IVF can lead to the premature birth of a child. It is also possible that the baby is smaller as compared to a normal one. However, low birth weight is only associated with fresh embryo transfers.
- Undergoing IVF Is Stressful
IVF can affect you both mentally as well as physically. You may face mental health issues during the procedure. Also, the entire treatment is expensive so, you need to worry about the finances too. Emotional support from your partner, family, and friends can be healing at this time.
- You May Have To Entertain Much - Unwanted Advice
When you are undergoing an IVF procedure, an inevitable series of absurd advice by unwanted sources may creep your mind time and again. People may judge you for taking an extreme step in assisted reproduction.
