What to Expect with IVF: Understanding the Process

Managing expectations with IVF

Embarking on the journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a significant step for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges. Managing expectations throughout this process is crucial, as IVF outcomes can vary based on numerous factors, including age, underlying health conditions, and the number of treatment cycles undertaken.

Understanding IVF

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves retrieving eggs from a woman's ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory setting, and then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus. Each IVF cycle typically spans two or more weeks and may need to be repeated multiple times to achieve a successful pregnancy.

Success rates of IVF

IVF success rates are influenced by various factors, with age being one of the most significant. According to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) the percentage of IVF cycle starts that result in live births decreases with maternal age:

35.6% in women younger than 35 years

26.4% in women aged 35–37 years

17.3% in women aged 38–40 years

8.8% in women aged 41–42 years

2.8% in women older than 42

These statistics highlight the importance of considering age when evaluating the likelihood of IVF success, but other factors can impact success rates, including whether you have any other medical conditions.

Be sure to ask your fertility specialist about success rates of IVF. You can use this discussion guide to help with the conversation.

*Cycle success is measured by the live birth rate, with a singleton delivery occurring after 37 weeks of gestation being the optimal outcome of an IVF cycle. The percentage of triplet, twin, and singleton births contributing to the live birth rate is provided in the report for each cycle group and type of transfer, along with a summation of all deliveries (singletons and multiple births).

Factors influencing IVF success

Several factors can impact the success of IVF treatments:

Age:
As previously mentioned, maternal age significantly affects success rates due to the decline in egg quantity and quality over time.
Underlying fertility issues:
Conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or male factor infertility can influence outcomes.

Lifestyle factors:
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress can positively affect fertility.
Clinic success rates:
Success rates can vary between fertility clinics, so be sure to ask about them when choosing a clinic. You can use this discussion guide to help you.

Number of IVF cycles needed

The number of IVF cycles required to achieve a successful pregnancy varies among individuals. It's important to note that while some individuals may achieve pregnancy on their first cycle, others may require multiple attempts.

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

The average number of IVF cycles needed to become pregnant is 2.5

Tips for managing expectations during IVF

Navigating the emotional and physical demands of IVF requires careful management of expectations. Consider the following strategies:

Educate yourself:

Understanding the IVF process, success rates, and potential challenges can help set realistic expectations.

Open communication:

Maintain honest discussions with your partner and healthcare providers about your feelings, concerns, and treatment options.

Seek support:

Joining support groups or seeking counseling can provide emotional relief and connect you with others undergoing similar experiences.

Financial planning:

IVF can be costly, with a single cycle ranging between $15,000 and $20,000 and many women may need more than one cycle to get pregnant. Planning for these expenses and exploring insurance coverage or financing options is essential.

Maintain flexibility:

Be prepared for the possibility that multiple cycles may be necessary, and understand that each individual's journey is unique.

IVF treatment involves emotional, physical, and financial considerations. By understanding the factors that influence success rates, acknowledging the potential need for multiple cycles, and implementing strategies to manage expectations, you can navigate the IVF journey with greater resilience and informed optimism.

EXPLORE MORE ABOUT IVF

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Paying for fertility treatments and IVF

Explore available financial assistance options, such as insurance coverage, clinic payment plans, medication discounts, and grants.

Allyn Ann

After being diagnosed with PCOS and endometriosis, Allyn Ann turned to IUI and IVF and had to persevere through multiple cycles of both to finally become pregnant.

Want to learn more about fertility medications from EMD Serono? Patients can learn more here. For healthcare professionals, click here.

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