During IVF treatment, some common side effects may include mild discomfort, bloating, and mood swings due to hormonal medications. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare, potential side effect that can cause more severe symptoms like abdominal pain and swelling. It's important to discuss any concerns or side effects with your provider during the treatment process.
Everyone’s IVF experience is different. While some people might achieve a successful pregnancy after one cycle, others might require several.
An IVF treatment cycle typically lasts about 4-6 weeks. It involves stages such as ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and pregnancy testing. However, the duration can vary based on individual circumstances and any specific treatments or evaluations required before starting IVF.
In general IVF is not a painful procedure. Your doctor will prescribe injections that you’ll be required to self-administer which could be somewhat painful. Both the egg retrieval and embryo transfer procedures are not typically considered to be painful procedures, and are often compared to the feeling of a pap smear.
Yes, there are some risks associated with IVF, although they are generally low. Potential risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies, and the possibility of failed cycles. It's essential to discuss these risks with a fertility specialist and make informed decisions based on your specific situation and medical history.
The success rate of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) varies widely depending on factors like age, cause of infertility, and clinic-specific factors. On average, IVF success rates for women under 35 are around 40-50% per cycle, with decreasing success rates as women age. Connect with us to consult with a fertility specialist for personalized information and to understand that multiple cycles may be needed to achieve a successful pregnancy.
ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a method in IVF where a sperm is directly injected into an egg to enhance fertilization chances. In contrast, traditional IVF involves combining eggs and sperm in a dish. It's important to note that not all eggs fertilize, and not all fertilized eggs become healthy embryos. Embryo development is closely monitored, and mature embryos may undergo genetic testing before being transferred to the woman's uterus.
While it might seem counterintuitive, to prepare your body for IVF you’ll take birth control pills. These help prepare your ovaries to better respond to stimulation medication and also help coordinate your cycle so treatment can be planned accordingly.
Next, you’ll begin hormone therapy, either taken as a pill or injectable medication. This medication encourages your ovaries to produce more mature eggs than they would naturally. The end goal is to get at least three mature and fully developed eggs.
Once you’ve produced enough mature eggs, you’ll receive a hormone injection that induces ovulation (releasing of the eggs). After about 36 hours, you’ll return to our office for the outpatient egg retrieval procedure.
The IVF process typically spans 4-6 weeks, involving ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer, and pregnancy testing. Success is not guaranteed, and multiple cycles may be needed. The timeline can vary based on individual circumstances and clinic protocols.
IVF and IUI are two different types of fertility treatments to achieve a pregnancy. IUI, or Intrauterine Insemination, is a process where sperm is placed directly inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is a process where eggs and sperm are combined outside of the uterus to create fertilized embryos. Following IVF, an embryo can be transferred to the womb to develop.