Breaking Down The IVF Process
Any couple going through IVF knows the process could be complicated. From taking hormone injections, medical visits, to potentially failed cycles. In vitro fertilization is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) created for infertility. The process completes fertilization outside of the body. Then the fertility specialist implants the embryo into the woman’s uterus for a successful pregnancy. IVF consists of a 4-step process once a couple has been assessed as a viable candidate.
IVF step-by-step
First, the woman takes hormonal injections or medicine to produce more eggs than usual. Then doctors extract the eggs and, in some cases, sperm. The clinic treats and fertilizes the eggs with sperm, possibly using methods like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Once the resulting embryos are ready, the doctors implant the embryos into the uterus. Then doctors will look for signs of pregnancy. Often IVF takes more than one cycle of implantation for a successful, full-term pregnancy. With so many moving parts, these 3 tips could really help the process go smoothly.
1. Keep those supplements going
When IVF begins, hormone injections help produce a suitable number of eggs. But getting an extra vitamin boost is just as important. For instance, there are strong links between vitamin D deficiency and infertility. Other helpful supplements include CoQ10, vitamin C and B vitamins. A proper supplement regimen recommended by doctors should go hand-in-hand with fertility medication.
2. Ask about screening your embryos
Testing embryos before implantation is not mandatory. But taking the extra time to get a genetic screening done could make a difference. Some clinics offer preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), which has been shown to help increase birth rates. PGS takes a sample from an embryo to test for thousands of genetic defects. Tests can also weed out aneuploidy, an abnormal amount of chromosomes that will likely result in miscarriage. The end result? The best embryos with the highest chances of success.
3. Don’t stress about IVF
Not stressing over a situation is easier said than done. And couples going through IVF know the anxiety and mood swings that come along with the process. But relaxation helps all persons involved. Stress has not been shown to be a sole cause of infertility and miscarriages. However, high stress levels reduce progesterone production, which is essential for maintaining uterine lining during pregnancy. Studies have also found a link between lower stress levels and successful IVF. So take some time to unwind. Enjoy time with loved ones and invest in meditation practices. Psychological health often gets forgotten in place of reproductive health, but maintaining peace of mind is just as important.
Keep these tips top of mind
Going through cycles of IVF can be difficult. But the result is worth all the steps required. Single persons or couples going through IVF must make sure all bases are covered. Reduce stress, take supplements, and use all tools available. These tips help with IVF treatments over 40% birth rate. Consult with a fertility specialist for more tips for IVF success.
