Having a child is truly a gift that every parent cherishes. For some couples or individuals, the pregnancy journey is a beautiful and easy experience. It can be as simple as conceiving, going to doctor’s visits, and experiencing the exciting rush one gets while waiting for the bundle of joy to arrive.
But for others, it’s a little more challenging and time consuming; that means attempting to conceive several times, taking different fertility drugs, or trying out different reproductive medicine options like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Sometimes, all it takes to feel at more ease when it comes to fertilization issues is to hear about other people’s journeys, advice, thoughts, and other relevant facts. Now, thanks to countless international organizations, people who previously struggled can now have children thanks to the modern IVF cycle. So, if you’re curious to find out how this can help you or anyone you know, then keep reading!
What Is It?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a modern type of assisted reproduction technology (ART) that aids in helping couples and infertile women conceive. During the IVF treatment or process, the medical team will collect mature or fertilized eggs from the mother’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm from the woman’s partner or donor.
Once that’s done, the doctor will conduct an embryo transfer which means that the fertilized egg (or eggs) will be placed into the woman’s uterus.
IVF cycles are completed in roughly three weeks. When these processes are divided into separate steps, the process can sometimes take longer.
Why IVF?
Infertility or genetic issues are treated by in vitro fertilization. If intrauterine insemination (IUI) is used to treat infertility, you and your partner may be able to try less invasive treatment options before attempting to undergo IVF treatments, such as fertility medications to boost egg production or IUI, in which sperm are placed directly in the uterus close to the time of ovulation.
The IVF treatment path is sometimes also offered as a primary treatment for women experiencing infertility, especially those over the age of 40. It can also be an option for those with certain health conditions such as those listed below:
- Impaired sperm production or function
- Ovulation disorders
- Endometriosis
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage
- Fertility preservation for cancer or other health conditions
- Uterine fibroids
- Previous tubal sterilization or removal
- Unexplained infertility
- Genetic Disorder
Worrying about having an ectopic pregnancy or unsuccessfully conceiving are definitely valid reasons to worry that every parent goes through. But considering in vitro fertilization reduces the risk for these. However, you should consult with your doctor before moving forward and deciding what to do.
The IVF Journey
The journey of in vitro fertilization isn’t always a breeze. Sometimes, it takes countless IVF treatments which can take a toll on expenses, multiple pregnancy issues, trouble with the fertilized eggs, using reproductive medicine that doesn’t react well to your body, and other frustrating issues.
But, trouble aside, there’s a beautiful side to it too because there are also endless possibilities. Part of the journey is seeing what can happen and what could be, but it’s also about knowing all the information. Part of the journey is knowing about the stages of the IVF cycle:
6 Stages of the IVF Cycle
Step 1
The first step of the in vitro fertilization journey only takes a day. It’s the same day as a woman’s first menstruation cyle day and this will be the day when the IVF treatment will be scheduled. In this case, having your period is the key!
Step 2
The next step can last for three to twelve days. You'll start using reproductive medications that arouse or awaken your ovaries. They become energized by this and release more eggs than usual which is a good thing for the egg retrieval process.
Step 3
During this stage, you’ll receive an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin, which is commonly known as the "pregnancy hormone" (hCG). This hormone aids in the egg release from your ovaries.
Step 4
This step has 2 parts and, like the first step, only lasts a day. Sperm will either already have been delivered by your spouse (or a donor) or will be provided while your eggs are being extracted.
In any case, the fertilized new eggs will be good to go within hours and this is when you start taking the hormone progesterone. This hormone lowers the likelihood of a miscarriage and assists in preparing your womb for a healthy pregnancy.
Step 5
Your healthy embryo will be implanted in your womb less than a week after your eggs were removed. There will be no pain associated with this non-invasive process.
Step 6
This part of the journey will happen around 9 to 12 days later which is when you have to go back to your doctor’s office. During this part, your doctor will do a scan on you to evaluate how well your unborn child has settled into your womb.
A Happy Ending
As you get ready for, begin, and finish an IVF cycle, you could experience a range of emotions. There is a lot of anxiety, despair, and uncertainty. After all, in vitro fertilization can be physically taxing, time-consuming, and expensive, all for the sake of a chance at conception.
That journey doesn’t even count the hormones and how it affects mothers. Regular doses for around two weeks can make you feel more emotional and throw off your body's natural rhythms. It follows that the 30 days prior to your IVF cycle are crucial for ensuring that your body is robust, healthy, and properly prepared for this pretty demanding medical procedures.
The entire process is a tiring, frustrating, and stressful. But, it can also a beautiful, special, and blessing-filled experience. Regardless, if having a family is something you’ve always wanted and dreamed of but had trouble getting, this is one path you should definitely consider.
TAGS:conceiving
