10 Questions to ask your fertility specialist about IVF

Opting for IVF treatment for the first time can be stressful for any couple. The best way to deal with this scenario is to clear all your doubts with the fertility specialist during the very first appointment. 

Even though IVF is a pregnancy treatment, the process involved here is not as easy and simple as it sounds. It requires the best of technology, the most expert supervision, the healthiest of diet and lifestyle habits. Even then, the results could be negative for any unexplained reason. The IVF specialist, the team, and the couples, unanimously have to work with much more dedication and precision for the best of results.

The stress and the anxiety usually stems because couples are not familiar with the procedure. But, asking the right questions can help you ease your doubts and apprehensions, and make the journey much smoother and easier.

10 Important questions to ask your fertility specialist about IVF:

Here are some common but important questions that you should ask your fertility specialist during the consultation:

1. How long should we try to conceive naturally before resorting to IVF?

This is a very important question and every couple needs to understand. Ideally, in medical terms, a couple in is considered to have fertility problems or considered to be infertile if the woman does  it conceive even after indulging in unprotected sex for more than a year. The ability to bear a baby depends on multiple factors like your age, your partner’s age, both of your lifestyles, prolonged medication (if any), any significant incidence in the past which might affect your fertility potential etc. Open up to your doctor about everything to get the best treatment

2. What are the tests that I need to do before IVF?

Before beginning the IVF cycle, you need to make sure that your body is healthy enough to carry the pregnancy. The couple will be required to do a few blood tests to check the sugar level, blood group, HB, and presence of any infections, etc. Additionally, the woman also needs to do some tests to check the status of ovulation, the production of eggs, the possibility of PCOS. The male partner might be required to do semen analysis along with the tests of the woman.

3. What is the success rate of IVF treatment?

The success rate of IVF treatment majorly depends on the age of the woman. Evaluating your tests, the fertility specialist will be able to tell you the chances of success of the treatment. Understanding and treating the cause of infertility is the first major task. The specialist will evaluate the sperm quality, uterine lining, ovarian reserve and other things as well.

4. What is the success rate of the clinic?

The clinic where you will undergo your treatment will play a major role in the success of the treatment. Before beginning the  treatment, it is always advisable to know the success rate of the clinic in terms of pregnancy rate and live births. Although the success rate depends from person to person, and the success rate of the clinic does not guarantee your treatment success anyway, it will give you a general idea about the treatment standards of the clinic.

5. Can I follow any tips to enhance the success of my IVF treatment?

There are certain factors you will never have control on. But, there are also deciding factors which can boost your chances of the success of IVF treatment. 

• Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, bring your body to a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking right now. If you keep smoking, your chances of success will eventually go down.
• Do not stress. Stress can affect your egg and sperm health.
• Avoid alcohol. If you are planning a baby, cut down on your alcohol consumption. It is always better if you quit totally.
• Have a healthy diet and antioxidants. You can include vitamin supplements and folic acid along with your diet.

6. Will the specialist use my eggs in the process?

Yes, the specialist will use your eggs only for the treatment. As your treatment begins, the fertility specialist will give your injections and medications to boost production of your eggs. In a normal cycle, the ovaries release one egg. But once the IVF treatment begins, you will be given medication to increase the number of eggs released during your ovulation. These eggs will be fertilised with the sperm of the male partner. If the sperm health is not optimum, donor sperm can also be used for the treatment.

7. Will I face any complications during the process?

IVF is generally a safe treatment. According to a report published in The Print, The ISAR says that one out of every six couples is infertile and about 27.5 million couples are trying to have a baby with the help of IVF. Although the complications are rare, you should not compromise with the required precautions. Every couple should know that the positive results in IVF treatment are not always seen at the first go, which is why couples need to undergo multiple cycles. The fertilization might not be successful at times. In other cases, there might be problems in attaching the embryo in the uterus.

8. What if my treatment is not successful?

There is no such thing called a 100% successful IVF. In most cases, couples as well as specialist teams have to try again and again. There are always chances that the pregnancy may not be successful at the first cycle. In that case, you can always undergo the treatment once again. If you have embryos frozen from your first cycle, you can use those embryos. There is no major difference in the results of the treatment between fresh and frozen embryos.

9. Who and how will I be able to contact my specialist team in case I need help?

IVF is one such treatment where you might require medical help at any point of the day. Make sure that you work with a highly communicative clinic or hospital who is ready to extend help whenever you require. The specialist and the team should be able and willing to answer your queries at any point of time. You might have sudden concerns. Ask if it is okay if you reach out to the team then and there,

10. What is the cost of the treatment?

Get your financial aspects clear on the very first appointment. Since IVF does not guarantee one single cycle, you might have to undergo multiple cycles and this might be burdensome on the financial side. Ask every important small and big question about the costs involved, from the first day. If you have insurance, clarify with the team what it may cover. Many insurance companies do not cover expenses related to IVF. If you have doubts, get it cleared

Beginning the IVF treatment can often be a difficult decision. But, there are so many couples who are reaping the benefits of the treatment with every passing day and every small and big advancements in the field of medical science. With the best clinic, best fertility specialist and team, gaining positive results are easier than what is thought of.