In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of fertility treatment using the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology, as well as surgical procedures and medications, to assist sperm in fertilizing an egg (or oocyte) outside of the body. Once a healthy embryo has formed, it is then transferred into the uterus of the woman. IVF is one of the most commonly used treatments to improve pregnancy chances.

Dr. Paul Chang, from TRIO Fertility, weighed in on the key advantages of undergoing IVF treatment:

“For people with infertility, IVF is often the most effective way to become pregnant. IVF provides you with an opportunity to learn more fully about your egg quality, as the procedure is the only way to physically access the eggs and observe the egg-sperm interaction to determine egg quality. By undergoing IVF, you can safeguard your future fertility by banking embryos today. Think of it as an alternative to planned egg freezing for those with partner sperm or donor sperm available. IVF provides the option of genetically testing embryos for genetic and chromosomal diseases, allowing you to select healthy embryos for transfer to the womb.” 

While there are multiple stages for IVF, it is typically not considered to be a painful procedure. For at-home administration of hormone injections, any pinching or pain can be countered by a numbing gel.

Your doctor will administer anesthesia to ensure comfort during egg retrieval, though you may experience mild cramps or abdominal discomfort afterward. During embryo implantation, on the low end of the spectrum, some patients experience no pain; on the other end, some patients report minimal discomfort or cramping.

IVF technology, technique, and approach have all made incredible strides in recent decades. While not all patients will find success on the first attempt, the overall success rate of IVF is incredibly promising, offering countless patients the opportunity to conceive where other attempts have failed.  

Individual success rates are highly dependent upon a range of factors unique to you, including age, previous pregnancy history, embryo and sperm quality, and underlying causes of infertility. Even lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol consumption, BMI, and stress management can contribute to how successful IVF is. 

While it is impossible to predict with 100 percent accuracy, the best way to understand your chance of IVF success is to talk to your doctor. They will work with you to collect a comprehensive medical history, as well as help you establish healthy habits to ensure that you have the best possible chance at a successful pregnancy.

In vitro fertilization does come with a series of restrictions to support a healthy, viable pregnancy. While you may find that you have more or fewer restrictions based on your unique circumstances, typical restrictions during IVF include: 

Exercise and Physical Activity: Avoid intense or high-impact exercises such as High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), contact sports, kickboxing, or strenuous weightlifting. Instead, opt for low-impact workouts such as yoga, walking, stationary cycling, or light weightlifting. 

Exposure to Extreme Heat: Extreme fluctuations in temperature can increase core body temperature and potentially interfere with implantation or egg development. Avoid hot tubs, hot yoga, steam rooms, and saunas to maintain a consistent and healthy core temperature.

Nicotine: Just as with any pregnancy, patients undergoing IVF should abstain from any nicotine, as nicotine can affect egg production by contributing to fewer (and less viable) eggs. Nicotine also impacts sperm motility, making an egg harder to fertilize. 

Alcohol: Consuming alcohol during IVF can significantly lower your chances of fertilization. In fact, many doctors recommend abstaining entirely as far as three months before the start of IVF. 

Medications: Certain medications may interfere with ovulation stimulation and can interfere with IVF. Talk to your doctor about any pre-existing conditions or daily medications you may be taking to see if your medications need to be adjusted. 

Stress: The effects of stress can have a profound impact on not only your overall health but your reproductive health. Learning how to healthily manage stress is especially important during IVF, as many patients (understandably so) find they have naturally elevated stress levels throughout the process. Yoga, walking, acupuncture, journaling, or getting outside in nature can all be great ways to healthily – and safely – manage stress during IVF.

Your doctor may recommend taking a regimen of vitamins and supplements to boost your chances of IVF success, including prenatal vitamins. If you take any regular medications, they may also make adjustments (either to dosages or to the type of medication entirely) to counteract anything that may interfere with hormonal injections. 

For many patients, increasing the chance of pregnancy during IVF is often as simple as maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This could mean: 

• Getting plenty of consistent, high-quality sleep and rest.

• Maintaining a healthy body weight (as well as avoiding large fluctuations in weight).

• Exercising at least three times per week (while avoiding high-intensity workouts).

• Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Along with physical changes, taking good care of your emotional health can also increase your chances of pregnancy during IVF. Keeping a positive attitude, practicing good stress management, and having a strong network of friends, family, and medical professionals can all contribute to higher chances of IVF success. Many IVF patients also find that a supportive, like-minded community has a profound effect on their mental and emotional health. Joining a group can help provide much-needed emotional support, along with tips and tricks for stress management from others who are going through the same process. 

Most importantly, don’t forget to be kind and patient with yourself: your body is undergoing a vast amount of changes throughout the IVF process, and giving yourself compassion and grace during this time is especially important.

The number of embryos transferred during IVF will largely depend on your age and the quality of your eggs. As patients get older, the recommended number of transferred embryos will increase, as age tends to negatively impact the chances of implantation. You can expect to have anywhere between one to three embryos transferred through IVF (though in some cases, your doctor may recommend up to four).

It’s normal to feel emotional, excited, or even overwhelmed at the thought of starting IVF. No matter where you land, the decision to undergo IVF is a highly personal one. Rest assured that an IVF consult is designed to honor the inherent sensitivity and range of emotions associated with in vitro fertilization. Your doctor will come prepared to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the process, including techniques for retrieval and implantation, as well as any potential risks to consider. 

Along with an opportunity to ask questions, you can expect a comprehensive review of your medical history, including any past pregnancies, pre-existing conditions, family history, and an overview of your menstrual cycle. For some patients, this may include a physical examination to evaluate their reproductive system, along with hormone testing or an ultrasound. 

Your doctor will also provide detailed information about the process, pricing, and insurance coverage to ensure you are fully informed. As part of next steps, you’ll receive a personalized IVF treatment plan that takes into account your unique physical, hormonal, and age-related factors.

IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce one or more follicles containing eggs. The eggs are retrieved and fertilized with conventional IVF or Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using a prepared sperm sample to create embryos. The viable embryo is then transferred to the uterus. IVF can be performed using a couple’s eggs and sperm, an anonymous donor, or a gestational carrier.

IVF treatment is frequently used by infertile couples with blocked tubes, couples who have had unsuccessful IUI attempts, or who are at risk of passing on a genetic disorder. It may also help people who are sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQIA+), as well as single people, in starting a family.

There are numerous reasons to choose IVF. Common reasons for women and couples trying to conceive using IVF treatment include, but are not limited to:

• Female infertility, such as reduced egg quantity/ quality

• Male infertility, such as reduced sperm quantity/ quality

• History of recurrent pregnancy loss or miscarriage

• Structural issues, such as blocked or damaged fallopian tubes

• Reduced ovarian function

• Endometriosis

• Uterine Fibroids

• Cancer survivors (contact us for more details)

• Patients using an egg or sperm donor or gestational carrier

• History of genetic disease in one or both partners

Choosing the right fertility clinic or doctor is crucial for patients embarking on their fertility journey. With numerous factors to consider, it’s essential to know what to look for, Dr. Chang says:

“Clinic:

1. Location, location, location. If the clinic is located too far away from you, then this may become a barrier.

2. A team that is reachable within a reasonable amount of time.

3. A clinic with a good reputation and lots of experience.

Doctor:

1. Someone who is your ally. 

2. Someone who listens.

3. Someone who offers you medical explanations that you can understand.

4. Someone you trust.”

Preparation

Prior to beginning an IVF treatment cycle, both parties (if applicable) will first undergo an initial assessment. Patients will be advised on treatment preparation, including any medications, during this early stage.

Ovarian Stimulation

Each patient’s stimulation can look different depending on various factors. Generally, the patient will receive daily injections of follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) with or without luteinizing hormone (LH) for approximately 8 -14 days to stimulate the ovaries and create multiple eggs.

Egg Retrieval

The egg retrieval is a procedure in which doctors insert a speculum into the vagina to clean the cervix, then, using an ultrasound technique, the follicles in the ovary will be located prior to the collection of eggs and follicular fluid. The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes and is accompanied by a sedative or local anesthetic.

Sperm Sample

On the same day of the egg retrieval, a sperm sample is required. This is provided by your partner or pre-arranged sperm donor.

Fertilization

After the eggs are extracted from the ovaries, they will be fertilized with the sperm sample provided. The fertilized eggs are then placed in an incubator for 5 days to develop into a mature embryo known as a blastocyst. At this stage, the blastocyst can be transferred to the patient’s uterus or a gestational carrier for implantation and potential pregnancy. If there are multiple blastocysts or if you plan to do a frozen embryo transfer, they can be safely frozen for future transfer.

Embryo Transfer

When your body and embryos are ready for implantation, embryo transfer will take place. The procedure entails inserting a speculum, cleansing your cervix, and placing the embryo in the upper portion of your uterus using an embryo transfer catheter. The experience is comparable to a PAP smear.

Pregnancy Test

A pregnancy test will be administered about two weeks after the procedure to determine if you are successfully pregnant, and an ultrasound will be performed 2-3 weeks later to ensure that an embryo has been successfully implanted in the uterus.

An average IVF cycle takes one month from the time fertility medications are started until the eggs are harvested.

The cost of IVF treatment varies depending on factors such as the physician’s clinical experience/technique, geographic location, and additional medical factors such as the number of cycles, medications, and tests. In Canada, the average cost for one cycle of IVF treatment ranges between $12,750,000 to $15,500.

Yes! Beautifi provides financing for fertility treatments, allowing you to break down the cost into manageable monthly payments.

As with any medical procedure, IVF treatment carries risks and side effects. It is critical that you discuss the procedure with your physician. Different stages of the IVF process may be associated with risks including, but not limited to:

• Soreness and/or bruising

• Nausea and/or bloating

• Breast soreness

• Fatigue

• Mood swings

• Abdominal pain

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

The field of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized the world of reproductive medicine, offering hope to millions of individuals and couples struggling with infertility. As technology continues to advance and scientific breakthroughs emerge, the future of IVF holds tremendous potential. When poised with the question “what do you see as the future of IVF?”, Dr. Chang said:

“Effective home monitoring to reduce the number of ultrasounds and blood tests done at the clinic. Fewer injections or medications with painless delivery systems. Using AI to better predict your prognosis, dosing of medications, and response to IVF. In the lab, using AI to choose the best quality embryos – that is, those that are most likely to become a pregnancy – for transfer.”