Can IVF Be The Solution?

Every year, some of the hundreds of thousands of couples struggling with infertility make the brave decision to seek help. Visiting a doctor can reveal that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the best option to increase the chances of pregnancy. IVF is a multi-step process involving the extraction of multiple eggs to create embryos outside of the body. Eggs are combined with sperm samples in a controlled laboratory. The resulting embryos are used for embryo transfers into the intended parent’s uterus. Pursuing IVF is a big decision that starts with an initial IVF consultation. The consultation can set the tone for a journey that can ultimately lead to parenthood.

You need an IVF consultation

The first step of the journey involves IVF consultation to map out the many steps and requirements of IVF. A family doctor, urologist, or OB/GYN can refer a patient or couple to a fertility clinic specializing in IVF. The consultation is a meeting between the fertility clinic and intended parents to share information, answer questions, and provide recommendations. Infertile couples need IVF consultations to determine the best fit. The process is time-intensive, physically taxing, and costly in some cases. Consultations can help with future planning and resource management. The meeting may reveal if IVF will be effective or if other options, like surrogacy or adoption, are the best course of action. Potential patients are encouraged to prepare for the meeting.

Let's gather our details

As infertility is a medical condition, fertility clinics need the complete health picture of all involved parties. Most couples would have visited a family doctor or OB/GYN first. Gather all reproductive tests, blood tests, and results from past treatments. Along with current data on reproductive health, personal and family health history can help. A history of certain genetic diseases, for instance, can reveal the underlying reason for infertility. Gathering insurance and other financial details may be necessary. Collecting information saves time and ensures potential obstacles are not missed or overlooked.

Let's prep our questions

Consultations are conversations that go both ways. Fertility clinics or doctors expect potential patients to have many questions and concerns. Sometimes, vital information is missed in the initial consultation simply because the individual or couple did not remember to ask. Write down all the possible questions about the IVF procedure. Ask about success rates, complications, and strategies to improve outcomes. Jot down any concerns about hormone medication, surgery, or additional testing. Some couples are concerned about the possibility of multiple births, so include questions about reducing risks. As IVF can be financially taxing, consider questions about insurance, payment plans, or grants.

What happens during the consultation?

The initial consultation is usually performed by a doctor affiliated with the clinic. The doctor reviews all medical records and discusses any symptoms or concerns. This initial information can drive the conversation as the doctor can recommend the best treatment. The doctor will also consider age, preexisting conditions, and genetics. The IVF process is then step-by-step. Some additional strategies, like preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), may be necessary. The fertility clinic will also explain costs and insurance.

Exploring your next steps

During some initial IVF consultations, a fertility checkup may be included. This includes a blood test to determine hormone markers or a semen analysis for men. The results can provide recommendations or help to create a custom treatment. The following steps involve conventional IVF or the use of donor eggs or sperm. Other strategies like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for severe male-factor infertility or gestational surrogacy may be advised. Personalized hormone therapy, support groups, and financial counseling are some of the many additional strategies involved in fertility treatment.

Success begins with the first step

Potential patients are not obliged to proceed with the fertility clinic. Some couples may decide to get another opinion before deciding. However, most couples stick with the first or best available fertility clinic. IVF is a serious decision impacting couples, friends, and families. Being well-informed can make the process smoother. An initial consultation provides the information and primary checks needed to determine how effective IVF will be for the hopeful couple. Gather all the questions and information to make an informed decision.