IVF (2024)

If you're having problems getting pregnant, see your GP.They will look at your medical history andgive you a physical examination.

They may also recommend somelifestyle changes to help increase your chances of getting pregnant (see planning your pregnancy).

Unless there are reasons that may put you at high risk of infertility, such as cancertreatment, you'll usually only be considered for infertility investigations and treatmentif you've been trying for a baby for at least a year without becoming pregnant.

If appropriate, your GP can refer you to a fertility specialist at an NHS hospital or fertility clinic.

Seeinga fertilityspecialist

The specialist will ask about your fertility history, andmay carry out a physical examination.

Womenmay have tests to check the levels of hormones in their blood and how well their ovaries are working.

They may also have an ultrasound scan or other tests to see if there are any blockages or structural problems.

Men may be asked for a sem*n sample to test sperm quality.

IfIVF is the best treatment for you, the specialistwill refer you to an assisted conception unit.

Readmore aboutdiagnosing infertility.

At the assisted conception unit

Once you're accepted for treatment at the assisted conception unit, you and your partner will have blood tests, including tests for HIV, hepatitis Band hepatitis C.

Your cervical screening tests should also be up-to-date.

The clinic should also check that you've been offered screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia if your ancestors come from a country where these conditions are more common. Anyone can ask to have this test forfree on the NHS from their GP.

If you're planning to use donor eggs, check that these have been screened. All IVF clinics in the UK are required to screen donor eggs and sperm.

The specialist will investigate the number of eggs in your body (your ovarian reserve) to estimate how your ovaries willrespond to IVF treatment.

This can be assessed by measuringa substance calledanti-mullerian hormone (AMH) in your blood,or by counting the number of egg-containing follicles, known as your antral follicle count (AFC), using a vagin*l ultrasound scan.

Yourspecialist will then discuss your treatment plan with you in detail and talk to you about any support or guidance you may find helpful.

Readmoreabout what happens during IVFand thesupport available during IVF.

Page last reviewed: 18 October 2021
Next review due: 18 October 2024

IVF (2024)

FAQs

IVF? ›

A procedure that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a laboratory dish. •Each IVF cycle takes two or more weeks to complete. •IVF may need to be done several times to increase the chances of pregnancy.

How exactly does IVF work? ›

During in vitro fertilization, mature eggs are collected from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then a procedure is done to place one or more of the fertilized eggs, called embryos, in a uterus, which is where babies develop. One full cycle of IVF takes about 2 to 3 weeks.

How much does IVF cost in the US? ›

While the average base cost of a single IVF cycle falls between $14,000 and $20,000, this is merely an approximation. The actual expenses may differ. Moreover, additional costs including medications, genetic testing, cryopreservation, and storage fees must be taken into account.

How much does IVF cost in Ohio? ›

IVF Cost in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, as the state's capital and largest city, has several fertility clinics offering IVF services. The cost of IVF in Columbus typically falls within the statewide average range of $10,000 to $15,000.

What is the IVF method of pregnancy? ›

IVF is a complex process that involves retrieving eggs from ovaries and manually combining them with sperm in a lab for fertilization. Several days after fertilization, the fertilized egg (now called an embryo) is placed inside a uterus. Pregnancy occurs when this embryo implants itself into the uterine wall.

Can you choose gender with IVF? ›

This is the process of a couple or individual choosing the genetic sex of the child, boy or girl, by testing the embryo(s) created through IVF before one is implanted in the uterus. Sex selection is only possible using IVF embryos. The term sex selection is preferable to the past term of gender selection.

Is it painful to get IVF? ›

Is IVF Painful? Each patient has a different response to the IVF process, and what may be considered painful to some may not be painful to others. Some parts of the process such as injections or egg retrieval can cause some discomfort, but you should never be in an extreme amount of pain.

How do people pay for IVF? ›

If you have health insurance, check to see if your plan covers some or all of the costs of IVF. Some states' laws mandate that IVF medications are covered. To find ways to afford IVF, shop around, ask about discounts and payment plans, and use tax-advantaged savings accounts and medication coupons.

Can you ask for twins with IVF? ›

Yes, a couple can ask for twins, but the clinic will counsel on the risks. The main risk with IVF is pre-term births. Pre-term births account for 60% of twin deliveries and bring a host of complications for the babies.

How long does IVF take? ›

One full cycle typically takes 4-6 weeks, but additional time may be necessary for any required testing. Patients may need to repeat the retrieval or embryo transfer more than once to achieve success. With proper attention to detail, the IVF cycle can produce the desired outcome of a healthy baby.

Will insurance cover IVF in Ohio? ›

All individual and group insurance policies that provide maternity benefits must cover in vitro fertilization (IVF). HMO's are exempt from the law. Lifetime maximum of $15,000 for coverage.

What is cheaper than IVF? ›

Many couples choose to begin with intrauterine insemination (IUI) because of its significantly lower cost when compared to IVF. IUI typically runs anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to $2,000 per cycle, based on the fertility clinic, the type of medication used, the blood work, and follow-up that's required.

How do I prepare my body for IVF? ›

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

What are the 5 stages of IVF? ›

The process consists of five steps:
  • Step 1: Medication. The woman is given injection hormones to stimulate healthy egg development. ...
  • Step 2: Harvest the eggs. ...
  • Step 3: Fertilization. ...
  • Step 4: Embryo culture. ...
  • Step 5: Embryo transfer. ...
  • Delivering the good news.

Are IVF babies normal? ›

Conclusion. In conclusion, the available research suggests that IVF babies are generally as healthy as naturally conceived babies. However, it is essential to consider individual factors such as parental age and underlying fertility issues that may influence health outcomes.

How do they collect eggs for IVF? ›

The egg retrieval - also known as the egg 'pick up' (EPU) - is a hospital day procedure where your fertility specialist collects the eggs from your ovaries. An anaesthetist will give you a general anaesthetic so that you're asleep for the procedure, which takes about 20-30 minutes.

How long is the IVF process from start to finish? ›

How long does IVF take? An IVF cycle typically takes around 6-8 weeks. The process includes an initial consultation, ovarian stimulation that lasts 8-14 days, egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo transfer, and a pregnancy test. The embryo transfer and pregnancy test are typically performed 5 days after fertilisation.

What is the step process of IVF? ›

Your IVF care coordinator will guide you through the process and explain each important step, procedure and medication.
  1. Initiation of oral contraceptive pills. ...
  2. Baseline ultrasound. ...
  3. Ovarian stimulation. ...
  4. Monitoring. ...
  5. Final maturation HCG.
  6. Fertilization. ...
  7. Embryo transfer.

How successful is IVF on first try? ›

The average success rate of IVF on the first attempt varies but is generally around 20-35%.

How many IVF cycles did it take you to get pregnant? ›

On average, research has shown that about 65.3% of patients, or two-thirds, have a successful outcome after six or more IVF cycles. This is especially applicable to IVF patients under the age of 40. There are specific factors that impact the success of an IVF procedure.

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