In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the most well-known fertility treatments as it has helped millions of people build their families. If you’re exploring fertility treatment options, you may be wondering if IVF is right for you.
Your fertility specialist at InVia Fertility can determine if you are a good candidate for IVF. Our team of experienced fertility specialists has been helping people achieve their dreams and build their families in Illinois with options like IVF for many years.
When Do People Try IVF?
Every fertility journey is unique. The first step for those considering treatment for infertility is a fertility consultation, followed by fertility testing, which allows our specialists to try to identify any causes of infertility. Based on the information provided by fertility testing, we can create a personalized treatment plan, which may include IVF.
Many people try other fertility treatment options before trying IVF. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one example, which involves inserting specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus for a higher chance of pregnancy. If that is unsuccessful, your fertility specialist may then recommend IVF.
How IVF Can Help Men and Women Have Children
Both men and women can struggle with infertility and be able to grow their families with fertility treatments like IVF.
When IVF May Be Right for Women
Women of any age can benefit from IVF, although it is a fertility treatment often recommended for women over 35. Some health conditions can also make IVF a good option, such as:
- Damage or blockages in the fallopian tubes
- Ovulation disorders
- Uterine Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Genetic conditions you wish to avoid passing down to future children
If you are about to start medications for an autoimmune condition or cancer, preserving embryos via cryopreservation and using IVF later in life can help you have children when the time is right.
When IVF May Be Right for Men
If a man is struggling with infertility, IVF can help them grow their family. Men with decreased sperm count or abnormal sperm shape, a condition called male factor infertility, may benefit from the lab-assisted fertilization that occurs with IVF.
IVF can also help men with the inability to ejaculate by using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), a type of IVF that involves injecting a single sperm into a single egg in the lab for fertilization. These sperm may be retrieved through Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) or Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA).
Men may also be carriers of genetic conditions they might not want to pass down to their children. IVF can include screening for these conditions on parents and embryos to help navigate this possibility.
Can You Use IVF with Donor Eggs or Sperm?
IVF is a fertility treatment option for those who are using donor eggs or sperm to grow their family. Like IVF with non-donor egg or sperm, the fertilization happens in our state-of-the-art labs. After close monitoring, the highest-quality embryo can be transferred into your uterus with the hope of implantation.
Learn More About If IVF is the Right Fertility Treatment for You
If you’re interested in growing your family, a fertility assessment can help determine which treatment options may be just right for you. The InVia fertility team offers you personalized fertility assessment and treatment options, including IVF, for men and women across Illinois. Request an appointment with a fertility specialist today.
