IVF Chances for Pregnancy Success
Looking at numbers can be overwhelming, but if you’re thinking about going through IVF, chances are likely that you’ll want to check out the success rates of the procedure. Since IVF started in the 70’s as a way for women with tubal problems to become pregnant, more and more infertile couples have used the procedure to conceive children of their own, and the ART industry has grown by leaps and bounds. With the growth of the ART industry and the knowledge and practice of IVF, the success rates have climbed, and you’ll want to know just what those success rates are like.
2007 Statistics on IVF
Since it takes a while for researchers to compile and interpret statistics, the latest statistics published on IVF success rates come from 2007. The respected Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology website has comprehensive, nationwide statistics about different aspects of IVF and other ART procedures, but we’ll focus on a few of the more important ones. For example, nationally, women who are under the age of thirty-five have a 45.8% chance of getting pregnant in a single cycle, and for all women undergoing treatment in the U.S.A. under age 40, the pregnancy success rate per cycle is nearly 40%.
Factors most affecting IVF success include age and the relative health of the participants involved. In particular, women over the age of forty experience a significant drop-off in success rates. Nationwide, women undergoing a single cycle of the IVF procedure that were 41-42 years of age resulted in pregnancies only 18.5% of the time.
If at first these numbers seem discouraging, take heart. The most important indicator of success is the total reproductive success rate (TRS). Most patients try multiple cycles in order to increase their chances. This is a very common way for couples to ultimately get pregnant and give birth. And the success rates can climb over 50% when multiple cycle attempts are factored in. Many clinics tout percentages reaching 55-60% when employing multiple cycles into the plan.
SART also provides stats on the number of multiple births. Participants have roughly one chance in ten of giving birth to twins after an IVF cycle. And, not surprisingly, the older women are, the more likely they are to miscarry. About 6% of the women under thirty-five who got pregnant from IVF miscarried, but that rate was between 7% and 8% for women between the ages of thirty-five and forty-two.
Ways to Increase the Odds
There are many ways that you can enhance your chances of success with IVF. Although not all of these techniques will be well understood or carefully followed by your doctor, they all have significant and promising research to back them up. Plus, they’re all non-invasive and far less expensive than traditional ART treatments, so the wise IVF candidate would do well to explore them as viable options for your success.
One of the main ways that you can enhance your odds of getting pregnant through any type of treatment is to reduce stress. According to Therapy Today, women with high levels of cortisol – a hormone that signals stress – are much less likely to get pregnant but that when cortisol is reduced, their chances of a viable pregnancy rise significantly. Stress relief also helps improve sperm quality according to the Indian Journal of Medical Research.
Two other promising complementary treatments are myofascial release and acupuncture. Myofascial release is a special form of soft tissue massage that can release adhesions from scar tissue in the abdomen; one study showed that two-thirds of women who used myofascial release – also known as the Wurn technique – became pregnant. Acupuncture, which relieves stress, improves blood flow, and may help regulate hormones, increases the odds of IVF success, too. In one study, women who underwent acupuncture right before and after a single round of IVF were 43% likely to become pregnant.
These alternative therapies show great promise in enhancing any woman’s chances of becoming pregnant through IVF. If you’re interested in these complementary therapies, you should contact specialists on your own or find a clinic that weaves alternative therapies in with its more traditional ART offerings, as more and more clinics are doing today.
Through IVF, Endometriosis Can Be Beat
With in vitro fertilization or IVF, endometriosis need no longer come between you and your dream of getting pregnant. To illustrate: Conventionally, you need a healthy and well functioning reproductive system to conceive the natural way. This means your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus (womb) must be in good shape, to make conception possible.
However, the gynecological condition called endometriosis damages your reproductive system by scarring the affected area or by causing blockages resulting from abnormal endometrium growth—the tissue that grows outside your womb. If your tubes are blocked, there is no way for the egg to reach your womb or for the sperm to get to it. But even if endometriosis does not wreak havoc on your tubes or ovaries, it can still affect your fertility in other ways. When any of these things happen, getting pregnant naturally becomes more challenging.
IVF does not reverse the endometrial damage but rather circumvents it. Through a surgery called diagnostic laparoscopy, your physician can extract and isolate your eggs from your ovaries and fertilize them in a petri or lab dish with your partner’s sperm. After a few days, the fertilized eggs (embryos) can be placed into your womb by a special catheter. If the rest of the embryonic development goes well, you’re on your way to becoming a mom.
Compliment your IVF with alternative therapies
IVF may sound easy. But in reality, it can be very taxing on you and your partner. Many women who have gone through it have also gone through previous failed attempts from using the same or another Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Whether or not it’s your first attempt at IVF, adopting an alternative complementary therapy can do wonders for a successful pregnancy.
Alternative therapy is a natural way of optimizing your reproductive function by improving your overall and sexual health through a new or changed lifestyle or treatment. Such improvements will equip you in facing IVF challenges better. But what alternative therapies can be good for you? Below are some examples:
1) Acupuncture
This perhaps is the most famous and oldest eastern alternative therapy in the world. It involves piercing specific points of your body with very fine needles to stimulate healing nerve impulses. Despite using needles, acupuncture is an almost pain-free procedure with barely any side effects.
Clinical trials have found that when applied alongside IVF, acupuncture helps women feel more relaxed. Other studies indicate that half the women who undergo this therapy become pregnant through IVF. What’s more, they increase their protection against miscarriage and stillbirth in contrast to those who do not utilize the therapy. Even women with polycystic ovararian syndrome (PCOS) have reported that acupuncture has improved their ovulation cycle.
Other benefits include:
a. Reduction of stress hormones that affect ovulation.
b. Stabilization of hormonal balance which helps egg production.
c. Increased blood flow to the uterus which is beneficial to egg implantation.
In your partner has male factor issues, his hormonal imbalance can be corrected by acupuncture, which will help improve his fertility. Acupuncture can also improve pelvic blood flow, increasing his sperm count.
2) Reflexology
This is another technique that will be a good compliment to your IVF treatment. In reflexology, pressure is applied to reflex points in your feet, believed to be linked to your body’s organs. Reflexology is most useful as a stress inhibitor. It helps your body relax and secrete more endorphins, also known as the feel-good hormone. Aiding blood circulation, regulating hormonal imbalance and menstruation are other benefits that make reflexology an ideal therapy for women with endometriosis or PCOS.
3) Homeopathy
This therapy is done by giving you minute doses of certain extracts to produce symptoms in you similar to those of the disease you wish to overcome. Such method is thought to enhance the body’s natural defenses. Because the extracts are administered in very small quantities, homeopathy is considered as one of the safest medical treatments without side effects. Your individual, family, medical, sexual, and emotional histories are likewise gathered thoroughly, before the actual therapy begins. Experts say homeopathy can effectively treat infertility.
Any of these therapies can be good for you, with your physician’s approval. More importantly, whichever one you choose, make sure you go only to a qualified, trained, and licensed practitioner, to reap maximum benefits and to avoid any harm.
IVF Financing
If you and your partner are considering IVF as a means by which to become pregnant, you may be a little worried about the cost. It’s definitely true that IVF can cost a lot, but there are always ways to afford IVF. Financing is one option, but you can also reduce your costs in other ways or take out loans to cover the cost of IVF. Don’t forget at the beginning, though, to determine how much you can afford to spend and then to set yourselves a budget by factoring in all of the costs associated with the procedure.
Setting a Budget
Sometimes, couples are so driven to become pregnant that they spend every last dime they have on IVF, which is stressful and unnecessary for most people. Before you start out on this tough journey, sit down with your partner and discuss your limits. This way, you won’t feel the need to keep going beyond what you can reasonably afford, and you may be able to discuss other options just in case.
When you do set your budget, be sure that you incorporate all of the costs. Obviously, you’ll want to start out with the basic costs for IVF. Different clinics will have different payment options and charges, so be sure that you find a clinic that can balance quality and affordability. Other than this, you need to find out about the costs of medications involved with IVF, which make up a huge percentage of the overall cost of each cycle. Also, you’ll need to factor in your costs for time lost at work, the costs of travel to and from the clinic, and the costs of any complementary therapies you’ve decided to try, such as acupuncture sessions, and yoga or qigong classes.
Decide How to Pay
Before you get started with IVF, it’s important to decide how you’ll pay. Maybe you can pay for one cycle outright but will have to finance the others, or maybe you don’t have enough savings to pay for anything right off the bat. Be aware that many clinics offer payment plans, which can be a good way to pay for your infertility treatments without technically going into debt; many of these plans are even interest-free, which can be a boon.
Besides this, some clinics are now offering packages for multiple cycles of IVF, which make each cycle less expensive. You may also try a shared risk program in which you get some of your money back if you don’t get pregnant, usually after three cycles. Be sure that you read the fine print on these programs, though, since some of them won’t refund your money if you carry your pregnancy past a certain number of weeks and then miscarry.
Another option is to find an insurance company that will offer IVF insurance. In some states, companies that have a certain number of employees have to offer this type of coverage along with their basic maternity coverage, but this doesn’t hold true everywhere. Even if you don’t live in one of these states, you can search for private insurance companies where you can purchase IVF insurance. Using this type of insurance probably means you’ll have to wait a few more months or years before you can use the plan to cover IVF, but it will spread the cost out over time, ultimately making the process more affordable.
Finally, you can always take out a loan to cover your IVF treatments. Many couples will max out their credit cards, but this can be pretty tricky because this is such high-interest debt. Unsecured personal loans are the next best option, although they, too, have fairly high interest rates and may sink you in interest payments for decades. If you own your own home and actually have some equity built up in it, you may consider taking out a home equity loan, which will be your lowest-interest borrowing option.
As you can see, there are many options for paying for IVF treatments, and you just have to look at all of them closely before deciding which options are right for you.
The Estradiol-IVF Relationship
Before you begin the IVF cycle, you need to come in for a variety of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your infertility and the treatments that will work. One of these tests you will take is designed to measure the levels of an estrogen called estradiol. IVF can only work if you have a large number of healthy eggs for fertilization, and the estradiol test can help your doctor determine the quantity and quality of the eggs in your ovaries. Even if the estradiol levels suggest a diminished ovarian reserve, you can opt to take certain treatments that will increase the number of embryos for transfer.
The estradiol test
Estradiol is an estrogen secreted by ovarian follicles when they grow. The estradiol test is usually taken on the third day of the menstrual cycle, along with the day 3 FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) test. This is due to the fact that estradiol levels vary according to the stage of your menstrual cycle. Analyzing your estradiol levels on day three will give your doctor a baseline view of your ovarian reserve and confirm the results of the FSH test.
The estradiol test will be performed by obtaining a blood sample from your elbow or the back of your hand. The results should be available in several days. What you want to see on the third day are low FSH levels along with low estradiol levels (less than 80 pg/mL). Some evidence suggests that a high estradiol level and a normal FSH level might suggest a problem with your ovarian reserves. While this may be true, it is also possible that high levels of estrogen might mask the potential for evaluating ovarian reserves, because it suppresses the FSH level and keeps it in the normal range.
Treatment options for high levels of estradiol
Try not to worry too much if your estradiol test shows levels greater than 80 pg/mL. Optional treatments can increase your chances of a successful IVF cycle despite having low ovarian reserves. Here are your options:
Lupron flare protocol
Chances are, your estradiol levels might make you a poor responder to ovarian stimulating drugs. You might only develop three to six follicles despite receiving aggressive doses of fertility drugs, which is still not enough to increase your chances of pregnancy. The Lupron flare protocol is an effective way of inducing multiple ovulation in low response patients. During this protocol, you will begin the Lupron shots on the second day of the cycle where the eggs will be retrieved, as opposed to starting them one week before the cycle. The aim is to take advantage of the FSH and LH “flare” that normally happens three days after taking the first Lupron shot. Taking Lupron longer than three days will put your pituitary gland to sleep so it produces low amounts of FSH and LH. On the third day (the next day), you will receive an FSH product to help Lupron stimulate the increase of FSH and LH. This will help the follicles flare up to increase the available eggs for retrieval and fertilization.
Assisted hatching
Aside from poor ovarian reserve, an estradiol test can indicate eggs with poor morphology or problems with fertilization and maturation. IVF with assisted hatching can increase the embryo’s ability to implant itself successfully. This technique involves drilling a tiny hole in the zona or outer shell of the embryo in order to facilitate efficient cell division and development. The “hatched” embryos will then be transferred into your uterus where they will ideally implant themselves. Assisted hatching is known to increase the implantation rate and pregnancy rate among women with high FSH levels.
Donor eggs
If assisted hatching does not work, you might want to consider using donor eggs. Although age can affect the quality of your eggs, it will not affect your ability to sustain a pregnancy. Women with diminished ovarian reserves have found success getting pregnant using donor eggs when using their own eggs didn’t work out. The egg donor can be someone you know or an anonymous donor from a donor bank or your clinic. During the cycle, you will have to take a regimen of medications – Lupron to suppress your ovaries, and estrogen supplements to develop a thick uterine lining. Meanwhile, the egg donor will take fertility drugs to stimulate the growth of multiple eggs. This will allow the doctor to do an IVF procedure with the donor’s eggs and with the sperm of your partner. The embryos will then be transferred into your womb.
Follicles – IVF Egg Retrieval and Improving Your Chance of Success
During IVF, follicles that have reached a diameter of 15mm get aspirated in order to retrieve the mature eggs nestled inside. Depending on your ovaries and your type of infertility, you can expect at least five follicles to grow after the ovarian stimulation protocol. However, the number of mature follicles will not always equate to the number of retrieved eggs; it’s common for some or all follicles to have no eggs at all. When there are empty follicles, IVF gets cancelled. While there is no surefire way to improve egg quantity and quality, there are some things you can do to improve your chances for successful egg retrieval.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can do so many wonders for infertility and is a popular complement to traditional fertility treatments. In IVF, acupuncture can reduce the side effects of Lupron, improve the quality of the endometrial lining, and increase egg quantity. The latter two effects are caused by acupuncture’s ability to increase the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries; as long as they receive a healthy supply of nutrients and hormones from the blood, the eggs should grow well. A specific acupuncture technique can also help the follicles grow at a more uniform rate. If one ovary has smaller follicles than the other, acupuncture can help them catch up and mature, which increases the number of eggs for the retrieval.
For best results, acupuncture treatments should be done once or twice a week, two to three months before the IVF cycle starts. Look for an acupuncturist who specializes in treating infertility problems so you can experience a treatment that works.
Stress reduction
Stress can affect the hormonal balance in your body and interfere with egg production. While there’s no denying that IVFs are emotionally exhausting and expensive, try to find some time to relax and take your mind off things. Indulge in a day at the spa, take a day off work to catch up on your new book, or spend some relaxing time with good friends – whatever it takes to minimize your stress level. Not only will this boost your fertility; it will enhance your overall well-being too.
Diet and supplements
Did you know that the food you eat has an impact on your fertility? Before your cycle begins, lower your simple carbohydrate consumption and make sure your meals include small servings of protein-rich foods. Some studies show that this type of diet prevents your ovaries from becoming over-stimulated due to fertility medications. Supplement your diet with a good prenatal vitamin to provide the nutrients needed for good egg health and a nutrient-rich endometrial lining. Try taking other supplements too, such as co-enzyme Q10 (protects the eggs from free-radical damage)and omega-3 fatty acids (provides the structural elements of egg cells).
Exercise
Strenuous exercise may have a negative impact on IVF outcomes, but mild exercise from yoga or gentle walking oxygenates the blood and increases the blood flow to the reproductive system. It will also stave off the side effects of fertility drugs and reduce the water retention caused by Lupron.
IVF in India, Asia, and the Middle East
Like many other couples trying to conceive, you probably have inadequate health care coverage for the exorbitant IVF fees at your local fertility clinic. It’s no secret that IVF in the United States may end up wiping your life savings without necessarily guaranteeing a baby. But there are ways to minimize the costs of IVF without sacrificing the quality of the treatment or the expertise of the doctor. For instance, did you know that world-class IVF treatments abroad cost a fraction of the IVF fees back home? IVF in India and the Middle East is gaining popularity among childless couples in the West because of their affordable rates and the quality of their service. While IVF abroad may not be for everyone, it certainly is a viable, cost-effective option to achieving your dreams of parenthood.
Costs of IVF Abroad
Let’s compare the costs of IVF in the United States and abroad. One basic IVF cycle in the United States will cost anywhere from $10,000 – $15,000. This fee does not include optional treatments like ICSI or pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. On the other hand, you can expect to pay as low as $3,000 for one IVF cycle in India and Thailand. Semen analysis and other tests can cost as low as $10-20. IVF rates are slightly higher in the Middle East at $6,000. Of course, these fees do not cover your transportation costs and living expenses, but you can easily save money on those by taking advantage of cheap plane tickets or staying with a friend. Some hospitals also provide packaged deals that include the IVF treatments, accommodations, transportation, and an English-speaking guide. Even with the logistics of IVF abroad, you will still end up saving a few thousand dollars than if you chose to have your IVF in the United States.
Try not to be fooled by the low costs of fertility treatments abroad – the saying “you get what you pay for” does not apply here. The quality of IVF in Asia is just as excellent as IVF in the West, if not better. The only reason why IVF fees are so low is because the standard of living in these countries is much lower. However, the quality of medical care abroad is no different than that of hospitals back home. Doctors of the best IVF clinics receive training in US medical schools, and their clinics follow the same stringent standards, sophisticated technologies, and protocols as Western IVF clinics. Besides the high quality of medical care you’ll be receiving, hospital staff abroad tend to provide more hospitality and warmth than you would normally find in local fertility clinics.
Success rates
The success rates of IVF clinics abroad also hinge upon the same factors: the type of infertility, the number of eggs available for transfer, your age, and the quality of the egg and sperm. In India and Thailand, there is no limit to the number of embryos that can be transferred, thereby increasing your chances for a successful cycle (although great caution should be used with this option, as multiple pregnancies pose their own dangers). In the United Arab Emirates, fertility centers need to have a 15% annual success rate if they are to remain operational.
Lupron IVF – Secrets to Coping with Side Effects
Headaches, tingling feet, insomnia, and hot flashes. You certainly didn’t sign up for these, but they are the unavoidable side effects of the drug Lupron. IVF cycles require total control over your hormone levels and your reproductive system’s functions in order to create a hospitable environment for ovarian stimulation. Lupron is the GnRH-agonist (gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist) that suppresses the LH surge until the follicles mature. In other words, Lupron puts your ovaries to sleep so that you do not ovulate before the egg retrieval.
While the drug is relatively harmless, Lupron tends to make women experience menopause-like symptoms because of the crash in estrogen levels. The side effects of Lupron vary from woman to woman; some women go through a cycle without feeling any discomfort, while others experience the full regalia of menopause symptoms – nausea, hot flashes, burning sensations, etc. The intensity and duration of the side effects also vary. Most women no longer feel them once they stop taking Lupron. Although you cannot stop taking Lupron until your doctor says so, there are ways to reduce its side effects.
Acupuncture
Aside from increasing the number of mature eggs and enhancing the overall success of the IVF cycle, acupuncture can also suppress the side effects of Lupron, particularly the hot flashes. Experts are not sure if this happens because acupuncture makes you relaxed or if it is the result of treatment itself. In any case, it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try, and a number of insurance plans cover acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
Exercise
Never underestimate exercise’s ability to affect your overall well-being. Anecdotal evidence shows that exercise can improve the whole gamut of Lupron side effects, from the mood swings to the sleep disturbances. Try exercise for thirty minutes a day, but don’t over-exert yourself. Practices like yoga and gentle walking are good choices.
Flaxseed oil
Milled flax and flaxseed oil contain substances that reduce hot flashes and breast pain if used every day. Flaxseed also contains omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that aids in mood stabilization because of its effects on neuronal functions.
Deep breathing techniques
Depression and other uncomfortable side effects of Lupron can also be reduced by relaxation techniques and deep-breathing exercises. Try this deep breathing technique whenever you feel a hot flash coming: breath slowly through your noise and count from one to five. Exhale slowly through your mouth, counting again from one to five.
Valerian root tea
Valerian root tea is an herbal remedy that helps relieve anxiety and induces relaxation. This is a good tonic to help you get through any stressful time and it also has been known to boost fertility. Consult your doctor before you take any herbal remedies.
Melatonin
Insomnia is a troublesome side effect to deal with, but melatonin can help you sleep on time. Melatonin is the hormone produced by the body to trigger sleepiness at night. It is available in small doses and can help you get back to your regular sleep patterns.
IVF Egg Retrieval: What Your Doctor Hasn’t Told You
You’re probably already aware of the protocol involved during an IVF egg retrieval – you’ll come into the clinic for an outpatient surgical operation that will remove the mature follicles containing your eggs. The procedure is quick and painless, but your doctor probably won’t mention that recovering from the egg retrieval can be uncomfortable, especially if you end up developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) after. Read on to find out how to prepare for your egg retrieval and the days ahead.
Prepare your body, mind, and spirit
Most women, especially those who have never experienced surgery, are nervous about taking anesthesia and any unknown effects the procedure might bring. Try not to spend too much time worrying about it. As surgeries go, this one is very minor and the pain involved is generally minimal.
Make sure you take your multivitamins and eat well before and throughout your entire cycle. Although your doctor will put you on a regimen of antibiotics to prevent infections from setting in, your best defense is still a strong immune system and a well-nourished body. Eating a diet that contains only foods that are low on the glycemic index and drinking three liters of water a day is also known to prevent OHSS and the dehydration that often comes with it. Also, do not neglect having a small serving of protein with most of your meals. And, eating 4-6 smaller meals, rather than 3 large ones, is better for your system.
During the days before the egg retrieval, you might start feeling bloated and uncomfortable. This is because the many mature follicles are making your ovaries swell, causing minor discomfort. Consider taking a day or two before the egg retrieval to rest and relax; your body is under a lot of stress and you need to take this time to calm your mind and spirit. During your days off, pamper yourself by curling up with a good book, going to an acupuncture session, or taking a relaxing walk in a peaceful environment. This will help keep your mind off of your worries and reduce the emotional stress you must be experiencing.
Get you support system ready
Before the egg retrieval begins, you will be given anesthesia so you can sleep throughout the entire procedure. It might take you hours to recover from the sedative effects of the drug, which means you may not be able to perform basic tasks for the rest of the day. Ask your partner to take a leave from work so that you can have a ride to and from the fertility clinic; you certainly won’t be in any shape to drive right after the procedure. It also helps to do your chores in advance, cook the day’s meal ahead of time, or have a friend, family member, or hired help nearby who won’t mind doing small errands for you.
Have fun and relax
In a few days, the retrieved eggs will develop into embryos, and you will be called back into the clinic for the embryo transfer. You’re probably excited and anxious about this, but try not to get carried away by your feelings. Studies show that lower levels of stress can increase implantation success, but do you really need a reason to have fun and relax before the big day? Call up friends you haven’t seen in months, take a relaxing day trip with your partner to a place you both enjoy, or go to a new movie release – whatever it takes to make you feel happy and calm before the last stretch of your cycle.
Acupuncture and IVF
A number of women can benefit from the rejuvenating effects of acupuncture, and IVF patients are no exception. Acupuncture is an approach from traditional Chinese medicine that can treat various reproductive and gynecological problems. In the realm of female reproductive health, acupuncture is known to benefit women suffering from anovulation, PCOS, dysmenorrhea, and endometriosis. Over the last decade, a number of peer-reviewed studies have investigated the efficacy of acupuncture in improving fertility and IVF success. This article will explain how acupuncture works and why doctors recommend it as a supplementary treatment for IVF.
History of Acupuncture
Long before the written word immortalized the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture was already being used to treat a number of chronic illnesses. The practice reached the West in the 1900s, first in France, until the whole of Europe began using it as an alternative treatment for a number of maladies. America ignored acupuncture until they become more informed about Chinese culture and medicine after President Richard Nixon’s state visit to China in the 1970s. The first acupuncture clinic opened in Washington in 1972 and today, the practice is widely available in over 46 states.
Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterilized needles into specific acupuncture points all over the body. Acupuncture points are placed along certain meridians or pathways so that the body’s natural life energy, or Chi, can reach the organs and help them function. According to traditional Chinese medicine, chronic conditions like depression and infertility are caused by obstructions in the meridians. These obstructions can be removed by stimulating pressure points with needles, thus restoring good health, fertility, and normal bodily functions.
What makes acupuncture particularly attractive is that it offers highly personalized treatments that will address your specific problem areas. Practitioners of Chinese medicine believe that no two women have the exact same experience of infertility and IVF, and that each woman should have a unique treatment protocol that addresses her unique needs. This is probably why acupuncture is highly recommended by fertility clinics to increase the chances of IVF success and to reduce the side effects of fertility drugs.
Acupuncture and IVF
The first large-scale, long-term study was done by a German research group. The results of the study caused quite a stir among reproductive experts, for it showed that the success rates of IVF went up by almost 50% among women who received acupuncture treatments. In the study, short acupuncture treatments were administered before and after the embryo transfer. However, the study did not show exactly why acupuncture worked or the most effective method for IVF – it simply answered whether acupuncture could help women going through IVF.
Since then, a number of studies have been able to verify the results. Published research in the journal Fertility and Sterility observed higher pregnancy rates among IVF patients who received acupuncture, as compared to the control group who received a placebo treatment. A number of anecdotal evidence also reports that acupuncture reduced the side effects of fertility drugs and helped them relax during the anxiety-filled two week wait before the pregnancy test.
The protocols used in these studies are a highly simplified version of actual acupuncture practices used for IVF. For best results, you should start seeing an acupuncturist once or twice a week, at least two or three months before the start of your cycle. Once you start taking fertility drugs, you may see the acupuncturist at least two times a week in order to suppress some of the side effects. It is also recommended that you receive an acupuncture treatment once before the embryo transfer, and once right after.
IVF Rates: Secrets to Keeping Costs Low
Infertility is expensive, and the exorbitant IVF rates in the United States make it no easier for couples who are longing for a baby to hold in their arms. The average cost for just one IVF cycle is around $12,000. Costs in some clinics can go as high as $15,000 or as low as $10,000, but generally not any lower than that. Take note that this fee does not include costs for optional procedures, such as ICSI (around $1,000 – 1,500) or pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) ($3,000), or the required fertility drugs ($3,000), or the cryopreservation of your remaining embryos ($600 per year). Although the second and third cycle is less expensive if you have frozen embryos from your first cycle, some couples simply cannot afford to pay more than what they have already shelled out.
While a baby is priceless, it makes no sense to spend so much money on a cycle when there are ways to keep IVF costs low. Consider the cost-effectiveness of these options and weigh them carefully before making a decision.
Medical tourism
Did you know that you can lounge around a gorgeous tropical beach while completing your IVF cycle? And that doing so will cost far less than IVF in the United States? Countries like India, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates offer IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies using the same equipment and the same quality of service and expertise you can find back home. In fact, major IVF clinics in these countries even have better facilities than many American clinics! Although the cost of IVF will depend on your infertility and the medications you need to take, you can expect to pay anywhere from the equivalent of $3,000-$6,000 USD per cycle. Some clinics also offer packaged deals that include accommodations, English-speaking guides, and airport pick-ups. Even with the travel expenses involved, you will be paying far less than you would for an IVF cycle in the United States.
Minimal stimulation IVF
While there is a lot of sense in using fertility drugs to make you produce more eggs in one cycle, there are also several drawbacks to this approach. The side effects can be uncomfortable, it places you at risk for a multiple pregnancy, and it increases the overall amount you will pay. You can greatly reduce the cost of your fertility drugs by opting for minimal stimulation IVF (MS IVF). With MS IVF, you’ll only be taking an oral fertility drug called Clomiphene Citrate, which is inexpensive and has less severe side effects then the drugs used for a conventional IVF. Although you’ll only produce one or two eggs per cycle, doctors believe that the egg quality is superior because the ovarian stimulation approach is far gentler. The success rate of this approach seems to be particularly good among women younger than 35 who have no ovulation problems. The average cost of an MS IVF cycle in the United States is only $4,800.
Grant programs for IVF
A number of non-profit organizations offer grants for IVF cycles and other infertility treatment costs. Why not try to apply for a grant? There are some strings attached; however, receiving a grant can reduce your IVF costs by as much as $10,000. Below are some organizations that might be able to help.
Fertile Dreams
Established in 2006, Fertile Dreams selects several couples based on their financial need and application and will grant them $10,000 for IVF at any program in the US. To apply, you will have to write a short essay describing your history of infertility, financial need, and personal situation. Included in the application is proof of income and other financial documents. The winners will be used by the organization for public relations and media exposure, so only apply if you are willing to participate on this level.
International Council for Infertility Information Dissemination (INCIID)
INCIID is a non-profit organization that has arrangements for a number of US IVF clinics to donate their facilities and services for deserving applicants. While the program will cover basic IVF expenses, there are a few requirements. Before you can apply, you have to pay a $55 membership fee. If you are awarded the grant, you may have to travel out of state to reach the fertility clinic (you cannot choose your own). You will also have to raise $3,000 with the help of your family and friends to become an INCIID goodwill ambassador. Still, the program is fairly generous and will help ease your financial burden.
