The pros and cons of IVF procedures & treatment
In-Vitro Fertilization or IVF basically entails following specialized medical procedures to achieve pregnancy. This includes administration of fertility drugs to stimulate high follicle production, monitoring of the ovulation cycle, collection of eggs through egg retrieval on female and sperm retrieval in male, artificial fertilization of collected samples in the laboratory, embryo culture and selection, and embryo transfer.
The IVF procedure is basically done by a gynecologist who specializes in fertility treatments along with an anesthetist who administers the light anesthetic or sedation during the egg retrieval, and nurses to assist preparations, processes, and recovery. The couple’s general provider can do a referral to get the most effective and reliable gynecologist to perform the treatment.
IVF is one of technology's blessings to couples who are unable to bear a child. But even though the process is proven to be effective since its existence back in 1978, the varying factors affecting its success rate such as age, fertility history, and reliability of the specialist has put a limitation to its effectivity. For some couples, the IVF treatment is considered to be a lucky charm in building a strong family despite infertility but for others IVF simply does work at all. The pros and cons of IVF can fully be understood through the following.
PRO: IVF procedure as a possible solution
IVF treatment is given to women, who suffer under certain disease or medical complications like endometrioses, blocked fallopian tubes, irregular ovulation, low sperm count and motility, and unexplained fertility. When fertilization is not possible through natural occurrence inside the women’s fallopian tube, the IVF procedure offers artificial fertilization in which only the healthy and well screened embryo are transferred back into the women’s uterus allowing it grow further as a fetus.
CON: IVF does work all the time
The success rate of IVF is not a surefire 100 percent. In fact, the success rate largely depends on the primary factor which is age. The older the women get, the lower the chances of getting pregnant would be. In addition, the level of infertility in women also affects the success rate of IVF. The more complicated and severe the medical condition, the lower the chances would be.
PRO: IVF allows multiple eggs harvested
IVF gives couple a high chance for having more than one child. While it requires 10 healthy follicles or more, the rest of the follicles left after a successful attempt can be reserved and frozen for future use.
CON: Hyperstimulation has a high risk of OHSS
OHSS or Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome is a complication caused by drinking too much fertility drugs during the first stage of the IVF procedure. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. This is usually associated with an inflamed uterus in which fluid may leak into the belly and chest area. According research, OHSS affects 10% if the women who undergo IVF.
PRO: Multiple births
Twins are blessings for some couples. Various couples have conceived twins on their first attempt of IVF. With in vitro fertilization, there is a 25 percent chance of conceiving twins, and a 2 to 3 percent chance of triplets.
CON: IVF is an expensive infertility treatment
Aside that IVF is a lengthy and complex process, it is very expensive. Based on records, the average money that couples may spend for one cycle or attempt is between $10,000 and $20,000. This, however; excludes additional fees for the aftercare and various several treatments. Whilst some insurance do not cover fertility treatment, couples may have to spend money from their own pocket and even through the first attempt would not be successful, IVF entails a "no return" policy.
