IVF guide
fertility clinic guide
Everything you need to know about IVF
Success rates, process, and cost of one of the most effective fertility treatments: in-vitro fertilization.
What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization is a type of fertility treatment that involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body in a laboratory dish. Once fertilized, the embryo is then transferred into the uterus.
The typical IVF process steps are:
- 1
Fertility assessment
Fertility assessment for both partners is needed first to evaluate all possible reasons that may contribute to infertility.
- 2
Preparation
Scheduling the IVF cycle, receiving training from the nurses, signing forms, and ordering medications.
- 3
Ovarian stimulation
8-14 days of medication injections stimulate the growth of follicles, future eggs.
- 4
Egg retrieval
A 15-minute simple surgical procedure performed under anesthesia. At least 60 minutes before the egg retrieval, a semen sample should be received by the lab.
- 5
Embryo stage
After the eggs are retrieved, they are combined with sperm in the laboratory. During 4-5 days, the fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are cultured in the laboratory to allow them to develop further.
- 6
Embryo transfer
One or more embryos are transferred into the uterus through a thin catheter. ASRM guidelines recommend choosing one embryo transfer because it has a lower risk of multiple pregnancies and birth complications.
How long does IVF take?
The IVF timeline can vary. The entire process, from the start of ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer, can take around 3 to 7 weeks depending on whether you are doing fresh or frozen embryo transfer. Following the embryo transfer, you may need to wait for about 9-14 days for a pregnancy test to determine if the IVF cycle was successful.
What is the IVF success rate by age?
To understand the probability that the IVF procedure will result in birth, doctors often refer to the term success rate. Governmental and professional organizations such as CDC and SART publish different data on success rates, and it is important to understand how to read this data.
Success rates from a patient’s own eggs, measured by the percent of intended retrievals that resulted in live birth, can show you what average outcomes are for a certain age or clinic.
All fertility clinics by success rates near you
Sometimes it is hard to compare the quality of different fertility clinics and success rates versus the national level. We make it easier to see which clinics perform above or below the national level.
What is the difference between IVF and IUI?
IUI is a much less invasive and less expensive fertility treatment than IVF, but it also has lower success rates by age and does not suit all fertility issues. You should consult with your doctor on what is the best option for you.
How much does IVF cost?
The cost of an IVF procedure can vary widely depending on the clinic’s location, reputation, and success rates.
The cost of a single IVF cycle or procedure can range from $6,500 to $40,000 without insurance. Ask the clinic what is included in this cost. Some clinics may charge separately for ultrasounds, blood tests, embryo transfers, ICSI, and anesthesia.
Preliminary testing for both partners before starting the IVF process, partner carrier testing, or embryo genetic testing is typically not included in the cycle cost.
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Medical risks and side effects of IVF
As with all medical procedures, IVF can have rare complications. The main risk during IVF is overstimulation of your ovaries, known as OHSS. Medium to severe OHSS happens in less than 1% of stimulation cycles, and doctors monitor your reaction closely to make sure you do not get OHSS.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, gastric reflux, pain, and vomiting. OHSS may improve on its own in mild cases. If it does not improve on its own, your doctor can recommend treatment.
Most people feel good after the procedure, and severe symptoms are very rare. The most common side effects are fatigue and bloating during medication stimulation. Some women feel very emotional during or after the IVF process.
Afraid of IVF shots and mixing medication on your own?
As a part of the process, you self-administer medication injections, but most women tolerate it very well. If you are afraid of shots, we can help you find a nurse to help you with medication.
Any fertility treatment starts with an initial consultation and thorough evaluation of both partners
The goal of fertility assessment is to evaluate all possible reasons that may contribute to infertility. To start, the doctor or nurse will collect a comprehensive medical, reproductive, and family history and perform an appropriate physical examination.
After that, your doctor will define what diagnostic tests are needed to identify factors affecting infertility based on your individual history.
Request a fertility evaluation at the best clinic in your area.
How to prepare for IVF
Some changes, if applied 1 to 3 months before starting your IVF cycle, may positively affect your results:
- Weekly acupuncture treatment is proven by studies to improve fertility.
- Lifestyle changes.
- Nutrition adjustments.
See examples of changes that can help prepare for IVF and improve your IVF results.
Bottom line
Infertility diagnosis can be emotionally overwhelming. Blooming Eve can help you navigate your fertility journey with our fertility support.
If you are ready to start, you can find a fertility clinic near you under your budget using our database of fertility clinics in the U.S.