5 Things You Should Know Before Opting For IVF



IVF can be both exhausting and exhilarating. Here’s all you need to know before starting the process

For years now, IVF has been regarded as one of the most promising lines of treatment for infertility, having granted countless infertile couples the rare chance to grow their family. If you are preparing for IVF, congratulations! You’re one step closer to becoming parents. And while the journey is certainly rewarding, it can also be nerve-wracking and overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know.

Looking for IVF in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Vijayawada or Chennai? Click here to learn about our infertility treatments in Bangalore and other cities.

IVF is time-consuming
Prepare for a long haul ahead! IVF is a process that spans several weeks. First, fertility medications (for ovulation induction) are administered for about 12 days, during which time you will likely visit your specialist almost daily for observation via ultrasound. Then, once your eggs are mature, you will go in for a retrieval procedure, and your eggs will be combined with your partner’s sperm in a carefully controlled laboratory environment. About 3-5 days later, you will be called in again for a blastocyst transfer routine where your now-embryos will be placed inside your uterus for implantation. Two weeks later, is judgment day, when you’ll be called back to ascertain whether the procedure was successful.

Financing options are a good bet
IVF is an investment and the best clinics will charge you per the quality of the procedure offered. You might find that your insurance company doesn’t cover the entire cost of the IVF procedure. If so, take heart. Many premier IVF clinics partner with banks that extend financing for assisted reproductive technologies. Considering how to finance your treatment can help put your mind at ease and help you plan for the future.

There’s a likelihood of side effects
During your IVF cycle, your body will receive a dizzying influx of hormones that can tip your emotional equilibrium over the edge. Some other side effects include breast tenderness, pelvic cramping, and rarely, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which, in turn, can cause abdominal swelling, inordinate weight gain, breathlessness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. If such symptoms do not recede on their own, your doctor might suggest appropriate intervention.

There’s a risk associated with multiples
If a multiple embryo transfer results in a multiple pregnancy, expect a higher risk of complications such as low birth weight and preterm labor. To augment the chances of implantation with a single embryo, and thereby reduce the risk of complications associated with multiples, it might be worth having your embryos genetically screened and choosing to have only one transferred. Studies suggest that IVF babies have a 1-2% higher risk of birth defects than their non-IVF counterparts (although it is believed this stems from the cause of infertility itself rather than the method of conception).

IVF doesn’t promise a 100% success rate
IVF works well for many couples, but it doesn’t guarantee pregnancy. Some couples might conceive a child on their first cycle, while others might have to endure repeated cycles to achieve pregnancy. Still others might not get pregnant even after multiple tries. The success of IVF hinges on several factors, including a woman’s age, the cause of infertility and the expertise of the specialist performing the procedure. If the woman’s age is thought to be a constraint, the specialist might advise using donor eggs.

Before you embark on your IVF journey, it’s worth speaking to friends and relatives who might have undergone the procedure and have experiences to share. Knowing what to expect can go a long way towards staying positive and braving the journey to the end. To learn about BirthRight by Rainbow’s services for IVF in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Vijayawada or Chennai, head over to the services page on our website.

Seeking out IVF in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Vijayawada or Chennai? Book an appointment to learn more about our infertility treatments in Bangalore and other cities here.