As the most commonly performed assisted reproductive technology (ART) used worldwide by couples trying to have a baby, it is not surprising there are lots of people wanting to learn more and who have questions about in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Dr Raouf Farag is a local leading Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and IVF specialist, see below as he answers some of the most common questions he gets asked regularly by his Central Coast patients.
What is IVF treatment and how does it work?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is a procedure, used to overcome a range of fertility issues, by which an egg and sperm are joined together outside the body, in a specialised laboratory. The fertilised egg (embryo) is allowed to grow in a protected environment for some days before being transferred into the woman’s uterus increasing the chance that a pregnancy will occur.
IVF is a sequence of procedures that involves fertilization of an egg outside a woman’s body in a specialized lab. It is often performed after other methods of trying to get pregnant have failed.
Is IVF painful?
No. There are a few steps in the IVF process that may cause minor discomfort as described below. It is very unusual to have more than minor pain.
How long does it take to get pregnant with IVF?
One cycle of IVF takes about two months. Women who don’t get pregnant following the first IVF cycle still have very good chances of getting pregnant on second, third and even more cycles of IVF. There are many factors that affect your ability to get pregnant and have a healthy baby using IVF. Your doctor can usually give you reasons why you are not getting pregnant and explain your chances to have a baby with IVF. Age is the factor that most affects IVF success rates.
How long should I wait before consulting a fertility doctor?
In general, patients will seek advice from a fertility doctor after one year of trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant. The chances of a fertile couple conceiving a child in any given month (called the natural pregnancy rate) is around 20%; resulting in roughly ninety percent of couples becoming pregnant after one year of trying to conceive. It’s recommended that the remaining 10 percent of couples consult a fertility specialist. In particular, women over thirty are encouraged to undergo a fertility treatment evaluation, after six months of attempting to conceive. And it may be beneficial for women over forty to meet with a fertility doctor shortly after deciding to try and have a child.
Am I a potential candidate for IVF?
There are many considerations involved in determining if a patient is suitable for IVF treatment. Appropriate candidates often include couples who may experience:
- Low sperm counts
- Endometriosis
- Problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Ovulation disorders
- Sperm unable to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucus
- Other health or unexplained reproductive issues
The only way to know for sure if in vitro fertilization is right for you is to undergo a complete exam and consultation with our team at Dr Farag’s clinic in Gosford.
Will IVF significantly increase my chances of having twins or triplets?
This is a common question asked by couples considering IVF treatment, and the answer depends on several factors. You and your doctor will decide the number of embryos to be implanted into your uterus. If a single embryo is transferred, then it would be impossible to have a multiple pregnancy. However, given the uncertainty of the embryo successfully implanting into the lining of the uterus, many women choose to transfer multiple embryos into the womb; especially those women who may be unable to afford additional IVF cycles.
Find out more about what to expect at your first IVF consultation here.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) can be used to overcome a range of fertility issues and for many couples, gives them the best chance of having a baby. If you would like to find out more or to schedule a consultation, please contact our friendly and caring team on (02) 4324 1992.
Coastal Women’s Health
60 William Street Gosford NSW 2250
Resources:
IVF Australia
www.ivf.com.au