Despite the Supreme Court overturning of Roe V. Wade in 2022, many people are still looking for medical procedures and help regarding their reproductive health. And thanks to activists and medical professionals, many of these options are still available for us despite the current political climate. In NC in particular, Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order to protect reproductive rights in the state back in January, which shows that people are still fighting for their reproductive rights.
No matter your age, gender, or background, you deserve to have autonomy to make decisions over your body.
That includes not only options for avoiding or terminating pregnancies, but also options for maintaining and carrying pregnancies to term, particularly if you struggle with infertility.
One of the most popular fertility methods is in vitro fertilization (IVF). You may have heard of it but don’t know what it means, or if it’s even available to you. So let’s dive into what IVF is, what it does, and if it’s right for you.
What is IVF?
In-vitro fertilization, often shortened to IVF, is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART), which refers to any fertility treatment to help someone struggling to get pregnant and maintain a pregnancy. ARTs use eggs, embryos, and sperm via surgery and in medical settings to create an artificial environment to help fetal viability. IVF involves a series of procedures over time and is one of the many different types of ARTs.
Is IVF common?
Yes. IVF, as well as other forms of ARTs, assist people struggling with infertility, which is a common health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects around 17.5 % of the population. That amounts to roughly 1 in 6 people. Additionally, approximately 11% of cisgender women and 9% of cisgender men experience fertility issues.
So it’s likely that you know someone who is struggling with infertility, or you will know someone who struggles with it yourself, at some point in your lifetime. Thanks to ARTS like IVF, many people who struggle with infertility can still get pregnant, carry a pregnancy to term, and raise families.
How does it work?
The beginning of IVF involves a person taking medication provided by their doctor to help their body produce multiple eggs that are mature and ready to be fertilized. You may also receive ultrasounds or blood tests so your doctor can check the viability of your eggs. After this is done, the doctor uses a needle to remove your mature eggs and mixes them in a lab with sperm cells, either from a partner or a sperm donor.
How long does it take?
While the IVF procedure itself is relatively short—it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour—the actual conception takes longer. You may need several rounds of IVF for several weeks before you finish the procedure.
Is IVF expensive?
Unfortunately, yes. Costs vary, but it can cost as much as $15,000 for the procedure. Even if you have insurance, it may not cover the full, or any, cost of IVF. The expenses involved in IVF, as well as potential side effects that may bring about additional costs, make it unaffordable for many people.
What are some common side effects?
Like any medical procedure, IVF has the potential for side effects and risks. The most common ones are the following:
- Cramps, bloating, and abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Acne
- Mood swings
If you experience more severe side effects or they cause significant issues in your day-to-day life, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Should I consider IVF?
As with any personal medical questions, concerns, or advice, it’s best to ask your doctor. They can provide you with better insight into the pros and cons of IVF, and knowing your medical history gives them more insight into whether it’s the right fit. You can also discuss costs and check with your insurance company to consider everything.
Remember, you deserve control over your body, which includes any decisions you want to make regarding pregnancy.
Learn what you can about the options available to you, and talk to your doctor if you have any questions or want to make these decisions. Remember, reproductive healthcare is healthcare, period, and you deserve to be in charge of your health.
Photo by Alicia Petresc on Unsplash
There are no comments
Add yours