For the estimated one in six people who struggle to start a family, in vitro fertilization (IVF) offers hope. Keep reading to learn more!
If you are dealing with infertility yourself, you may be looking into treatment options. Here, you can discover what treatment entails and how many sessions of IVF is typical.
How IVF Works: A Glimpse Into the Process
Before we take a look at how many sessions of IVF is typical, let’s briefly discuss the procedure. This complex method is used to help individuals or couples conceive a child when other fertility treatments have failed.
Here’s a simplified explanation of in vitro fertilization:
- Ovulation induction: Initially, a woman is prescribed fertility medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Normally, a woman produces one egg per menstrual cycle, but with IVF, multiple eggs are desired to increase the chances of success.
- Egg retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries using a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. This is usually performed under sedation to minimize discomfort.
- Sperm collection: On the same day as the egg retrieval, a semen sample is provided from a male partner or donor. The sample is then processed in the laboratory to isolate the healthiest and most active sperm for fertilization.
- Fertilization: In the laboratory, the retrieved eggs and the processed sperm are combined in a petri dish or a specialized incubator. Fertilization usually occurs within a few hours, resulting in the formation of embryos.
- Embryo culture: The embryos are monitored and cultured in the laboratory for several days to allow them to develop and grow.
- Embryo transfer: After a few days of culture, one or more of the healthiest embryos are selected and transferred into the cervix through a thin catheter. The number of embryos transferred depends on the woman’s age, quality of the embryos, and other factors.
- Implantation and pregnancy: If the embryo implants successfully in the lining of the uterus, pregnancy occurs. A pregnancy test is usually performed about two weeks after the embryo transfer to determine if the procedure was successful.
What Factors Influence the Success Rate of In Vitro Fertilization?
The success rate is influenced by multiple factors, including the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, the quality of the embryos, the expertise of the medical team, and any underlying health conditions.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, weight, and stress levels can impact success. Additionally, the number of previous IVF cycles undergone and the type of fertility clinic chosen can also play a role.
The younger you start fertility treatments like IVF, the greater your chances of success. This is because out of all of the factors that affect a positive outcome, maternal age plays the biggest role.
Bottom Line – How Many Sessions of IVF Is Typical?
Sessions are usually referred to as rounds of ART (assisted reproductive technology) cycles, and the numbers are promising for many.
As women undergo more cycles, their likelihood of a successful pregnancy and live birth rises. Nonetheless, it’s noteworthy that many fertility clinics typically restrict patients to three to four attempts.
Having said that, the success rate is highest for those who are consistent and undergo three cycles.
Choose Annandale Ob-gyn for the Expertise and Compassionate Care You Deserve!
Our team is here to partner with you during this exciting journey from the beginning and beyond. We specialize in care for women during all stages of life and have for years helped many achieve the dream of starting a family.
Contact us today at 703-642-7522 to book your consultation. Let’s meet, get to know one another, and discuss your options!
