In vitro fertilization has become a wonderful option for many women who suffer from fertility issues. At Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, our OB/GYNs and Female Pelvic Medicine Specialists are not only qualified to diagnose and treat these issues, but have the accreditations and combined decades of experience to effectively change lives child-free lives with their accumulated wisdom, experience, and access to the most cutting edge, up-to-date medical technology.
What is In Vitro Fertilization?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most successful of several fertility treatments known as assisted reproductive technology (ART). Both the female egg and sperm are fertilized outside of the body, processed, and then reintroduced into a woman’s uterus to achieve conception.
Is In Vitro Fertilization My Only Recourse If I Suffer From Infertility?
There are several assisted reproductive technologies. In vitro fertilization may be necessary if other methods cannot help you achieve conception. Our OB/GYNs and FPMRS specialists are skilled in all aspects of Women’s Health, including fertility issues. We examine, diagnose and treat each patient with the same intense scrutiny and care we would a member of our own family. You will be assessed on an individual basis. We will recommend the best options based on your unique case, providing you with any available resources and referrals that meet your specific requirements.
Am I a Good Candidate for In Vitro Fertilization?
When other options have failed, or if we consider IVF the best course of action based on our expertise and knowledge, then this procedure will be recommended, if you:
- Have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive through unprotected sex for more than six to twelve months
- Have ineffectively tried other forms of assisted reproductive technology
- Are 35 years or older (natural egg production decreases as women enter their late thirties)
- Have blocked, scarred, missing or damaged fallopian tubes
- Suffer from endometriosis as endometrial scarring may prevent conception
- Have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition where excessive androgen (male) hormones may inhibit or cause irregular ovulation
- Produce too much prolactin in the blood (hyperprolactinemia)
- Have incurred damage from pelvic inflammatory disease or another STD
- Have a partner with male fertility issues, such as a low sperm count.
How Does In Vitro Fertilization Work?
In vitro fertilization is done in stages beginning with hormonal treatments to stimulate the growth of multiple eggs needed in the event that one or more may not develop or fertilize during the later process. These eggs are subsequently retrieved through a simple surgical procedure, and inseminated with the prepared, furnished sperm. Eggs are then monitored carefully to insure that fertilization and cell division are occurring. If success is achieved, the egg officially becomes an embryo and is ready for transfer into the uterus, where implantation will hopefully take place. The entire process from retrieval to implantation takes approximately a week. Close monitoring is done at every stage of this process to insure optimal results.
What if My Eggs or My Partner’s Sperm Are Deemed Weak or Unhealthy, or if There Are Dangerous Genetic Factors in My Family Tree?
From the moment of your first appointment, we will study and assess any problems that may be preventing you from conceiving, after which we will outline your best options. In the case of a low sperm count, intracytoplasmic injection can be used to infuse a single strong and healthy sperm directly into the egg. If healthy sperm cannot be provided by your partner, if your own eggs are not viable for this procedure, or if you are a female in a same sex relationship, you may opt to use donor sperm or eggs.
If genetic abnormalities are a concern, we will thoroughly study your family history, along with your own medical information. After careful analysis and testing, if we concur that your child may be at risk for inheriting a genetic or infectious disease, the above mentioned donor option is, again, available to you. Today’s technology also allows us to screen an IVF embryo for certain diseases or conditions before implantation.
What About Multiple Births?
During the in vitro fertilization process, several fertilized eggs are reintroduced into your uterus to insure a better chance of successful pregnancy. However, if you prefer not to have more than one baby and wish to avoid a multiple birth, today’s technology makes it possible to limit the number of fertilized eggs implanted to one in order to insure a single birth.
What Happens to Perfectly Good Eggs, Sperm or Embryos That Are Not Used?
Both fertilized and unfertilized eggs and sperm can be frozen (cryopreservation) for use at a later date. If you no longer wish to have another baby, you are free to donate them for use by someone else.
Freezing for later use is an excellent option if, for some reason, it is inconvenient to become pregnant immediately due to health or other concerns such as cancer treatment, a medical condition that can compromise fertility, etc.
How Successful is In Vitro Fertilization and How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting Pregnant?
As with every assisted reproductive technology, there is never a 100% guarantee, but IVF is one of the most effective methods to insure pregnancy.
You can help guarantee even better results with the following lifestyle changes:
- Eat a nutritious, balance diet.
- Don’t smoke.
- Take precautions to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Schedule regular medical and gynecological checkups.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Don’t use recreational drugs.
- Try to keep a day job (studies shows that night or evening shifts can disrupt natural hormonal balance).
- Exercise moderately (too much vigorous exercise can inhibit progesterone production).
- Avoid exposure to toxins.
- Limit caffeine consumption.
- Practice pelvic exercises.
Today’s technology gives more women than ever the opportunity to conceive in cases where there was little hope only a few decades ago. For a consult with one of our OB/GYNs, call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.
