Fertility Treatments: Weighing the Costs with Success Rates

According to the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, the cost of fertility treatments is higher for those struggling to get pregnant. Insurance coverage for those seeking treatment for infertility is rare and often times non-existent. If couples want to try in vitro fertilization, they will be looking at paying anywhere from $11,000 to $12,000. However, for many, the possibility of success far outweighs the loss of money.

Cheaper options such as ovarian stimulation or intrauterine insemination have proven to be much less effective than IVF. You may find IVF clinics that offer cheaper services. However, their treatments may prove less effective, which could cost you more in the long run as you have to engage in more cycles.

The best route to take is to look at the success rate of various centers, researching their effectiveness. In addition, you can take steps to improve your own lifestyle to help your chances. Research shows there is a correlation between women’s health and the success of fertility treatments. Maintaining a body mass index of 19 to 24 is advisable. Concentrate on eating well and exercising frequently.

IVF has existed since 1978. Technology has advanced up to now making it a safer option for couples unable to conceive naturally. Intrauterine Insemination which is the procedure where sperm is directly injected into the uterus is not as effective as IVF. IUI has not undergone the same advancements over the years.

Another benefit to undergoing fertilization is that problems pertaining to your ability to conceive may become evident. As fertilization is undertaken in the lab, cases may be diagnosed. This may be a let down at first. However, doctors will be able to move forward with treatments that can bypass medical hindrances present. Your efforts will also not go to waste if you have leftover embryos. They can be donated to advance research or given to another set of parents in need of an embryo.

If you are afraid your child will potentially inherit a genetic disease, there are ways you can ensure this will not happen. IVF with preimplantation genetic diagnosis is one route you can take to make sure the child conceived is a healthy one. Embryos can be screened for chromosomal disorders where problems can be caught and avoided early.

IVF can also lessen your chance of having a miscarriage. Genetic abnormality is the leading causes of miscarriages as the body ends the pregnancy on its own. A preimplantation genetic disorder can detect whether an embryo is genetically viable before it is implanted into the mother.

As you embark on fertility treatments such as IVF, you need to consider the possible side effects. The most serious is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This syndrome is caused by the medication taken to help in the development of eggs in women’s ovaries. It can cause the ovary to grow larger and leak fluid inside the abdomen. Opting for natural and less intensive IVF treatments will lessen the chance of you experiencing such side effects.

IVF also allows women to preserve their eggs when they are younger. This enables the woman to be able to use them later when she is ready to get pregnant. For those who are worried about their ability to get pregnant, this is a good idea to ensure pregnancy is always an option.

With IVF, there is a good chance you will have multiple pregnancies. There is a 20 to 30 percent chance that you will have more than one child. This increases the possibility of health risks as you bring multiple children to term. When deciding where to go for fertility treatments, make sure a strong system is in place to bypass the risks of multiple pregnancies.

IVF also allows many people to become pregnant and blessed with babies. The process can be undertaken by a surrogate or gestational carrier. Even same-sex couples, single women, and those who are unable to carry babies to full term have the opportunity to be a part of the pregnancy experience.

While the costs of fertility treatment are high, it gives parents the opportunity to have children despite circumstances beyond their control. There are side effects and risks of receiving fertility treatments. It’s important to weigh the benefits and costs before deciding whether to opt for IVF or other fertility treatments.