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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