In Vitro Fertilization, otherwise known as IVF, is multiple procedures that take place to assist couples with fertility problems. IVF can lower the risk of genetic birth defects and help couples conceive a child. The process takes place in a lab. The eggs are removed from the woman and fertilized after removal. At this point, the egg becomes an embryo and is placed back inside the mother’s uterus. It takes approximately three weeks to complete an IVF cycle. There are times that the process may take longer depending on how the steps are carried out.
Research shows that this process is one of the most successful when looking at choices for assistance with reproduction. Many couples choose it because couples can use their sperm and eggs. Other times, it is chosen because the embryos come from an anonymous source. There are other times where couples may choose to use a surrogate mother. Surrogates are women than volunteer to carry a baby for the couple. IVF in Orange Beach has helped many couples become families.
Many components influence a couple’s chance of producing a healthy baby. The cause of infertility and age are some of the many components that must be considered. The process is expensive, takes time and patience, and can be intrusive. Many couples choose to use more than one embryo to increase the chances that one of the embryos are viable and results in a pregnancy. However, this also increases the chances of having more than one baby.
IVF can be a confusing process for anyone. When you find the right doctor; they will make sure that you understand how the process works. They will review the risks with you. They will look over your case and advise you on whether In Vitro Fertilization is a practical option for you and your partner and discuss alternative methods available as needed.
Why Go Through IVF?
The process is typically completed to address either genetic difficulties or infertility. You may consider options that are less intrusive before deciding on IFV. There are many options available; including fertility medication that can increase the chances of fertilization. Ever heard the “turkey baster” reference? It comes from somewhere. While it is not exactly a turkey baster that is used; intrauterine insemination is a process that takes place during ovulation where the sperm is directly put inside the uterus. IVF is sometimes the best option for women over forty experiencing infertility. It is also a viable option if you or your partner suffer from one of several health problems.
If the fallopian tubes in a woman are blocked or have become damaged; fertilization can be difficult. The embryo has a hard time making it to the uterus. Some women struggle with ovulation. They may have sporadic periods of ovulation, infrequent, or not ovulate at all. This makes conception extremely difficult. Women produce a limited number of eggs. As time passes, there are fewer eggs for fertilization. When egg counts are low; IVF might be considered.
There is a term for tumors on the walls of a woman’s uterus. This is called Uterine fibroids and is more common than some women realize. Many women between the age of thirty and fifty experience this. These tumors interfere with the fertilized egg’s ability to implant in the ovaries. Endometriosis is not as rare as you might thing. Many women suffer from this diagnosis. Endometriosis is the term used when there is uterine tissue growing outside the walls of the uterus. More times than not; this negatively impacts the reproductive organ’s ability to do their jobs.
If you have previously had your tubes tied or removed, having a baby can be difficult. This process is done to prevent pregnancy. IVF offers another option besides having a tubal ligation reversal completed. Another reason that In Vitro Fertilization may be awesome is if a man’s sperm count is below average or the sperm are experiencing poor mobility. Sperm may be abnormal in size and shape and this can make it harder for fertilization to occur. Semen abnormalities may be the result of other health problems and a specialist may be able to correct the problem, if not IVF may be a practical option.
There are times that infertility cannot be explained. It is found that problems are conceiving, but the reason is unknown and the cause undetermined. This can be difficult. You can not fix a problem you do not know is there. At this point, In Vitro Fertilization provides hope. If you or your partner have a genetic disorder and are worried about this trait being passed to the next generation; you might consider having genetic testing completed before the embryo is implanted. This is a process that is carried out during IVF.
Finally, cancer or other terminal diseases may lead to IVF. The process provides hope that once the treatment, such as intense radiation, that can reduce your chances to conceive are completed there are still options for you and your partner to start a family. Eggs can be taken from women before the beginning of treatment and frozen. They can be unfertilized or fertilized before they are frozen.
IVF provides hopes to couples who want to start a family, but there are risks involved. It helps alleviate these risks and bring the joy back into starting a family. Contact your local fertility clinic in Orange County today for more information.
