If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for years without success, you may be tempted to try out IVF. Formally known as in vitro fertilization, this is a medical procedure that joins the egg and the sperm outside of the body and then places the fertilized egg inside of the mother. Before you jump into agreeing to have this procedure, it’s a good idea to consider the following things.
The Entire Procedure
You don’t want to agree to any medical procedure that you’re not completely familiar with. You should do your research and learn what happens throughout IVF. By understanding each aspect of the procedure, you can better decide if it will be right for you. Also, it will help to keep your stress levels low when you understand what is going to be happening during each part of the process.
Timing
If you’re convinced that IVF is perfect for you, it’s time to consider the perfect timing. You want to go through IVF when you’re at a solid time in your life. If you’re considering a career change or another major life event, it may be best to wait until afterward. You can have IVF explained by your medical professional and ask them about how to time the IVF for a stable, lower stress period of your life.
The Time Commitment
IVF is not just one procedure, and you’re done. It’s an on-going process that takes a large time commitment on the part of the mother-to-be. This labor-intensive process requires lots of doctor’s visits. Fertility medication usually needs to be self-administered, and the chosen method is through shots. Once the fertilized egg is placed back into the body, you’ll be under close supervision. You’ll need to get regular blood work and other tests performed throughout your entire pregnancy.
Know Your Insurance Coverage
The sad truth is that many insurance companies will not cover the IVF procedure. You can expect to pay about $12,000 out of pocket for one round of IVF. You’ll pay for this whether it works or not. Some insurance companies may cover ultrasounds and other lab work related to IVF. You should take the time to talk with your insurance company to figure out what they’ll cover and what they won’t.
Getting IVF is not something that you should decide on a whim. While this procedure does come along with a high success rate, it requires a lot of time and effort on the part of the parents-to-be. You should understand the four facts above before making your ultimate decision of whether or not IVF is right for you.