If you’re in the process of exploring IVF, congratulations! There are many ways to start a family these days, and IVF has helped thousands of new parents who have trouble conceiving.
That said, it’s understandable to feel a little uneasy about the prospect, and you likely have a lot of questions. This is natural when considering something as major as having a child, so know that you’re not alone.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s best to start with the basics, and that’s exactly what you’ll learn about in this article. Here’s the IVF process explained in a few easy steps!
First Steps
So, what is IVF? IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization, and it works by fertilizing the egg with sperm outside of the body, and then placing the fertilized egg into the uterus where it can develop. The process, measured in cycles, usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
It all begins with an initial consultation with your doctor. They’ll take a full history and determine why you’re having trouble conceiving, and create a personalized treatment plan for you. Of course, the question that’s likely hot on your mind is, how successful is IVF? The answer is close to 50%, and you can undergo multiple cycles to increase your likelihood of success.
The Process
IVF starts with a procedure called ovarian stimulation. This is where your hormones are modulated via a series of injections so that the ovaries produce several eggs. The eggs are then removed from the body (a procedure usually performed with sedation) and combined with the donor sperm, which has been taken at around the same time.
Then, the fertilization process begins. The sperm and egg are combined in the lab to mimic a real-life environment, and if successful, the egg is fertilized after four or five days. The new embryo is then transferred back into the mother’s womb to develop as normal.
Following the Transfer
Once the egg has been transferred, there’s a two-week waiting period. A pregnancy test is then taken, which, if positive, proves that the procedure has worked.
While it seems like a relatively straightforward process, it’s key to be prepared from a mental perspective. There’s always the possibility IVF may not work either the first, second, or third time, so it’s key to have support from your friends and family during this time. Multiple eggs are taken during the process and then frozen, giving you the chance to try for multiple cycles if the initial tries are unsuccessful.
Wrapping Up
There’s a lot more that goes into IVF treatment than has been discussed above, but hopefully, you’re now a little clearer on how things work. During the time it takes from having the procedure to following through with a successful pregnancy, you and your partner will go through a whirlwind of emotions, but it’ll all be worth it in the end.
Be patient, stay strong, and have faith, and you’ll achieve your dream of starting a family and embarking on a whole new journey!
