There are multiple paths to parenthood, as no single technique can accomplish everyone’s unique needs. Infertility can be frustrating as it reduces your chances of getting biological children; however, you can increase your chances of conception with IVF Bedford. Some of the myths you shouldn’t believe about this cutting-edge technique include the following:
- You can do IVF at any age.
While IVF is a treatment option for infertility, it is not a guarantee of pregnancy, and success rates can vary greatly. The myth that you can do IVF at any age is untrue. Women have a finite number of eggs at birth; as they age, the quality and quantity of these eggs decline, which can affect the chances of a successful pregnancy through IVF. Additionally, older women are more likely to have medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances that can also impact the success of IVF. While there is no specific age cut-off for IVF, most clinics will not offer treatment if you are over 50 due to the lower success rates and increased risks associated with the procedure.
- IVF causes you to have multiple births
The myth that IVF causes multiple births stems from your provider transferring numerous embryos during the procedure. This is because the success rate of IVF can be low, and transferring numerous embryos increases the chances of a successful pregnancy. However, the team uses single embryo transfer, which reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies. In addition, you and your doctor decide the number of embryos to transfer and not the IVF procedure.
- IVF is painful
IVF is not as painful as people believe it to be. Most women who undergo IVF experience only mild discomfort and cramping, similar to what you experience during a menstrual cycle. During the procedure, your provider may give you medications to stimulate your ovaries, which can cause discomfort, but it is not unbearable. The team transfers the fertilized egg, a simple procedure that requires anesthesia, preventing you from experiencing any pain during the treatment. It is a relatively quick process, and you can go home the same day.
- IVF requires complete bed rest
While it is true that you will need to take some precautions and limit your physical activities, complete bed rest is not necessary. Your doctor may encourage you to continue your normal daily activities as long as it does not put undue stress on your body. Exercise can even help improve your overall health and increase your chances of successful treatment.
- IVF is never successful at the first attempt
While IVF success rates vary depending on several factors, such as the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and the quality of embryos, many women achieve successful pregnancies on their first IVF cycle. The success rate for a woman under 35 years old is about 40% on the first attempt. For women over 35, the success rate drops to about 30%.
If you are struggling with fertility problems, call the practice or book an appointment online for in vitro fertilization.