Find the answers you need when you’re asking, “Do I need IVF?”
Do I need IVF? What kinds of patients make good candidates for IVF? These are two of the most common questions that patients ask the team at our Tulsa fertility clinic. To provide the answers, the doctors at our clinic first recommend a series of diagnostic tests. The goal is to find out why a patient is struggling to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. If the doctor determines that IVF is likely a patient’s best path to a healthy baby, we provide support every step of the way.
What to know if you’re asking do I need IVF
Fertility evaluations such as bloodwork, ultrasounds, semen analysis and surgical evaluations of infertility help the doctor determine if IVF is the best treatment for a patient. There are many factors that make patients good candidates for IVF.
Diminished ovarian reserve. Women over the age of 35 can often benefit from IVF, as it can be harder to conceive naturally during this time.
Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. Blockages in a woman’s fallopian tubes can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg and keep a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. As such, IVF is a great option that bypasses the fallopian tubes.
Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition involving tissue that typically lines the inside of the uterus growing outside of it. Because this tissue can impair the ovaries and fallopian tubes, women with endometriosis might be candidates for IVF.
Ovulation disorders. Women with ovulation disorders, like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), might be asking do I need IVF. In some cases, the answer is yes.
Numerous miscarriages or unsuccessful fertility treatments. Experiencing numerous miscarriages or failed fertility treatments could make patients candidates for IVF.
Male infertility. Some male fertility issues might require IVF with ICSI, which consists of an embryologist injecting the egg with a single healthy sperm.
After determining that a patient needs IVF, our Tulsa fertility clinic team helps them take the next step on this exciting journey to parenthood.
What can candidates for IVF expect during an IVF cycle?
An IVF cycle consists of a series of steps. The knowledgeable team at our clinic guides patients through each phase of the cycle, helping to ensure they have the best chance of building a family.
Ovulation induction medications. The first step of IVF involves the woman taking ovulation induction medications that cause multiple eggs to mature. During this time, the doctor regularly monitors her with ultrasounds and blood tests.
Egg retrieval. When enough eggs reach the ideal size, a doctor at our Tulsa fertility clinic retrieves them during a simple procedure. They then send the eggs to the lab.
Fertilization. Next, an embryologist fertilizes the eggs with sperm from the woman’s partner or sperm donor. Ideally, the fertilized eggs develop into healthy embryos.
Embryo transfer. The final step of IVF involves the doctor transferring an embryo into the uterus of the female patient or a gestational surrogate. The patient or surrogate takes a pregnancy test about 10 to 14 days after the transfer.
Our clinic provides comprehensive care from the initial fertility evaluations to the development of a healthy pregnancy. Contact us if you’re still asking, “Do I need IVF?”
