Are you trying to conceive and interested in IVF (in-vitro fertilization)? Keep scrolling to learn more about the IVF procedure and its success rates.
Understanding IVF Process
IVF can be a time-intensive process for couples trying to conceive, and there are a total of 10 steps from beginning to end:
- Ovarian Stimulation: The IVF process begins with administering medications to stimulate your ovaries, encouraging them to produce multiple mature eggs.
- Monitoring: The progress of ovarian stimulation is closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasound examinations to determine the optimal timing for egg retrieval.
- Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs have matured, you’ll have to undergo minor surgery to retrieve the eggs from your ovaries. Your doctor will use a thin needle that’s guided by ultrasound imaging.
- Sperm Collection: On the same day as egg retrieval or using a previously collected sample, sperm is collected from your partner or a sperm donor.
- Fertilization: The collected eggs and sperm are then combined in a Petri dish so fertilization can take place. Depending on the cirumstances, your doctor may recommend injecting a single sperm into an egg (aka ICSI) to facilitate fertilization.
- Embryo Culture: Fertilized eggs develop into embryos over the next few days while closely monitored in a controlled environment.
- Embryo Selection: Embryologists (highly trained healthcare professionals) assess embryo quality to select the most viable ones for transfer into the human body.
- Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred into your uterus using a thin catheter to achieve pregnancy.
- Luteal Phase Support: Hormonal medications, like progesterone, may be given to you to support your uterine lining and promote embryo implantation.
- Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is typically conducted about 10-14 days after the embryo transfer to determine if implantation and pregnancy have successfully occurred.
It's important to note that not everyone will go through each of these steps in the same way. IVF protocols can vary based on your medical history, age, and other factors.
You’ll also need to factor in the time taken to attend the appointments and go for the necessary tests and medical procedures. This would mean taking time off work if you’re currently trying for a baby while being employed. And we all know how precious paid time off can be!
IVF Success Rate
The success rate of IVF is relatively high when compared to other artificial insemination procedures. While that may help justify the high costs of IVF to a certain extent, do note that IVF process doesn’t guarantee 100% success in helping you get pregnant.
The statistics are starkly clear in a recent 2022 study published in the Journal of Andrology on the heels of a surge in IVF interest.
The researchers analyzed a staggering 22,000+ IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles and found that the success rate of such ART procedures was only about 20-30%.
Introducing Self-Insemination with the twoplus Applicator Extra
IVF, is commonly used to help couples get pregnant via artificial means. However, its high cost and time-intensive process can make it less appealing for some people, and that's okay too. If you find yourself undecided about IVF, the twoplus Applicator Extra may be another option to consider.
This home-based TTC solution allows for a personalised and intimate approach, introducing convenience to what could otherwise be a clinical process. It is also affordably priced, making it a more accessible option.
This fertility syringe has helped countless couples get pregnant within 6-8 months of consistent use. With twoplus, take the first step toward your dreams of parenthood and discover our home insemination kit that could make all the difference.
