Infertile couples in American Fork, Utah and in other parts of the country often struggle in identifying their treatment options. The best way to determine which treatments or procedures may be effective is by speaking with a fertility specialist at a reputable clinic. In vitro fertilization is a type of assisted reproductive technology that is among the most well-known among treatments performed in fertility clinics. Patients are encouraged to learn more about this option and other possibilities before making a final decision regarding infertility treatment.

In vitro fertilization works by combining a sperm and an egg in a dish in a lab so that an embryo forms. The term 'in vitro' in English means 'in glass' referring to the glass dish used to combine the egg and sperm. When an embryo forms it is transferred to the woman's uterus where she is expected to carry it to term. The woman may take fertility drugs before the procedure to stimulate the ovary. Women may elect not to take the drugs, but this may significantly decrease the chances of success. For more information about fertility drugs and to determine if one should take them before in vitro fertilization, patients are encouraged to speak with a fertility doctor.

About three to six days before ovulation, the woman will undergo an ultrasound to ensure that her eggs are ready to be retrieved. Her temperature and hormones will be monitored in the days or weeks leading up to this time to determine when this should take place.

An in vitro fertilization cycle may take about four to six weeks to complete. Each partner should expect to spend about half a day in the fertility clinic for egg retrieval and fertilization. The woman may be required to return a few days afterwards so that the embryo can be transferred to her uterus.

Women who are over the age of 35 may have lower success rates than women under 35. This may vary, of course, and is best discussed with a fertility doctor. Couples often know if the procedure is successful about 10 to 14 days after a successful implantation. Patients concerned with multiple births should discuss the possibility with a physician. About 10 to 25% of women who are successful with in vitro fertilization will give birth to twins. The more embryos that are implanted in the uterus, the greater the chance that the couple will have twins.

The success rate for in vitro fertilization may disappoint some couples. Despite being one of the most widely used fertility treatments, its success rate hovers around 10 to 20%. This may be less in many cases due to factors that should be discussed with a physician.

For more information about in vitro fertilization or to learn more about other fertility treatments, patients are encouraged to seek a reputable clinic in American Fork. Consulting with an experienced and skilled fertility doctor has been very beneficial to infertile couples unsure of their options and eager to learn more.

Learn more about in vitro fertilitzation in American Fork, Utah.