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Starting a Family - in Vitro Fertilization

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STARTING A FAMILY
In Vitro Fertilization
(IVF)

For some couples, starting a family isn’t the easiest thing to do. In these cases, couples wanting children but are having troubles conceiving will sometimes turn to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to fulfill their dreams of becoming parents. There are different forms of ART, and I am going to focus on in vitro fertilization.

What is in vitro fertilization?
In vitro fertilization is the process in which the eggs from a woman’s ovary are removed and are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory procedure. The eggs are then returned to the woman’s uterus.

How is the procedure done?

How much does it cost?
This procedure can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $17,000 in Canada. Some background
The first successful child-birth conceived through in vitro fertilization was born July 25th, 1978, which means she is now 37. Robert G. Edwards was the psychologist who developed this treatment, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Why is this procedure done?
IVF can be used to treat patients with the following problems:
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Male infertility (decreased sperm count or sperm motility)
• Women with ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure, uterine fibroids
• Women who have had their fallopian tubes removed
• Individuals with a genetic disorder
• Unexplained infertility

Risks
With all procedures come risks, with in vitro fertilization, some risks include:
Multiple pregnancy → Twins or triplets
Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) → Enlarged and painful ovaries causing abdominal discomfort and sometimes blood clots. In more severe cases, you may have to stay in a hospital to be treated and taken care of.
Infection → A needle is injected into the ovaries when removing the eggs, which exposes the body to infection. A cleanly hospital should have an extremely low risk of passing an infection.

Possible side effects
• Passing a small amount of fluid
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Breast tenderness

In conclusion, from the information above, I think if you are unable to have children naturally and have little to no fertility rate, IVF is an amazing procedure to have done. Although sometimes not successful, it is better to try the procedure instead of living life wanting children and not being able to. IVF is pricey, but if you have a successful birth, the money will mean nothing to you after you look into your child’s beautiful eyes for the first time.

References:
• http://americanpregnancy.org/infertility/in-vitro-fertilization/
• http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Fertility/Pages/IVFexplained.aspx
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_vitro_fertilisation
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P27waC05Hdk

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