Oct-23-2024
Important Questions You Must Ask On Your 1st IVF Consultation
When you make the decision to visit a fertility specialist, it's normal to experience a whirlwind of emotions. You may have been grappling with feelings of loss, despair, and anxiety for months, or even years. But despite all the challenges, you've made the courageous choice to take action and pursue your dream of starting a family.
However, opting for assisted reproductive techniques can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect. While the main question in your mind might be, “Will I finally be able to have the baby I’ve always wanted?” it’s common for other important questions to slip your mind during the first meeting with your fertility specialist.
Dr. Apoorva Mishra, a renowned IVF expert at New World Fertility Centre in Delhi, suggests asking the following key questions to ensure a smooth and successful start to your fertility treatment journey.
At New World Fertility Centre, one of the best IVF centres in Delhi, we use cutting-edge technology and personalized care to help you realize your dream of parenthood.
What Tests are Necessary Before Starting IVF Treatment?
It’s crucial to understand the tests required before starting IVF, how the results will be communicated, and what medications will be prescribed. Ask your fertility doctor about the specific diagnostic tests they recommend and how they tailor your treatment plan based on the results.
Before beginning IVF, your doctor will assess whether your body is ready to support a pregnancy. You may undergo several blood tests to check your hemoglobin levels, blood sugar, and blood type to rule out infections or abnormalities. Additional fertility tests might be needed to assess conditions like PCOS, ovarian reserve, and ovulation status.
Dr. Apoorva Mishra also highlights that male partners typically undergo semen analysis and blood tests to assess their reproductive health before IVF.
Will I Need to Start IVF Treatment Immediately?
The timing of your IVF treatment depends on the underlying cause of your infertility. Conditions like endometriosis or a diminished ovarian reserve often require immediate attention as they may worsen over time.
In cases of infertility caused by physical issues, such as tubal scarring or a hereditary abnormality, surgery may be necessary before starting IVF. Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid issues, may require medication to bring your body into balance before proceeding with fertility treatment.
Is There an Age Limit for IVF Treatment?
As you age, your chances of conceiving through IVF naturally decrease. Discuss your specific circumstances with Dr. Apoorva Mishra to determine the best treatment plan for you.
At New World Fertility Centre, we carefully evaluate each patient to assess their likelihood of success with IVF, as older age is linked to a lower success rate and increased pregnancy risks. Our dedicated team will guide you every step of the way to improve your chances of success.
Which Fertility Treatment Should We Try First?
Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend starting with less invasive treatments like IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) before moving to advanced reproductive technologies like IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
Alternatively, based on your age, condition, and financial situation, your doctor may suggest starting with IVF. Understanding your treatment options and the reasoning behind each choice will help you feel more confident as you move forward.
What is the Success Rate of IVF Treatment?
Success rates for IVF vary based on age, with younger women having a higher chance of success. For women under 35, the live birth rate through IVF at New World Fertility Centre is approximately 40%. However, factors like a woman’s egg quality and age can significantly affect the outcome.
What are my options if IVF is Unsuccessful?
If IUI is unsuccessful, IVF may be the next step. If your first IVF cycle doesn’t work, you might be able to try a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) with any remaining blastocysts. Other options include ICSI, genetic testing, using donor eggs or sperm, or even surrogacy. Your doctor will guide you through the available options to help you choose the best path forward.
Do You Perform Fresh or Frozen Embryo Transfers (FET)?
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is often more successful than fresh embryo transfers. With FET, embryos that have been previously created and stored can be used in future cycles, reducing the need for additional egg retrieval procedures.
Additionally, FET allows for Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities. Dr. Apoorva Mishra notes that selecting embryos with the correct chromosomes can reduce the risk of genetic disorders and improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
How Long Does the IVF Process Take?
The ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval cycle typically lasts 10-14 days, though this may vary depending on how the patient responds to the medication. After fertilization and biopsy of the embryos, genetic testing results are usually available within two weeks. Once the embryo is ready, the transfer can be scheduled based on your menstrual cycle.
For frozen embryo transfers, the process takes about 19-21 days, with a pregnancy blood test done around 10 days after implantation. If successful, you’ll be closely monitored until an ultrasound at 10 weeks, after which you’ll transition to regular OB care.
Should I Opt for a Single or Multiple Embryo Transfer?
In the past, doctors often recommended transferring multiple embryos to increase the chance of success. However, advancements in fertility technology now favor Single Embryo Transfers (SET) to minimize the risk of twins, high-risk pregnancies, and miscarriage.
At New World Fertility Centre, we recommend transferring one high-quality embryo, especially when genetic testing has been performed to select the best candidates for success.
What Side Effects Should I Be Prepared For?
Fertility treatments can be both physically and emotionally demanding. While most patients experience minimal discomfort, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Discuss these with your doctor so you can prepare your work and treatment schedule accordingly. Being mindful of your body’s reactions will also allow you to report any concerning symptoms to your clinic promptly.
Conclusion
Facing infertility can be emotionally challenging, but the rewards of parenthood are immeasurable. At New World Fertility Centre in Delhi, we are committed to providing the highest quality care and personalized fertility treatments to help you achieve your dream of starting a family.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Apoorva Mishra, one of the top IVF specialists in Delhi, to discuss your treatment plan and get answers to all your questions. Together, we will work to make your IVF journey as stress-free and successful as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What tests are required before starting IVF treatment?
Before beginning IVF, it’s essential to understand what diagnostic tests your specialist will perform and how the results will impact your treatment plan. These tests will determine if your body is ready to carry a pregnancy to term. Blood tests will be conducted to check sugar levels, hemoglobin, and blood group, as well as screen for infections or abnormalities.
Fertility tests may include assessing ovarian reserve, ovulation status, and screening for conditions like PCOS. Men will also undergo semen analysis and other blood tests to evaluate sperm health.
2. Will I need to start IVF treatment right away?
The timing of your treatment depends on the underlying cause of infertility. Some conditions, such as diminished ovarian reserve or endometriosis, may require immediate intervention. In other cases, such as hormonal imbalances (like thyroid issues), treatment may be delayed until the imbalance is corrected.
For some, surgery may be needed to correct physical issues (e.g., blocked fallopian tubes) before IVF can begin.
3. Is there an age limit for IVF treatment?
Age plays a significant role in IVF success rates. As you grow older, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy decreases due to factors such as reduced egg quality and quantity. IVF success rates generally decrease after age 37.
Dr. Apoorva Mishra and the team at New World Fertility Centre evaluate each case individually, taking into account all factors to optimize your chances for success. They’ll guide you on the best treatment strategy based on your age and overall health.
4. Which treatment should we try first?
Your specialist may suggest starting with less invasive treatments, such as IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), depending on your situation. If these methods are unsuccessful or if circumstances call for it, the next step would be IVF, and possibly advanced techniques like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection).
Your doctor will advise you on the most suitable option based on your fertility diagnosis, age, and budget.
5. What is the success rate of IVF treatment?
Younger women tend to have a higher IVF success rate. For instance, women under 35 have a live birth rate of around 40%. However, success rates decrease with age, particularly after 37, as egg quality declines. Your IVF specialist will review your personal situation and give you a realistic outlook based on various factors.