Why IVF is Not The Last Resort: Eliminating the Fear of Infertility Treatment
By Connie Stark, RNC, C.P.C., Head Fertility Coach for Fertility Outreach
The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your doctor, or a mental health professional, for the most appropriate treatment.
In today’s world, many aspiring parents who face fertility challenges feel overwhelmed and even disheartened. There is a stigma surrounding infertility and a common perception of in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a “last resort” option, which is often rooted in fear despite advancements in reproductive medicine. But is IVF really a last resort?
In this article, we’ll dive into why IVF should not be considered a last resort option. Understanding IVF and the role it has in modern healthcare and specifically in fertility treatment can help to debunk and overcome the fear that many infertility patients experience when deciding which treatment cycle to move forward with. What many don’t know is that IVF can be a valid and often preferred choice, offering hope for aspiring parents who are struggling to conceive on the path to parenthood.
Understanding a Simple Definition of IVF
IVF is a technique in reproductive medicine that involves the fertilization of eggs with sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. It is a step-by-step process that begins with closely monitoring follicle (egg) growth with blood tests and ultrasounds. Then, there is the egg retrieval, a procedure to remove the eggs from the ovaries. Once the eggs are retrieved, they are fertilized with sperm in a controlled environment (IVF lab). The resulting embryos can be transferred into the uterus through an embryo transfer, hopefully leading to implantation and the potential for a successful pregnancy and live birth.
Contrary to popular belief, IVF is not just considered a “last-ditch effort.” Instead, it is a highly effective and commonly used treatment option for those experiencing fertility problems. In situations where other fertility methods, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), have failed to yield positive results, it’s crucial to understand that IVF is not solely reserved as the final option. In fact, moving forward with an IVF cycle sooner, or even first, can offer hope and opportunity for couples with various reproductive challenges. Some circumstances in which IVF might be a first-choice option include for those experiencing fertility issues such as tubal factor infertility, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or low ovarian reserve. IVF may also be considered first when third-party reproduction comes into play, using donor egg, sperm, embryos, and/or a gestational surrogate.
Understanding the timeline of an IVF cycle is important, as it can vary depending on the clinic and individual circumstances. When planning for IVF, discuss the expected timeline and your pregnancy (and parenthood) goals with your fertility specialist. Remember that there are many steps involved, from initial consultation to workup to preparing for treatment to treatment itself, and there may be factors that make the timeline shorter or longer (for example, if you’re doing a fresh or frozen embryo transfer). While it may feel daunting to consider the timeline, having a clear understanding of each step in the IVF process can help alleviate the unknowns. With proper guidance and preparation emotionally, physically, and financially, the journey through IVF can feel like a well-coordinated series of events, allowing aspiring parents to feel a sense of control over the process.
Debunking Myths About IVF
Understanding the truths about IVF is essential to eliminating the fear of this type of fertility treatment. Below are some common misconceptions about IVF.
Success Rates
One common misconception about IVF is that it has low pregnancy rates. While IVF success rates vary depending on many factors, including age and underlying health conditions, assisted reproductive technology (ART) has significantly improved the chances of conception and live birth rates through IVF.
On the other hand, it’s important to note that there is also a misconception that IVF guarantees immediate success. While IVF can significantly improve the chances of conception, it may still require multiple cycles (egg retrievals and/or transfers) for success.
Order of Operations
Another misconception is that IVF is only an option for those who have exhausted all other options. In reality, IVF offers advanced reproductive technologies such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) that make this type of treatment the preferred method for many women and couples. Through PGT, embryos undergo screening for genetic abnormalities, enabling the selection of a chromosomally normal embryo for transfer. Using PGT can help people feel better about the quality of the embryo(s) they use. This is very different from the uncertainty, and lack of control, in getting pregnant naturally or through other fertility treatment options like IUI.
Finding Medical Support for IVF with a Fertility Specialist
A fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist or RE) guides people through the IVF process. Scheduling a consultation with an RE early in the fertility journey is a proactive step all aspiring parents can take to receive expert-driven, personalized information and resources. This opens up the door to valuable insights into individual fertility health, leading to the ability to make informed decisions and navigate treatment options confidently and optimistically.
Fertility clinics have a full team of clinicians and professionals in various roles, including fertility specialists, nurses, embryologists, financial experts, and other clinical and clerical staff who support patients through each IVF cycle from start to finish. The process typically includes a consultation and medical assessment, workup and evaluation, treatment and medication, the IVF procedure (egg retrieval and fertilization), and transfer.
Knowledge is empowering, especially when making decisions about fertility treatment and by understanding the ins and outs of IVF, those on the fertility journey can approach the process with less fear and anxiety. Working with a fertility specialist who can provide education about IVF success rates, treatment options, and the IVF procedure can help alleviate concerns and foster a sense of control throughout the process.
Finding Additional Support for IVF
By integrating additional support alongside IVF treatment, aspiring parents can take a proactive approach that nurtures their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Emotional Support
Navigating and undergoing fertility treatment can be emotionally challenging. A fertility coach can enhance the journey by providing strategies and support to further empower IVF patients. Fertility coaching can help them understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle that improves overall well-being and guide them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family growing goals. Prioritizing emotional well-being starts now, and it continues throughout and beyond the IVF process. Seeking additional emotional support from a partner, friend, or family member, and even a mental health specialist, may also be helpful on this journey.
Physical Support
Small changes in your daily lifestyle can create healthy habits. Bringing awareness to this is key to supporting fertility and overall health when preparing for IVF and beyond. Consider incorporating fertility-boosting foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals into your nutrition plan, while avoiding processed foods and excessive white sugar. If you need help with nutrition, working with a registered dietitian can help to create a specific, personalized plan to support your fertility goals.
IVF is not a last resort but rather a proactive and effective solution for aspiring parents facing fertility challenges. Debunking myths and misconceptions surrounding IVF, and working with a fertility specialist to educate and guide you through the process, can eliminate the fear of the unknowns and the stigma associated with fertility treatment. The journey to parenthood may have its challenges, but with the right support and information to empower aspiring parents, you may find the confidence, hope, and well-being to be your best self, which may result in the ultimate success in your fertility journey.
