In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process, a fertility treatment available to patients at Center for Reproductive Endocrinology
In-vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a common fertility treatment that can help couples have children. The treatment involves using fertility drugs to stimulate the development of multiple eggs. For many, IVF is the miracle medical treatment that allows them to have children at their own pace or at all. It’s often the endpoint of many fertility journeys, a last recourse when nothing else works. Considering IVF treatment can be a difficult decision for couples as there are many factors to consider especially choosing a fertility clinic in Dallas, Texas:
Who is a Good Candidate for IVF?
IVF is the most successful infertility treatment for almost all patients, especially those with the following conditions:
- ovulation problems
- fallopian tube damage/obstruction
- endometriosis
- pelvic adhesions
- poor semen quality
- unexplained infertility
- prolonged infertility.
People who have cancer sometimes arrange to have their healthy eggs or sperm frozen, as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can harm fertility options. These eggs or sperm can be thawed later and used in IVF once the cancer treatment is over.
IVF can also be used to enable preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) of embryos.
However, IVF does not make new eggs for patients, and if the uterus is incapable of implanting and carrying a pregnancy, IVF cannot solve that problem.
Should Couples Opt Directly for IVF?
For some couples, IVF is the preferred treatment right from the start. But others choose to try other infertility treatments such as fertility drugs, surgery or artificial insemination first. Patients should go straight to IVF when the chances of pregnancy with IUI are low but relatively higher with IVF.
Women should also go straight to IVF if they have a short time to try to get pregnant because of age, diminished ovarian reserve or other factors when they can afford IVF, when there is a need for PGT, and when there is a need for donor eggs or a gestational carrier.
The choice of treatment options should be made by each patient in consultation with their fertility specialist. It is best if your doctor is a reproductive endocrinologist who has experience and can provide all types of treatment—ovarian stimulation, IUI, surgery and IVF. That way you are more likely to get a balanced opinion.
How does Cost Factor when considering IVF?
Cost is a critical factor when you are considering the IVF option. The cost of an IVF cycle ranges from $10,000 – $15,000 with an average of $12,000. While about half of the patients have a baby on their first cycle, the others need to try a second, third or even more times. The average number of cycles per patient is approximately 2.
This dollar amount does not include fertility medications which can range from $1,500 to $6,000 per cycle. The total cost will be higher if donor eggs or sperm are used and if embryos are frozen and stored. An additional cost of $5,000 may be incurred if genetic testing is needed.
You should opt for IVF when you can afford it as insurance coverage for IVF in the US varies widely and remains inadequate. Even with coverage, restrictions on procedures and other limitations often result in significant out-of-pocket costs for patients.
What Other Factors do Couples Need to Consider when Choosing IVF?
Patient factors such as age, fertility diagnosis and family medical history decide if the chances are good enough to try IVF. If chances are very poor, it may be appropriate to consider the use of donor eggs or sperm. Other factors include:
- consideration of pre-treatment genetic testing of women and men
- preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) of the embryo
- type of treatment cycle, number of embryos to transfer
- number of embryos to freeze
How to Find an Fertility Clinic in Dallas, Texas?
Your doctor or gynecologist can refer you to a IVF specialist, or fertility clinic in Dallas, Texas for treatment. Some public hospital units work in partnership with private clinics.
Center for Reproductive Endocrinology is a well-renowned IVF center in Dallas that can help you achieve your dreams of a child. Couples can discuss treatment options with doctors at the fertility clinic. However, deciding whether to use IVF is a very personal choice. You will need to weigh up the financial costs as well as the physical and emotional pressures involved.
What Questions should you Ask Doctors?
- What treatment options are available to me?
- Would the IVF procedures be done by my own specialist or the staff at a fertility clinic in Dallas, Texas?
- What IVF success rate do you have for people of my age and with my condition?
- What tests, treatments and medicines are covered by Medicare? Which are not?
- What tests, treatments and medicines are covered by private health insurance? And which are not?
- How many cycles of IVF treatment and fertility clinics in Dallas, Texas are covered by Medicare? Does the clinic handle the claim?
You can check out Center for Reproductive Endocrinology’s website or call 972-566-6686 for more information about IVF treatments.
