What is In Vitro Fertilization?
IVF is a process that begins with hormone treatments to hyperstimulate a female’s ovaries to produce a number of eggs. The woman’s eggs are collected and then combined with male sperm within a laboratory dish or a test tube. The combination will then form an embryo that is nourished in the laboratory cultures and injected into the female uterus. This process can take several attempts before it is successful.
Types of fertility treatments other than In Vitro Fertilization:
- Fertility medicines
- Surgery
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- Gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT)
- Zygote intra-fallopian transfer (ZIFT)
Reasons to get In Vitro Fertilization:
In Vitro Fertilization may be an option if a couple has one of the following:
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage
- Ovulation disorders
- Premature ovarian failure
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Previous tubal sterilization or removal
- Impaired sperm production or function
- Unexplained infertility
History of In Vitro Fertilization:
The first successful IVF procedure was carried out in 1977, resulting in the world’s first baby conceived by In Vitro Fertilization. There have been an estimated 5 million babies born since 1978 to present due to In Vitro Fertilization.
Where is In Vitro Fertilization performed?
- Infertility centers
- Mayo Clinic
- Baby center
- IVF clinic
What are the risks of In Vitro Fertilization?
- Multiple births
- Risk in women over 35 just like any pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Premature delivery
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Birth defects
- Ovarian cancer
How long does it take to get pregnant with In Vitro Fertilization?
IVF takes about 4-6 weeks to complete one cycle. There are another few weeks of waiting for the eggs to mature. Eggs would have to be retrieved and then fertilized at a lab. If the patient is ready right away to get pregnant then there would be no need to freeze the embryos that will be implanted.
How much does In Vitro Fertilization cost and will insurance cover it?
In the US the cost of In Vitro Fertilization is approximately $12,000-$15,000. There are very few insurance companies that will cover IVF treatment. The total cost of In Vitro Fertilization depends on each individual’s circumstances.
Are IVF donor eggs more successful than using the patient’s own eggs?
Using donor eggs can be better if the eggs come from a person younger than the patient. If the patient has good uterine environment but underdeveloped eggs then donor eggs would be a good alternative. However, the success rate is higher with In Vitro Fertilization if the patient uses their own eggs. This choice should be discussed with the patient’s doctor and partner.
ReUnite Rx is proud to assist couples and individuals undergoing fertility treatments with our need-based assistance program. Active or veteran military members automatically receive a 25% discount with our assistance program. To learn more, visit our program summary at ReUnite Rx.
