In the journey to parenthood, when natural conception seems challenging, many couples turn to assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Over the years, IVF has grown into a very common procedure, which provides a direction to parenthood for those struggling to conceive naturally. IVF’s success depends on its every cycle, and maximizes the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Let’s discuss this topic to provide a complete understanding of IVF cycles, their factors, benefits, risks, and options.
What is an IVF Cycle?
The IVF cycle is a complete attempt at the IVF process. IVF Cycle includes initial hormonal stimulation to increase the size of multiple eggs, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and transfer of embryos back to the uterus.
Steps of an IVF Cycle
In an IVF cycle, firstly, the ovaries are stimulated to increase the size of eggs. Then the eggs are taken out. Next, they are mixed with sperm to create embryos. These embryos are kept in the lab for a few days. After that, the best ones are put back into the uterus. Sometimes, extra embryos are frozen for later use. A complete IVF cycle can last 3 to 6 weeks. But some people may need to do it more than once. It depends on their chances of success and other health factors.
How Long is an IVF Cycle?
IVF cycle usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks. First of all, you should meet a doctor. Then, you take medicine to help your ovaries to increase the size of eggs for about 1 to 2 weeks. After that, the doctor collects the eggs. They mix eggs with sperm in the laboratory. Then, they insert the fertilized eggs back into your uterus. After about 16 days, they check whether you are pregnant or not.
Remember, the treatment and result of an IVF cycle can be different for everyone. Sometimes, it takes more than one cycle to get pregnant.
How Many IVF Cycles Required to Get Pregnant?
The number of IVF cycles required to conceive is different for every individual or couple. Some people get pregnant after just one attempt, but others may need two or more attempts before it is successful.
On average about three IVF cycles are attempted before success, but this can range from just one cycle to several cycles. Factors such as age, health status, and the specific cause of infertility affect the chances of success. Also, causes of infertility, such as problems with the sperm, eggs, or uterus, can affect the number of cycles needed.
Read Also This Blog:- https://urvarafertilitycentre.com/difference-between-iui-and-ivf/
Why Does a Person Need Multiple IVF cycles?
The number of cycles required is different for every couple and depends on factors such as age, health and previous IVF attempts. While IVF can increase your chances of conceiving, it also involves risks and costs. Some couples require only a few cycles, while others may require more. It is important to discuss with doctors to understand what is best for each situation.
What Factors That Affect an IVF Cycle?
Several factors can affect the maximum number of IVF cycles. These factors include:
- Age: Fertility decreases with age, especially after 35, which can reduce the chances of success with each IVF cycle.
- Ovarian Reserve: The quantity and quality of a person’s eggs affect the success rate of IVF. Individuals and couples with low ovarian reserve may have limited success over multiple cycles.
- Reproductive Health: Medical conditions that affect fertility, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect IVF outcomes.
- Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as smoking, obesity and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact fertility and IVF success rates.
- Previous IVF Results: Decisions regarding the number of additional cycles may be affected by the success or failure of previous IVF.
What are The Risks of Multiple IVF Cycles?
Multiple IVF cycles can create many risks, both physical and emotional. A major concern is the possibility of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can occur when the ovaries become overstimulated during the IVF process, causing bloating, and pain in the abdomen and chest.
Every IVF cycle involves hormone injections, which can increase the risk of blood clots, headaches, and mood changes. Multiple cycles can be stressful and burdensome, both financially and mentally. Every failed cycle can bring feelings of disappointment and failure, which can lead to increased anxiety and depression.
IVF carries a risk of multiple pregnancies, which can increase the chance of complications for both mother and baby. It is important for individuals and couples considering multiple IVF cycles to carefully evaluate these risks and consult with Urvara Fertility Centre to make an informed decision.
Should I Take a Break Between IVF cycles?
Deciding whether you should wait, or not between IVF cycles depends on a few things. It is important to think about your age, how your body is doing with reproduction, and how you are feeling emotionally. It also matters if you are starting a new IVF cycle from scratch, which involves stimulating your ovaries and collecting eggs, or if you already have frozen embryos that are available for use.
Doctors carefully examine every patient’s condition and recommend how long they should wait between IVF cycles. Typically, it is best to wait about four to six weeks after a negative pregnancy test before starting another IVF cycle. It is important to wait until the patient has completed a full menstrual cycle before resuming.
What is The Cost of an IVF Cycle?
The cost of an IVF cycle can vary widely depending on several factors including the clinic, the city, and the specific treatment required. On average, the cost of one cycle of IVF in India can range from ₹90,000 to ₹2,50,000 or more. This cost usually includes the cost of consultation, ultrasound, fertility medications, the procedure itself, and in some cases, embryo freezing.
Additional costs may increase for procedures such as ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), embryo biopsy for PGS (preimplantation genetic screening), or other advanced techniques. It is advisable to consult a fertility clinic to get an accurate cost estimate based on your individual needs.
Conclusion:
The number of IVF cycles required to conceive varies from person to person and depends on many factors. While multiple IVF cycles can increase the chances of success, they also come with financial, physical, and emotional considerations. It is important for couples undergoing IVF to work closely with their healthcare team to understand their specific needs and make informed decisions about treatment options.
Finally, our goal is to assist couples in their family-building journey to become parents, whether through IVF or other fertility treatments.
