Choosing IVF Treatment
For many couples, the IVF debate comes many years into their journey
with infertility issues. The decision to begin IVF treatment is not an easy
one. Many issues surround this method of fertility treatment. It can be expensive,
physically and emotionally draining and for some couples is incompatible with
religious or moral beliefs.
IVF used to be the fertility treatment that was chosen as a last resort
for infertile couples. With modern technological advances, the nature of IVF is
changing. For some couples it has become their first choice of treatment. IVF
maximizes the chances of conceiving quickly no matter what the cause of the
infertility.
IVF is the most common form of assisted reproductive technology. These
types of treatments have enabled hundreds of thousands of babies to be born to
previously infertile couples. However, it is important to explain the
implications and commitments that are involved in opting for IVF.
Cost of IVF
The cost of IVF is a major factor for many people when choosing
infertility treatments. Many insurance plans do not cover the full costs of
infertility treatments. IVF is often not successful on the first cycle of
treatment. It is hard to know in advance how many cycles it will take to
achieve a successful pregnancy. This statistic is influenced by factors such as
age and medical history. This can cause financial uncertainty as to the final total
cost of treatments. Some couples have a limited budget and can only undertake a
fixed number of treatments.
Physical and Emotional Demands
The commitment when undertaking IVF is significant. It is a process
that can be both physically and emotionally demanding. IVF is a very invasive
treatment and requires extensive tests, blood tests, hormone injections and
appointments. The side effects of the drugs include bloating, weight gain and
nausea and more rarely, include serious problems with the liver and kidney.
Often embryos that are put into the uterus after fertilization in the
laboratory do not grow into babies and the IVF cycle needs to be repeated from
the start. This aspect of IVF can be very challenging and is referred to as an
'emotional rollercoaster'. The physical demands combined with the emotional
uncertainty can often add to the existing strains that infertility bring to a
relationship.
Conclusion
It can be very difficult for couples to make an
objective decision about IVF treatment. It is important to be informed about
all the options before making a final decision.
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