Our doctors and staff here at OC Fertility are committed to achieving the highest success rates while providing a tailored, trauma-informed patient experience. We hope to empower and educate each of our patients along their journey, so they feel well-informed and aware of each step in the process of their fertility journey.
From the very first visit, we aim to educate our patients and answer any of their questions, but we also know that sometimes you might not know which questions you should be asking.
Below we have compiled a list of 5 common questions our doctors receive during the initial consultation.
What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
IVF is a method of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which eggs and sperm are combined outside the womb (uterus) in a specialized laboratory. If the egg fertilizes and begins cell division, the resulting embryo can be transferred into the woman’s uterus, which will hopefully implant in the uterine lining and further develop into a healthy infant. It can also be frozen and saved for the future.
IVF is currently the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology. The procedure can be done using a woman’s own eggs and a partner’s sperm, or sperm or eggs from a known or anonymous donor. A gestational carrier/surrogate may also be used to carry the pregnancy.
Can I Afford IVF?
IVF treatment can be expensive and sometimes feel out of reach for individuals or couples looking to grow their families, but there are several options to help afford IVF treatment.
A growing number of U.S. states require at least some insurance coverage for fertility treatment, and more employers see the value in including fertility treatment coverage as part of their benefits package.
Other options exist for those without fertility treatment coverage through insurance, including IVF financing and grants. We have recently partnered with SunFish and Future Family to offer the best rates and options for financing fertility treatment. You can also find a vast resource of potential IVF grants available to you here.
Before you make a decision, check with your insurance plan and talk with a fertility specialist. They can often provide advice on how to find a solution you can afford.
Will I Need to Take Time Off Work To Do IVF?
IVF and other fertility treatments often require several visits to meet with your fertility specialist and team. These visits can range from daily to monthly, depending on where you are in the process. Our clinic offers early hours and frequent appointment time slots to help meet your lifestyle needs.
As for IVF procedures, most are minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis. While it is recommended that patients not over-exert themselves, most patients return to work within a day or two following an egg retrieval or embryo transfer.
Am I Too Old for IVF?
Among women older than 35, the success of IVF treatments may diminish since, with age comes declining ovarian reserve and egg quality. However, advanced ART regimes, such as PGS testing, may expedite treatment and improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy by identifying and replacing only viable embryos in the uterus. Women who pursue these treatments have implantation rates (pregnancy per embryo transferred) comparable to younger women since the biggest barrier to success is often the identification of a healthy embryo.
Similarly, if an older woman uses a donor egg, she has a high likelihood of success since younger eggs are more likely to be viable, and the age of the uterus does not significantly alter pregnancy rates. Women can successfully conceive a child through IVF treatment up to the age of 50 years using donated eggs. They then have the same chances of success as those women younger than 35.
How do I Preserve my Fertility for the Future?
A growing number of women are choosing to preserve their fertility for the future. By harvesting eggs when they are still in their early-to-mid thirties, they improve their chances of having a biological child in the future. Men also have the option to freeze sperm for the future.
For those individuals who may be undergoing cancer treatment, fertility preservation is an important factor to consider. We know that time is of the essence for these patients and can work quickly to help you start the fertility preservation process if you are recently diagnosed with cancer.
We know you may have dozens of other questions as you enter your fertility journey, and we are here to help you learn about your fertility treatment options.
If you’re ready for the next steps, contact us today and set up your initial consultation, where we can discuss your fertility goals, your health, and potential treatment options. We can also answer your important questions and offer you a variety of resources for financial and support needs that you may have along your journey.
