Are You Ready for IVF? Six Questions to Ask Yourself

If you’re trying to conceive a baby and haven’t been successful yet, you know how stressful that can be. There are many causes of infertility and a wide range of fertility treatment options, both for women and for men. It’s bewildering and confusing.

How long have you been trying to conceive?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, if you are 34 years old or younger and have been having unprotected intercourse (i.e., without birth control of any kind) for a year or more without getting pregnant, consulting a specialist is a reasonable step. If you are 35 and have been trying for six months or more, it’s time to get help.

What is your age?

Fertility rates drop sharply for women over 35 and even more at age 40. At age 35, your chances of conceiving in any given cycle are about 20 percent. By age 40, this drops to 5 percent. But it is very possible to have successful IVF treatments over age 35. Infertility doctors are experts at helping you get the baby you want.

Does your partner experience impotence or ejaculation problems, or have a low sperm count?

It’s a fact that male factors are responsible for the inability to conceive as often as infertility in women. Sometimes trouble with intercourse can be a symptom of infertility problems. Your partner may not seem to have a problem and your sex life may be great, but he may still have a low sperm count or other issues which will keep you from conceiving. Male infertility treatment and procedures such as IVF with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) can go hand in hand with fertility treatment for the woman to result in conception.

Do you or your partner have any chronic conditions?

Chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and thyroid conditions can affect fertility. According to the American Fertility Association, diabetes and hypothyroidism can lead to infertility. In other cases, medications to treat some chronic diseases can cause problems with sperm production or their ability to fertilize an egg. A fertility specialist can help you determine if IVF treatments are the right solution.

Have you or your partner had cancer treatment, or have you learned you will need treatment?

Cancer treatment can cause infertility, but there are steps you can take to preserve your fertility, both for women and for men. Embryo, egg and ovarian tissue freezing and sperm banking are among the fertility preservation procedures that may make IVF an option for you after cancer treatment. Talk to your oncologist and see an infertility doctor before you start cancer treatment.

Have you been searching for a way to afford IVF treatment?

Many people ache to start a family but are worried about the cost of fertility treatments including IVF and fertility medications. If your insurance does not cover fertility treatment your fertility clinic can help you find alternative ways to finance treatment. There are treatment bundle plans available which don’t require commitment to several IVF cycles and offer financing options.