IVF

IVF TREATMENTS

In vitro means “in the lab” and fertilization refers to conception. Usually, IVF involves taking eggs (retrieved via a transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle) and placing them in a petri dish with specially washed sperm cells (retrieved via masturbation). The entire cycle from start to finish can take four to six weeks.2

These eggs are retrieved after the ovaries have been stimulated. For conventional IVF, you need lots of eggs. Injectable fertility drugs stimulate the ovaries to mature a dozen or more eggs for retrieval.3 There also is minimal stimulation IVF (aka mini IVF), where oral fertility drugs or very low dose injectable drugs help mature just a few eggs.

If all goes well, some of the retrieved eggs will be fertilized by the sperm cells and become embryos. One or two of those healthy embryos will be transferred to your uterus.

IVF Success Rates

IVF is pretty successful. According to a study of approximately 156,000 women, the average live-birth rate for the first cycle was 29.5%.4 This is comparable to the success rates for a natural cycle in couples with healthy fertility.

The best odds for success may come from repeated treatment cycles. This same study found that after six IVF cycles, the cumulative live-birth rate was 65.3%. These six cycles usually took place over 2 years.

Age does play an important role in your success, as does the reason for your infertility. Using an egg donor will also affect your success.

Be sure to discuss your personal odds for success with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

While your provider can’t tell you for certain whether treatment will work for you, they should have an idea of your odds in relation to the average and in relation to other patients like yourself

Safety and Risks of IVF

IVF is generally safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are risks. Your provider should explain all the possible side effects and risks of each procedure before you begin.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

For instance, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs in 10% of people whose ovaries are stimulated for IVF treatment. For most people, symptoms are mild, and they recover easily.7 For a small percentage, OHSS can be more serious and may require hospitalization. Less than 1% of people going through egg retrieval will experience blood clots or kidney failure due to OHSS.

Cramping, Discomfort, or Infection

Egg retrieval may cause cramping and discomfort during or after the procedure. Rare complications include accidental puncture of the bladder, bowel, or blood vessels; pelvic infection; or bleeding from the ovary or pelvic vessels.

If pelvic infection does occur, you'll be treated with intravenous antibiotics. In rare cases of severe infection, the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes may need to be surgically removed.

The embryo transfer also may cause mild cramping during the procedure. Rarely, people will experience cramping, bleeding, or spotting after the transfer. In very rare cases, infection can occur. Infection is typically treated with antibiotics.