20 FAQ’S that mother has before starting the IVF procedure?

1. What is IVF?

IVF is short for In-Vitro Fertilization. It is a common fertility method in which the egg is fertilized outside the body in a petri-dish before being placed in the uterus. The procedure involves a series of steps and medications based on the reasons why IVF was chosen as a fertility option.

2. Why will I need a donor?

A donor may be required for eggs or sperms in case of same-sex couples opting for IVF or when the intended mother’s ovaries are not producing enough eggs or are absent. A donor for the sperms may be required if the intended father is sterile.

3. Will the donor be anonymous?

The donor can be anonymous or may be a known person like a family member or a friend based on the couple’s decision. In most cases, fertility centers run egg and sperm donation programs.

4. Are the donors screened?

Fertility centers running an egg or sperm donation program screen the donors for a wide range of parameters, including physical and mental health and family history.

5. Is it safe to use anonymous donors for IVF?

Yes, using the eggs or sperms from an anonymous donor is safe for IVF because the donors are screened.

6. When is IVF used?

IVF may be suggested as a solution by doctors when someone suffers from infertility. Reasons for infertility may be related to age, inability of ovaries to produce enough eggs, low sperm quality or quantity, fibroids, endometriosis, and sometimes, unexplained infertility. Your doctor will be the best person to tell you if you should opt for IVF or not.

7. Should I try IUI before IVF?

Intrauterine insemination is a procedure in which the sperm is transferred directly into the uterus allowing the egg to be fertilized within the body. On other hand, IVF is a procedure in which the egg is fertilized outside the body in a petri-dish. The viability of these two fertility methods and determining the best one for you will mostly depend on your doctor after conducting different tests.

8. How do I choose an IVF clinic?

To choose an IVF clinic, begin by looking for success rates of live births and not just at IVF successes. Other factors to consider are the cost of the treatment, the types of fertility procedures offered by the clinic, donor programs run by the clinic, and the overall attitude of the staff and doctors that you will be interacting with.

9. How do I prepare myself for an IVF procedure?

Prepare yourself by beginning healthy food habits and making positive lifestyle changes that give your body the best support needed during the procedure. Check with your doctor about medications that may interfere with fertility drugs, and avoid over-the-counter supplements when you begin your IVF cycle.

10. How many embryos will be transferred and why?

The healthiest eggs are fertilized in IVF using the healthiest sperms available. Once the fertilization is successful, doctors may consider transferring multiple embryos to increase the chances of pregnancy as well. A maximum of two or three embryos may be transferred based on the doctor’s decision.

11. What is the success rate of IVF?

Success rate of IVF depends on several factors. One of the most common determinants is the age of the woman. In India, IVF success rate is usually between 30% and 35%.

12. If the first IVF fails, can I go for a second IVF?

Yes, you can go for a second IVF if the first procedure was not successful. Your doctor will advise you of the time needed for your body to recover before you can start a new IVF cycle.

13. What are the side effects of IVF?

An IVF cycle involves several steps starting from the first day of your period till your pregnancy test. The medications used during the procedure may cause the following side effects:

• mood swings
• headaches
• nausea
• mild cramping
• bloating
• constipation
• tenderness of breasts
• light bleeding

14. What are the risks of IVF?

Common risks related to the IVF procedure are:

• Multiple births, because multiple embryos may be placed in the uterus to increase the chances of pregnancy.
• Prematurity and low birth weight can be another risk which is usually linked with high stimulation IVF.
• Birth defects can also be a risk among older patients, but clinics try to detect this before the embryo transfer by conducting ICSI and testing the genetic material.

15. How soon can I find out if the IVF is successful or not?

Typically, it takes around 10 to 12 days from the day the embryo(s) is/are transferred to your uterus. A pregnancy test can be done after 10 days to find out if the embryo has implanted successfully.

16. My IVF was successful but I suffered a miscarriage. Should I try again?

Patients who undergo a successful IVF may miscarry. If you suffered a miscarriage then you must allow your body to recuperate and then try again. Your doctor will be able to advise you best on how long you should consider waiting before your health allows you to undergo the procedure again.

17. Should I avoid specific foods before IVF?

It is important to have a healthy diet when you are planning IVF, but it is best to avoid making major changes in your eating habits at this time. For example, avoid going gluten-free if you weren’t already or avoiding complete food groups like grains or fruits when you are preparing yourself and during the IVF cycle.

18. Is it okay to exercise when I am undergoing an IVF cycle?

If you follow an exercise regime, then unless your doctor specifically asks you not to exercise, you should be able to continue your workout routine. It is advised that you should limit your running routine to 15 miles a week because running tends to shift blood away from the womb to other organs and muscles.

19. Can IVF affect my mental health?

A lot of women who start an IVF cycle may experience stress and anxiety because of the impending outcomes of the procedure or because they are still trying to cope with infertility. It is crucial to have emotional support during this period. Discuss the stressors with your partner, friends, and family if you find yourself coping with mental health problems.

20. How many hours of sleep should I get during IVF?

A 2013 study showed a direct connection between sleep and IVF success rate. Since the hormone that regulates sleep, also regulates reproduction, it is always a good practice for anyone undergoing an IVF cycle to make healthy sleep a part of their routine.

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