10 FAQs on IVF

What exactly is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a solution that can help couples struggling to conceive take the first steps on the path to parenthood. If you are facing infertility, you may be wondering if IVF is the right solution for you.

IVF is the most common type of assisted reproductive technology, used to create an embryo by bypassing some causes of infertility such as slight sperm abnormalities in men and irregularities of the fallopian tubes or ovulation in women.

During IVF, a woman's eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized in a laboratory by mixing with the sperm of a partner or donor. The fertilized egg or embryo is allowed to develop for two to five days and then surgically placed back into the woman's uterus.

How long should you wait before seeing a fertility specialist?

Generally, patients seek advice from a fertility specialist after one year of unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant. The chance of a fertile couple conceiving a child during any given month (called the natural pregnancy rate) is approximately 20%, meaning that about 90% of couples get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive.

It is recommended that the remaining 10% of couples should consult a fertility specialist. In particular, women over thirty are encouraged to undergo a fertility treatment evaluation after six months of trying to conceive. And it may be beneficial for women over forty to meet with a fertility specialist shortly after deciding to try to have a child.

Am I a good candidate for IVF?

A number of factors come into play to determine whether a patient is suitable for IVF treatment. Suitable candidates often include couples who may have one of the following conditions:

• Low sperm count
• Endometriosis
• Problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes
• Ovulation disorders
• Sperm unable to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucus
• Other unexplained health or reproductive problems

The only way to know for sure if in vitro fertilization is right for you is to undergo a complete examination and consult with a fertility specialist.

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What is the success rate of IVF?

The average success rate of IVF using one's own eggs begins to decline around age thirty and drops rapidly into the mid-thirties and early forties, due to the decrease in egg quantity and quality.

Besides age, IVF success rates vary depending on height, weight, infertility diagnosis, sperm count, and reproductive history, such as the number of prior pregnancies, miscarriages, and births.

How long does IVF take?

The duration of IVF varies depending on many factors, such as the patient's age, the quality of her eggs, the number of embryos transferred, and the time needed for their development. Generally, treatment begins with ovarian stimulation, which can last between 8 and 14 days. Then, the oocytes are retrieved and fertilized in a laboratory, which can take 1 to 5 days. Finally, the embryos are transferred to the patient's uterus, which takes about 15 minutes. In short, IVF can last between 2 and 6 weeks depending on the different stages of the process. However, it is important to note that the exact duration will depend on the particular case of each patient and will be determined by her medical team.

Are there any restrictions during IVF?

Yes, your doctor will recommend that you follow the basic guidelines listed below during the IVF process and throughout your pregnancy.

• Stop smoking. Both partners are advised to stop smoking at least three months before starting an IVF cycle and before starting ovulation induction. The effects of tobacco have been shown to be toxic and harmful to women's eggs.
• Stop drinking. Alcohol should be avoided from the beginning of IVF treatment, until the pregnancy test and, if the woman is pregnant, until the child is born.
• Check the medications you are taking. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications. Some medications may interfere with prescribed fertility drugs or embryo transfer, and others may not be safe to take before surgery.
• Avoid strenuous exercise. Intense physical activities such as aerobics, weight training and running are prohibited during ovarian stimulation and until pregnancy results are known.
• Eliminate supplements and add-ons. Herbal supplements are completely forbidden during the IVF process.

What happens if I get pregnant?

If a pregnancy occurs after IVF, it means that one of the transferred embryos successfully implanted in the patient's uterus. In this case, the patient will need regular medical follow-up to ensure the pregnancy progresses normally. The rate of multiple pregnancies, that is, the possibility of carrying twins, triplets or more, is slightly higher with IVF than in a natural pregnancy. However, thanks to technological advances and embryo transfer protocols, multiple pregnancy rates have considerably decreased in recent years. If pregnancy is confirmed and progresses normally, the patient will be transferred to her obstetrician for monitoring and delivery. If pregnancy does not occur after IVF, the patient may decide to repeat the treatment to increase her chances of conception.

If I don't get pregnant, when is it possible to try again?

The timing of when it is possible to try IVF again depends on each individual case and the recommendations of the patient's medical team. It is important to understand that IVF can be an emotionally and physically demanding process for the patient, and it is recommended to wait enough time to recover between cycles. In general, most doctors recommend waiting one or two menstrual cycles before starting a new IVF cycle. This recovery period allows the patient's body to recover from ovarian stimulation and follicular puncture. In addition, it allows for a health assessment to evaluate the patient's health and ability to pursue another cycle. In short, it is important to discuss with your doctor the best course of action based on your particular case and overall health.

Does IVF significantly increase the chances of having twins or triplets?

This is a very common question asked by couples considering IVF treatment, and the answer depends on several factors. You and your doctor decide how many embryos to implant in your uterus. If only one embryo is transferred, it will be impossible to have a multiple pregnancy. However, given the uncertainty about the success of embryo implantation into the uterine wall, many women opt to transfer multiple embryos into the uterus, particularly those who cannot afford further IVF cycles. It is noteworthy that the chances of giving birth from multiple embryo transfers are only slightly higher than from single embryo transfers, although the chances of having twins or triplets increase significantly.

Are there any side effects associated with IVF?

Fertility drugs can cause mood swings, headaches, hot flashes, abdominal pain, and bloating. In very rare cases, fertility drugs may induce ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which can produce more serious symptoms such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased urination
• Feeling faint
• Significant weight gain within three to five days
• Severe stomach pain and bloating

Potential side effects after IVF treatment may include:

• Mild swelling
• Mild cramping
• Breast tenderness
• Constipation

IVF may be ideal for couples who have tried conventional infertility treatments but have been unsuccessful in conceiving. IVF can also help resolve some male infertility factors.

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