For hopeful parents for whom getting pregnant by traditional means has been difficult, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a promising fertility treatment that can lead to a family. As with any medical treatment, it’s important to consider what’s involved with IVF before deciding if it’s right for you. Explore the following factors to prepare for an informed consultation with a fertility doctor.  

3 Considerations Before Starting In Vitro Fertilization

1. You’re Not Alone

Struggling to get pregnant can be isolating. While it’s a club no one wants to find themselves in, some hopeful parents take comfort in knowing that one in eight couples experience this issue.

In other words, you’re not alone, and nonprofit organizations, including Resolve.org, offer links to support groups where you can connect with others in the same situation. Their success stories, advice, and general encouragement may be helpful as you navigate IVF.

2. Treatments Require Commitment

IVF is not a one-and-done procedure. There are multiple parts of the process: Women must undergo a round of stimulating medications to prepare the ovaries for producing follicles (mature eggs), which will then be retrieved via a brief procedure and fertilized in a lab.

Afterward, more medications are required to prepare the uterus for the transfer of the fertilized embryo. During the process, you’ll visit your clinic regularly for monitoring via ultrasound, and you’ll need to administer injections at home. While the treatment is a commitment, it’s one many couples consider worthwhile.

3. You May Need Multiple Cycles

Success rates for IVF vary based on several factors, including the quality and quantity of the eggs and sperm, maternal age, and lifestyle factors. For instance, smoking can diminish IVF success rates by 50%.

Sometimes, patients may not respond optimally to stimulating medications, so only a few healthy follicles can be retrieved. In such cases, multiple cycles may be recommended using different protocols. While failed cycles can be discouraging, fertility specialists learn more about your circumstances and how you react to certain medications with each attempt.

If you’re considering in vitro fertilization to start a family, turn to Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute. As Hawaii’s first IVF program, this clinic has served hopeful parents in the Honolulu area since 1985 and contributed to the birth of more than 6,700 healthy babies. Their team offers a range of fertility services, including IVF, genetic screening, egg preservation, and options for LGBT couples. Find out more about what to expect from IVF on their website, or set up a consultation with their caring providers by calling (808) 946-2226.