In Vitro Fertilization in Ontario
We’re Here to Answer Your IVF Questions
Navigating your options for how to get pregnant can be daunting. You have so many choices, and you may not know which treatment best meets your needs. If you’re struggling with conception, NewLife Fertility Centre can help. We’re Ontario’s trusted source for information on pregnancy symptoms and how to conceive. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is among our many specialties. Our knowledgeable team will educate you on the ins and outs of this treatment option. Then, we’ll discuss your unique circumstances and decide if this method is best for you. We know you probably have lots of questions about IVF, so we’ve answered some of our most frequently asked questions below. Feel free to contact us directly with any additional concerns.
Is the IVF Injection Painful?
IVF injections might cause slight discomfort. Patients rarely report significant pain, though, as our team takes special care to ensure that our patients are as relaxed as possible. Injections will be spread out across two weeks, so you may become more comfortable with them over time. If injections cause you too much stress, we can discuss potential alternatives.
What Is the Egg Retrieval Procedure? Does It Hurt?
While egg retrieval is a minor surgery, patients do not feel any discomfort. During the procedure, a vaginal ultrasound probe will be inserted into the vaginal wall and the ovaries. The needle carefully removes eggs from the ovaries using a small amount of suction. If this sounds a little scary, don’t worry! Our team will be glad to explain the process in further detail to put your fears to rest. You will be under anesthesia the entire time, so you won’t feel anything while the procedure is being completed. Afterward, you may experience some slight cramping, which can be addressed with medication.
How Long Is the Egg Retrieval Process?
The egg retrieval process is usually very short. While every patient is slightly different, in most cases, this procedure only takes about 30 minutes.
Will Egg Retrieval Damage My Ovaries
No studies have ever show egg retrieval to be damaging to the ovaries. Many women have undergone several different retrieval procedures with no long-term effects or consequences. Our team will let you know of any short-term risks, including infection or bleeding. We’ll make sure you know the signs of these rare complications, and we’ll be there for you should you encounter a problem.
Is the Embryo Transfer Painful
The embryo transfer is typically not painful. While patients might feel the speculum, they rarely feel any pain or discomfort.
What Are My Chance of Pregnancy with Frozen Embryos?
There is no straightforward answer to this question. While many people successfully conceive using frozen embryos, your individual chances of success will vary. Our team will work with you to determine the best method for becoming pregnant. When it comes to IVF, success typically depends on these factors:
- Age: Patients under the age of 37 tend to have higher chances of pregnancy using frozen embryos. As patients age, the chances of conception decrease, but that doesn’t mean hope is lost! Our providers will look at your medical history and current health concerns to determine IVF’s viability.
- Health: The patient receiving the embryo will have an increased chance of becoming pregnant if her uterus is in good health. Fibroids and polyps on the endometrial lining can reduce the potential for success.
- Quality: The quality of the frozen embryos also has a lot to do with the procedure’s success rate. At our fertility clinic, we take special care to ensure we only freeze good-quality embryos. This way, the frozen embryos have the highest possible survival rate.
Are There Risks Associated with IVF?
There are very few, if any, risks to babies born as a result of in vitro fertilization. While some sources suggest a higher instance of birth defects, there is no conclusive evidence to say that these conditions are the direct result of IVF. As far as cognitive development and psychological health, most research finds IVF-conceived children to be just as developed as traditionally conceived children.
Do Fertility Hormones Have Long-Term Risks
At one point, many healthcare professionals suspected a link between fertility medication and ovarian cancer. However, since 1992, no studies have found any connection between fertility hormones and increased risks of cancer. Today, there are no known significant risks of using fertility medications. Some women may experience certain side effects, but these typically subside. Be on the lookout for the following common side effects:
- Mood changes
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Cramping
- Breast tenderness
How Long Should I Wait After a Failed IVF Cycle?
Sometimes, IVF is not successful in creating a pregnancy. However, parents may choose to try the process again. In most cases, we recommend waiting at least an entire month, or full menstrual cycle, before trying IVF again. Some patients may be better off waiting six weeks after the initial treatment, as they may prefer to wait for the inflammation to subside.
What if I’m Not Able to Carry a Pregnancy?
Some women are not able to carry a pregnancy to term. Fortunately, reproductive medicine has provided an array of options for those who cannot get pregnant themselves. When you visit our fertility clinic, we’ll run numerous tests to decide if you’re able to get pregnant. For those who cannot get pregnant or have a very low chance of conception, we may recommend a gestational carrier. This method involves using IVF to implant a fertilized egg into another woman (the carrier) to be carried to term. The gestational carrier, in this circumstance, does not contribute any of their own eggs. Instead, the child will be the biological child of both prospective parents. Couples with the following circumstances may find a gestational carrier a viable option:
- Abnormal uterus or no uterus
- Multiple miscarriages
- Medical conditions that make pregnancy or pregnancy symptoms dangerous
- IVF has been unsuccessful in the past
What Are My Other Fertility Options?
IVF isn’t suitable for everyone. As such, we welcome you to explore the numerous fertility options available at NewLife Fertility Centre. We strive to help people of all genders and sexualities create a family of their very own. We recognize the need for comprehensive fertility treatments, and we’re dedicated to finding the perfect method for your circumstances. Other treatment options to consider in addition to IVF include:
Get in Touch with Us to Learn More
Whether you’re interested in IVF or just want to know more about your fertility options, make NewLife Fertility Centre your first call. We’re known throughout Ontario for top-quality care for prospective parents. We understand that navigating ovulation cycles and conception is challenging, and even frustrating. But our experienced and friendly team is here to guide you through the process. We’ll act as both a source of reliable information and much-needed emotional support. Get in touch with our team today to learn about IVF and your other fertility options.