Treatment FAQ

how does fertility treatment work

by Melisa Koss Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Fertility drugs generally work like natural hormones — follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) — to trigger ovulation. They're also used in women who ovulate to try to stimulate a better egg or an extra egg or eggs.Aug 27, 2021

Medication

Feb 05, 2018 · Fertility drugs can stimulate ovulation 80% of the time. (This isn’t the same as pregnancy success or live birth rates.) Common fertility drugs include Clomid, Femara, and gonadotropins. Clomid (clomiphene citrate): A well-known fertility drug, Clomid is frequently the first drug used in treatment.

Procedures

Mar 03, 2021 · The way the IVF process works is as follows: A woman begins taking medication that gets her eggs ready for fertilization. Once the eggs are prepared, a doctor removes the eggs from the woman’s body. The eggs are fertilized by sperm in the lab. The doctor transfers one or more of the fertilized eggs ...

Self-care

Nov 04, 2019 · There are five main steps to in vitro fertilization: Stimulation of the Ovaries – Three days after a menstrual cycle begins, a hormone shot is self-administered just under the skin around the stomach. This is done daily for nine to ten days, on average. This stimulates the ovaries to bring multiple eggs to maturity.

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Jun 28, 2019 · June 28, 2019 Fertility Treatment. If you are having fertility issues, you may have started discussing the possibility of IVF with your doctor. IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a form of assisted reproductive technology in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined outside the body in a lab. The experts at Carolinas Fertility Institute can answer all of your …

What is the best fertility treatment?

Apr 20, 2020 · You'll be given fertility drugs that will begin a process called stimulation — or superovulation, says the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In other words, the drugs — which contain Follicle Stimulating Hormone — will tell your body to produce more than just the normal one egg per month.

How much does IVF really cost?

Jun 30, 2020 · Well, this is actually quite simple. In IVF, the eggs are removed from the ovaries before ovulation even occurs. While people undergoing IVF take a “trigger” shot/medication designed to finalize egg maturation and induce ovulation, it’s critical that the egg retrieval takes place before the eggs are actually ovulated.

What are the risks of fertility treatment?

How to get IVF free?

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What is the process of fertility treatment?

During IVF , mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVF takes about three weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into different parts and the process can take longer.Sep 10, 2021

How long does it take to get pregnant with fertility treatments?

How long does this whole process take? If your fertility treatment involves intrauterine insemination (IUI), typically the process takes about two weeks. During these two weeks, your ovaries will be stimulated to produce follicles, ovulation will occur and thereafter an insemination is performed.

What happens when you start fertility treatment?

The stimulation phase begins on Day 1. In a natural monthly cycle, your ovaries would normally produce one egg. With an IVF cycle, you'll take medication for eight to 14 days to encourage the follicles in your ovaries (where the eggs grow) to produce more eggs.

How successful are fertility treatments?

Overall, the success rate of fertility treatment is about 50%. That means about half of all couples who seek treatment end up pregnant. However, the success of treatment varies from person to person.

Is fertility treatment painful?

Fertility Medications Patients may experience some discomfort as the injection is being administered. The level of this pain depends on how comfortable the patient is with needles and shots. The IVF medications are associated with a range of side effects, one of which is abdominal cramping.Mar 5, 2021

Can I get fertility treatment to have twins?

Clomiphene and gonadotropins are commonly used fertility drugs that can increase your chances of having twins. Clomiphene is a medication available only through prescription. In the United States, the brand names for the drug are Clomid and Serophene.

How long does infertility treatment take?

The IVF cycle itself takes around four weeks, the length of a normal ovulation cycle. Treatment begins only after initial fertility testing is completed. Fertility testing often includes assessing your ovarian reserve or egg quality, uterine cavity evaluation, and semen analysis.Aug 12, 2021

What are the signs of not being able to have a baby?

In women, signs of infertility may include:Pain during sex. ... Heavy, long, or painful periods. ... Dark or pale menstrual blood. ... Irregular menstrual cycle. ... Hormone changes. ... Underlying medical conditions. ... Obesity. ... Not getting pregnant.

What should I do before fertility treatment?

Before you start your IVF journey, we recommend that you prepare your body for treatment in the following ways:Eat a healthy, well balanced diet.Start taking prenatal vitamins.Maintain a healthy weight.Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and recreational drugs.More items...•Nov 10, 2020

Do fertility pills work to get pregnant?

Fertility drugs can treat many issues, increasing the chances of conceiving and carrying the baby to term. These drugs treat specific problems, so a person should take them only at a doctor's recommendation. Taking fertility drugs without a diagnosis will not necessarily increase the chances of getting pregnant.

How often do fertility treatments work?

Most couples will require a few cycles of IVF treatment to achieve pregnancy. One large study found that the odds for pregnancy success after three cycles are between 34 and 42 percent.Apr 20, 2020

How much does fertility treatment cost?

According to Cape Fertility, the cost of fertility treatment depends on the type of treatment done, and treatments such as artificial insemination cost between R5000 and R10000 per cycle, with IVF treatments costing R56 000 to R66 000 per cycle.Nov 18, 2019

What to do before infertility testing?

Before infertility testing, your doctor or clinic works to understand your sexual habits and may make recommendations to improve your chances of getting pregnant. In some infertile couples, no specific cause is found (unexplained infertility). Infertility evaluation can be expensive, and sometimes involves uncomfortable procedures.

What doctor can help with infertility?

Depending on your age and personal health history, your doctor may recommend a medical evaluation. A gynecologist, urologist or family doctor can help determine whether there's a problem that requires a specialist or clinic that treats infertility problems.

What is the reproductive tract?

The reproductive tract must allow an egg to pass into the fallopian tubes and join with sperm for fertilization. The fertilized egg must travel to the uterus and implant in the lining. Tests for female infertility try to find out if any of these processes are impaired.

What is an HSG test?

Hysterosalpingography, or HSG, is an X-ray test to outline the internal shape of the uterus and show whether the fallopian tubes are blocked.

What is the substance that is injected into the uterus called?

In HSG, a thin tube is threaded through the vagina and cervix. A substance known as contrast material is injected into the uterus. A series of X-rays, or fluoroscopy, follows the dye, which appears white on X-ray, as it moves into the uterus and then into the tubes.

How to increase sperm count?

Certain medications may improve sperm count and likelihood for achieving a successful pregnancy. These medicines may increase testicular function, including sperm production and quality. Surgery. For some conditions, surgery may be able to reverse a sperm blockage and restore fertility.

Where is the fertilized egg transferred?

The fertilized egg (embryo) is transferred into the uterus (C). In intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a single healthy sperm is injected directly into each mature egg. ICSI is often used when semen quality or number is a problem or if fertilization attempts during prior in vitro fertilization cycles failed.

What is the purpose of IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus.

How are eggs removed during in vitro fertilization?

During in vitro fertilization, eggs are removed from mature follicles within an ovary (A). An egg is fertilized by injecting a single sperm into the egg or mixing the egg with sperm in a petri dish (B). The fertilized egg (embryo) is transferred into the uterus (C).

What causes fewer eggs to be fertilized?

Fallopian tube damage or blockage makes it difficult for an egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus. Ovulation disorders. If ovulation is infrequent or absent, fewer eggs are available for fertilization. Endometriosis.

How many cells are in an embryo after fertilization?

Three days after fertilization, a normally developing embryo will contain about six to 10 cells. By the fifth or sixth day, the fertilized egg is known as a blastocyst — a rapidly dividing ball of cells. The inner group of cells will become the embryo. The outer group will become the cells that nourish and protect it.

What hormones are tested during the first few days of menstruation?

To determine the quantity and quality of your eggs, your doctor might test the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen) and anti-mullerian hormone in your blood during the first few days of your menstrual cycle.

Can IVF be done anonymously?

Or IVF may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or anonymous donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier — a woman who has an embryo implanted in her uterus — might be used. Your chances of having a healthy baby using IVF depend on many factors, such as your age and the cause of infertility.

Why do I have to have multiple eggs during IVF?

If you're using your own eggs during IVF, at the start of a cycle you'll begin treatment with synthetic hormones to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs — rather than the single egg that normally develops each month. Multiple eggs are needed because some eggs won't fertilize or develop normally after fertilization.

What is IVF Treatment & How Does it Work?

IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. IVF is a procedure that many women seek to treat infertility. In most cases, couples try less invasive treatments like various fertility drugs, hormone therapy, or intrauterine insemination before turning to IVF.

How Does IVF Work?

In vitro fertilization uses a combination of surgical procedures and medications to help with egg fertilization. The way the IVF process works is as follows:

IUI vs. IVF

Intrauterine insemination is another common fertility treatment that is slightly less invasive than IVF. IUI is a non-surgical procedure in which a doctor inserts sperm directly into a woman’s uterus. The treatment ensures insemination during ovulation, which increases the chances of getting pregnant.

How Much Does IVF Cost?

The overall cost of treatment varies from clinic to clinic, but according to the National Conference of State Legislatures the average cost of one cycle of IVF is $12,000 to $17,000. Below is a list of what exactly you’re paying for in the overall cost of the IVF treatment:

Is IVF Covered by Insurance?

IVF coverage varies from state to state, as well as insurance providers. Only 16 states have laws in place that require insurers to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment. Of those 16, three of the states also have laws that specifically exclude the IVF treatment procedure from coverage.

What Fertility Treatment Is Right for You?

Deciding on a fertility treatment is a very personal decision and one that should not be rushed. Take the time to consider all of your options until you find a good fit. Your body may not need an invasive treatment like IVF to increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

When is IVF used?

IVF is most commonly used when a couple cannot conceive on their own. “In vitro fertilization is also used to prevent genetic diseases that may be of concern to the parents,” says Megan Link, MD, a reproductive expert with University of Utah Health. The process has become relatively routine, and complications are extremely rare.

How long does it take for an IVF shot to work?

This is done daily for nine to ten days, on average. This stimulates the ovaries to bring multiple eggs to maturity.

How long does it take for a blastocyst to transfer to the uterus?

Transfer of the Embryo – Approximately five days after fertilization , the mature blastocyst is passed through the cervix and into the uterus through a catheter. This short process is similar to a pap smear where a speculum is used to open the vagina.

How long does it take to get pregnant after IVF?

If you are under 35 years of age, you should consider IVF after one year of trying to conceive . If you are between 35 and 40, IVF is recommended after six months of trying.

Can frozen sperm be used for fertilization?

Previously frozen sperm, such as that from a donor, can also be used. Fertilization of the Eggs – The sperm and eggs are united in a laboratory dish. As the cells begin to divide and multiply, they are watched very closely and can be tested for genetic diseases.

Can self administered shots cause bloating?

The needles used for the self-administered shots are very thin, minimizing pain. When the ovaries are stimulated , they become larger than normal, which can create some bloating and discomfort. The egg retrieval is done under moderate sedation of the patient.

Can sperm be extracted from testicles?

Retrieval of the Sperm – If the woman’s partner has a low sperm count or has had a vasectomy, sperm can be extracted directly from the testicles. Otherwise, sperm usually comes fresh from the partner. Previously frozen sperm, such as that from a donor, can also be used.

What hormones are used in IVF?

This success depends on growing multiple eggs at once. To facilitate this, natural hormones like FSH and/or LG (gonadotropins) are used.

What is IVF in pregnancy?

IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a form of assisted reproductive technology in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined outside the body in a lab. The experts at Carolinas Fertility Institute can answer all ...

How long does it take for an embryologist to monitor an egg?

If fertilization successfully occurs, the eggs will be incubated and the embryologist will monitor them for the next two to five days to ensure proper development.

What is the purpose of ultrasound in vagina?

Vaginal ultrasounds will be used to monitor the growth of the follicles in which the eggs develop. These measurements will help determine when the follicles are mature enough for egg retrieval. Estradiol is a form of estrogen that follicles produce as they mature.

How long does it take for a doctor to remove eggs from your ovaries?

Then, approximately 34 to 36 hours later, your doctor will put you under IV sedation and remove the eggs from the ovaries. Sedation is used to prevent pain and keep you comfortable during the procedure.

How long does it take for an embryo to come back after IVF?

After the embryos have incubated for two to five days under the supervision of the embryologist, you will come back to have them transferred into your uterine cavity. Before the procedure, your doctor will discuss with you how many embryos will be transferred. If there are any extra high-quality embryos, the doctor may suggest freezing them in case you attempt IVF again in the future.

What does it mean when a test is positive?

If the test result is positive, that means that the embryo successfully implanted in the endometrial lining of your uterus and that you are pregnant. If it is negative, you can speak to your specialist about next steps.

What is IVF used for?

IVF is commonly used to treat: Older women with fertility issues. Women with damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. Women with endometriosis. Male infertility caused by low sperm count or blockage.

How long does it take for sperm to fertilize an egg?

It usually takes a few hours for a sperm to fertilize an egg. Your doctor may also inject the sperm directly into the egg instead, a process known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Full screen is unavailable. Learn More.

What are the steps of IVF?

A Step-By-Step Look at the IVF Process 1 Older women with fertility issues 2 Women with damaged or blocked fallopian tubes 3 Women with endometriosis 4 Male infertility caused by low sperm count or blockage

Why do IVF women have multiple embryos?

Sometimes more than one embryo ends up implanting, which is why multiples are common in women who use IVF. The IVF process basically replicates natural reproduction.

What happens after you collect eggs?

This one is meant to prep the lining of your uterus to receive the embryos that will be transferred back into you.

How does a sexectomy procedure work?

During the procedure, your doctor will use an ultrasound to guide a thin needle into each of your ovaries through your vagina. The needle has a device attached to it that suctions the eggs out one at a time.

How to get eggs to mature faster?

A little more than a day before your eggs are scheduled to be retrieved from your body, you’ll receive a hormone injection that will help your eggs mature quickly. Then, you’ll have a minor surgical procedure—called follicular aspiration—to remove the eggs.

What is IVF treatment?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the most efficient and effective fertility treatment in that it results in the quickest time to pregnancy of any treatment or natural remedy. But it is a mysterious subject convoluted by acronyms and just downright complex science. In this article, we are going to explain everything you need to know about how IVF ...

How does sperm work?

The sperm attach to the shell of the egg (the zona) and penetrate it for fertilization. Because the sperm and egg are already in relatively close proximity, this can work for a large number of people, including those with mild male factor infertility.

How is FSH regulated?

In a natural (non medicated cycle), FSH is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, part of the endocrine system (hence the name of the fertility doctor – reproductive endocrinologist ). The production and release of FSH is determined by circulating blood levels of certain hormones: 1 At the onset of a woman’s menstrual cycle, hormone levels (estrogen in particular) are low. 2 The hypothalamus senses these levels and releases gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus in the brain 3 GnRH then travels and binds to the anterior pituitary gland at the base of the brain. 4 The binding of GnRH to the anterior pituitary causes the synthesis and release of FSH and LH – which are then carried to through the bloodstream where the hormones bind to receptors in the ovaries. 5 The binding of FSH to the ovaries causes follicular/ovarian growth. 6 With this growth, the follicles produce more and more estradiol and inhibin, which slows the release of GnRH and thus FSH. But as more estrogen is produced from the developing follicles, it stimulates a surge in FSH and LH, which stimulates ovulation.

Why do men not need sperm?

Because sperm are placed in very close proximity with an egg in conventional IVF or injected directly into the egg with Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a man simply does not need to have sperm capable of making the arduous journey through the female reproductive tract. For cases of male infertility in which the man has no sperm in their ...

How many eggs can IVF save?

IVF “saves” a portion of these eggs by developing and maturing a larger number of these eggs – possibly even more than 50 eggs (though that is quite rare and typically only seen in younger women if at all).

How many eggs do IVF women recruit?

Direct Improvements to Egg Quality. The main utility of IVF is that it “saves” eggs. Normally a woman recruits (or begins to develop) approximately 1,000 eggs each month but only 1-2 survive, fully develop, and are ovulated.

What is PGT in biology?

Also known as PGS, PGT involves taking a small biopsy from a blastocyst embryo’s trophectoderm (the cells that will become the placenta) and running a genetic analysis on said embryonic cells. While the jury is still out [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] , many studies show it can reduce the odds of miscarriage by detecting embryos with chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) and only transferring normal (euploid) embryos.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment depends on various factors such as underlying cause, couple's age and health. Various assisted conception techniques are available.
Medication

Hormone therapy: Improves sperm count

Clomiphene citrate


Ovarian stimulator: To regulate ovulation.

Clomiphene

Procedures

Varicocelectomy: If necessary, surgical repair of any sperm blockages.

In-vitro fertilization (IVF): The sperm and egg are fertilised in a test tube in the lab and the embryo is inserted into the womb for further development. IVF is suitable for many infertility issues and is most commonly recommended method.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Inserting the sperms inside the womb for further fertilization.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): Matured healthy single sperm is directly injected into an egg.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Try relaxing techniques together
  • Try intercourse within a week after menstruation

Specialist to consult

Andrologist
Specializes in dealing with problems related to the male reproductive system and urological problems that are unique to men.
Endocrinologist
Specializes in the function and disorders of the endocrine system of the body.
Gynecologist
Specializes in the health of the female reproductive systems and breasts.

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Before infertility testing, your doctor or clinic works to understand your sexual habits and may make recommendations to improve your chances of getting pregnant. In some infertile couples, no specific cause is found (unexplained infertility). Infertility evaluation can be expensive, and sometimes involves uncomfortable procedures. Some medical plans may not cover the cost of f…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Overview

  • Infertility treatment depends on: 1. What's causing the infertility 2. How long you've been infertile 3. Your age and your partner's age 4. Personal preferences Some causes of infertility can't be corrected. In cases where spontaneous pregnancy doesn't happen, couples can often still achieve a pregnancy through use of assisted reproductive technology. Infertility treatment may involve si…
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Why It's Done

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
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Risks

  • Coping with infertility can be extremely difficult because there are so many unknowns. The journey can take an emotional toll on a couple. Taking these steps can help you cope: 1. Be prepared.The uncertainty of infertility testing and treatments can be difficult and stressful. Ask your doctor to explain the steps, and prepare for each one. 2. Set limits.Decide before starting tr…
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How You Prepare

  • Depending on your age and personal health history, your doctor may recommend a medical evaluation. A gynecologist, urologist or family doctor can help determine whether there's a problem that requires a specialist or clinic that treats infertility problems. In some cases, both you and your partner may require a comprehensive infertility evaluation.
See more on mayoclinic.org

What You Can Expect

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVFtakes about three weeks. Sometimes …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Results

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. If IVF is performed to treat infertility, you and your partner might be able to try less-invasive treatment options before attempting IVF, including fertility drugs to increase production of eggs or intrauterine insemination — a procedure in which sperm are placed directly in the uterus near the time of ovulation. Somet…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Clinical Trials

  • Risks of IVFinclude: 1. Multiple births. IVFincreases the risk of multiple births if more than one embryo is transferred to your uterus. A pregnancy with multiple fetuses carries a higher risk of early labor and low birth weight than pregnancy with a single fetus does. 2. Premature delivery and low birth weight. Research suggests that IVFslightly increases the risk that the baby will be …
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The Mayo Clinic Experience and Patient Stories

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology provide information online about U.S. clinics' individual pregnancy and live birth rates. A clinic's success rate depends on many factors. These include patients' ages and medical issues, as well as the clinic's treatment population and treatment approaches. Ask for detailed informati…
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