In vitro fertilization is a fertility treatment that can help couples that are suffering from various fertility problems in getting pregnant. Women that suffer from endometriosis and blocked fallopian tubes, and men that suffer from low sperm count or low sperm motility, can increase their chances of conceiving a child with the help of IVF. Infertility doctors also recommend that couples suffering from unexplained fertility issues undergo IVF. Below is more information about the in vitro fertilization procedure.

The Cost of Treatment

IVF costs typically run about $12,000 per cycle. The cost can increase or decrease based on the clinic that you choose, the doctor's experience, and the part of the country in which you live. IVF patients should be aware, however, that there is no guarantee that they will get pregnant after undergoing the first IVF cycle. Some patients must undergo several IVF cycles before successfully conceiving, while other couples will be unable to conceive even after several IVF cycles.

The IVF Procedure

The IVF procedure is a complicated process that involves several steps. First, the women will undergo hormone treatment in order to produce a lot of eggs at once. Next, the fertility specialist will harvest several eggs and fertilize them with the male's sperm. After a period of a few days, some of the eggs will be surgically transferred to the female's uterus. In some cases, several of the eggs will take and the couple will get pregnant with multiples. In other cases, only one of the eggs will take, and the couple will get pregnant with one child. In the most unfortunate cases, none of the transferred eggs will take and the couple will need to reconsider their options.

If you are interested in undergoing a fertility treatment such as IVF, consult a fertility specialist in your area to learn more about treatment.