11 Important Questions You Must Ask On Your 1st IVF Consultation

ByNabanita Saha
Archish IVF Centre (2)-10528c25

Usually, your expectations and emotions are high when both of you (male and female partners) decide to see a fertility specialist. You come to such a decision after bearing a lot of stress, burden, loss, and despair. And your doctor advises you to opt for IVF after going through the results of recommended tests. 

According to Dr Suchitra Reddy, one of experienced fertility experts at Archish IVF Centre, you should move to have IVF treatment after getting all your queries answered. Here are some important questions that you must ask from your doctor on your 1st IVF consultation:

  1. What tests do I need to have before the IVF treatment?

Tests help you and your doctor to find out the issue obstructing you (couples of the opposite sex) from having a child conventionally. After interacting with you, your doctor must recommend you the following tests:

  • Blood tests 
  • Blood sugar level tests 
  • Blood group 
  • PCOS
  • Ovarian reserve test 
  • Ovulation status test  
  • Haemoglobin level test 
  • Semen analysis for sperm count, shape, and motility 

  1. Will I need to start my IVF treatment instantly?

The cause of your fertility problems detected through the recommended tests can facilitate your doctor to determine the timeline of your IVF treatment. Suppose that you (female partner) have lower ovarian reserve or endometriosis. You need to take instant action. Further, you need to move to this treatment if you are close to 35 years of age in your life. Your doctor will answer correctly on the IVF treatment timeline. 

  1. Is there any age limit for it?

Dr Rishina Bansal at Archish IVF Centre says that pregnancy chances come down with age. A female has a higher conception chance if she is in her 20s and early 30s. After 35 years of age, your pregnancy chance through IVF is around 5%. It goes down to 3% if you are 40 or above. 

  1. What fertility treatment should I try first?

Dr Navin Desai, a renowned fertility expert says that your doctor should start with a less invasive option like intrauterine insemination (IUI). After that, your doctor can move to ART solutions like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and ICSI. Based on your fertility issue and age, your doctor will suggest the best fertility treatment to start with. 

  1. What’s the success rate of IVF treatment?

The success of the IVF treatment depends on several factors like maternal age, care taken during the process, and lifestyle habits. In younger females, it is higher. It comes down for you if your age is above 35. At Archish IVF Centre, we have more than 50% success ratio. 

  1. Do you perform fresh or frozen embryo transfer?

A highly skilled fertility specialist can do both fresh embryo transfer and frozen embryo transfer. The doctor you are having your treatment for can ask you for your preference. If your ovarian reserve is poor or you had opted for fertility preservation in the past, going with frozen embryo transfer will be beneficial for you. However, choosing an ideal option depends on your current reproductive health issue and status. 

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  1. What options do I have if my IVF treatment fails?

Your doctor can answer it well based on your test report and infertility issue. If your IVF treatment fails, you can think about ICSI, donor egg, surrogacy, donor sperm, and genetic testing. You should let your doctor have a treatment roadmap for you. 

  1. How long does a complete IVF treatment process take?

It varies from one patient to another. Based on your reproductive health issue, your doctor can produce a useful estimated time frame. Usually, the time frame for the IVF treatment lies as:

  • Ovary stimulation and egg retrieval – 10 to 14 days 
  • Egg fertilisation and embryo development – 15 days/2 weeks 
  • Pregnancy test – 2 weeks after embryo transfer 
  • Discharge for pregnancy care – 10 weeks after implantation 

  1. What do you recommend – a single or multiple embryo transfer?

Earlier, doctors preferred multiple embryo transfer to boost conception. Due to technical advancements, IVF pregnancy in today’s world is possible. Your doctor will help you know it as per your fertility issue. 

  1. What can cost me to have an entire cycle of IVF treatment?

IVF treatment cost varies from one city to another and one clinic/hospital to another within a town/city. You can expect having your IVF treatment at anything between INR 1 00 000 to INR 2 00 000. In small towns/cities, it can be lower than 1 lakh. 

  1. Should I be ready for side effects?

Going through IVF treatment cycles can be physically and mentally challenging for you. Most of you can have minimum discomfort. However, you should prepare for adverse effects like mood swings, pregnancy loss, hyperactive ovarian syndrome, etc. Your doctor’s support and care can help you minimise your risks.   

Conclusion 

Infertility is extremely painful and disheartening. However, having IVF treatment can help you get rid of what you are experiencing without a child in your life. Opting for it is beneficial for you. And getting certain questions answered before having IVF treatment will help you have an unique experience.