In Vitro Fertilization Pregnancy - The Process and Guidelines

In vitro fertilization is considered to be the ‘last ditch' effort when a couple is seeking a pregnancy. The in vitro fertilization process will generally be used when all other methods of dealing with infertility have failed. When watching the calendar for fertile days, ovulation predictor kits, lifestyle changes, and even artificial insemination have proven ineffective, then it is common for the couple to seek an IVF pregnancy.



The name, in vitro fertilization comes from the fact that the process involves fertilizing an egg in (usually) a glass petri dish. An IVF pregnancy must be done at a special clinic by trained doctors and health workers. It is an involved technique that requires expertise and skill. In vitro fertilization is the most advanced technique available for couples struggling with infertility, and it has been refined over the years to provide ever better rates of pregnancy.



To begin the in vitro fertilization process, it is necessary to stimulate the production of eggs. This is done by the administration of hormones by injection, starting on the third day of the menstrual period. These injections continue for 10 days, at which time it is judged a number of eggs will have been produced. These eggs are removed from the ovary with a needle. Generally, up to 30 eggs will be taken. These eggs are prepared for fertilization, and washed sperm are then added. The egg and sperm are left to themselves for about 18 hours, and by that time, fertilization will most likely have occurred. Sometimes, sperm will actually be injected into the egg, a process used if the sperm is weak or has motility problems.



With an IVF pregnancy, the fertilized egg will be transferred into the woman's uterus on the third or fifth day after fertilization. It is the custom now to be more conservative with how many eggs are fertilized at a time, and unused embryos are generally frozen for future use. Usually, more than one embryo is implanted, in case of the failure of one or more, and multiple births can result if all the embryos ‘take'.



A single treatment of IVF will generally result in about 30% live births. If the couple embarks on multiple treatments, the success rate of live births will go up to 45% to 79%, very respectable figures. When embarking on the in vitro fertilization process, the couple should be aware that age will definitely be a factor in the success of the project – the older the woman is, the less likely it is that an IVF pregnancy will result. However, even older women, in their forties have been able to become pregnant and give birth, and as more advances are made, these percentages will undoubtedly go higher.



Since in vitro fertilization is such a complicated and precise procedure and must be performed in a laboratory setting, the cost is relatively high. However, advances in technology have lowered the cost quite a bit, making IVF affordable to more couples. Some states require insurance companies to cover at least part of in vitro fertilization. When looking into clinics that prove for an IVF pregnancy, be sure to discuss cost. A one-time try will probably cost somewhere around $9,000 to $12,000, although the price can be higher depending on the clinic used. This represents a real drop in price, as originally this would have cost over $20,000. There are plans available that provide for multiple attempts, which greatly increase the chances of success in the in vitro fertilization process.



Summary:

In vitro fertilization is considered to be the ‘last ditch' effort when a couple is seeking a pregnancy. The in vitro fertilization process will generally be used when all other methods of dealing with infertility have failed. When watching the calendar for fertile days, ovulation predictor kits, lifestyle changes, and even artificial insemination have proven ineffective, then it is common for the couple to seek an IVF pregnancy. Visit http://www.pacificreproductivecenter.com

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