IVF 101

The number of the week? Ten million. That's the number of people in the world who were conceived via In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Despite its popularity, the science behind IVF’s fertility technique remains a mystery to most. In this week’s article, we cover the fundamentals of who uses IVF, what the process entails, and key considerations for whether it could be right for you.

What is IVF?

IVF is a fertility treatment that helps patients get pregnant through assisted reproductive technology (ART). The procedure removes an egg from the ovaries, combines the egg with sperm in a laboratory (“in vitro” = in a lab petri dish), and then transfers the fertilized egg (AKA the embryo) to the uterus with the goal of successfully implanting to create a pregnancy. 

Who Typically Undergoes IVF?

IVF is often considered by individuals or couples who meet one or more of the below criteria:

• Those with fertility issues: Including problems like damaged or removed fallopian tubes, severe male infertility, or unexplained infertility.

• Those who wish to conceive via ART: Same sex couples, individuals without the necessary reproductive organs for in vivo fertilization and/or conception, or individuals who are single and desire to have a child.

• Those with ovulation disorders: Those who don’t ovulate regularly.

• Those with genetic disorders: IVF allows for genetic testing of embryos before implantation.

• Those of advanced age: As fertility decreases with age, IVF can help increase the chances of conception.

The IVF Process

IVF is a multi-step process that usually spans several weeks. Below is the breakdown. Note that if you have already frozen your eggs, you can skip steps 1 and 2!

1. Ovarian Stimulation: Hormone injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This phase lasts about 10-14 days and involves frequent monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds.

2. Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are ready, they’re collected from the ovaries using a needle guided by ultrasound. This minor surgical procedure is typically done under sedation.

3. Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are mixed with sperm in the lab. Fertilization can occur naturally or via Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.

4. Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs (now embryos) are monitored for a few days in the lab. The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer.

5. Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are placed into the uterus through a thin catheter. This procedure is usually painless and doesn’t require anesthesia.

6. Pregnancy Test: About two weeks after the transfer, a blood test is done to check for pregnancy.

Considerations Before Undergoing IVF

• Cost: IVF is unfortunately expensive, typically ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 per cycle, not including medication costs which can add another $3,000 to $5,000. In case your blood pressure hasn’t already spiked: the average number of cycles needed to get pregnant from IVF is 2.5, meaning your average cost to conceive can reach $50,000 quickly.

• Insurance: Coverage for IVF varies widely. Some states mandate certain levels of coverage, while others do not. Additionally, some employers offer fertility benefits that can help offset costs. Review your insurance policy and speak with your employer about potential benefits.

• Time Commitment: The IVF process requires a time commitment of several weeks per cycle. From initial consultations and tests to daily hormone injections and frequent clinic visits for monitoring, you will need to plan ahead for this intensive regimen.

• Physical and Emotional Impact: IVF can be physically demanding due to the hormone injections and procedures involved. Additionally, the emotional rollercoaster of hope and uncertainty can be challenging. Having a strong support system and access to counseling services can be beneficial.

• Success Rates: IVF success rates vary based on several factors, including age, underlying fertility issues, and clinic experience. On average, the IVF success rate per cycle (measured by the chance of live birth from an intended egg retrieval) is about 43% for women under 35, 31% for women aged 35-37, 19% for women aged 38-40, 9.4% for women aged 41-42, and 10% for women over 42. If you’re curious about your specific chances, check-out this personalized IVF Success Estimator from the CDC. Remember though, speaking with your provider is always the best source of information.

TL;DR on IVF

IVF offers a path to parenthood without the need for natural conception. Understanding the process and considerations beforehand can help you make informed decisions. If IVF sounds like a potential route for you, consult with a fertility specialist to discuss your unique circumstances and explore your options.

Upcoming Newsletter Editions:

• Considering Pregnancy with PCOS

• Fertility and Your Diet

• Causes of Male and Female Infertility

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*The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or any other qualified healthcare provider with questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.