Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about the IVF Process

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about the IVF Process

You might feel as though you are on the fence with whether becoming a gestational surrogate in Las Vegas is the right choice for you. Understandably is an enormous sacrifice, but it also comes with amazing benefits. We know some of you might have burning questions about the process and how this might affect your ability to conceive later on in the road.

We at Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Las Vegas care about you and want to make sure you are making a well-informed decision. Here are the top 10 questions many gestational surrogates make when looking into the process of  In vitro fertilization (IVF).

• What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process in which a mature egg (collected from the intended mother or an egg donor) is fertilized by a sperm (collected from the intended father or sperm donor) outside of the body. Once this fertilized egg becomes an embryo, it is then transferred into the gestational surrogate’s uterus. This is a process that is used primarily for infertility. However, other circumstances might call for this fertilization method, such as age, sexual orientation and genetic conditions.

• How Does IVF Work? 

The first step to this incredible process is the stimulation of the ovaries. After a woman’s menstrual cycle, she is given a shot of hormones, administered in the area just underneath the stomach, that will help bring a significant amount of the intended mother’s eggs into maturity. Keep in mind that if the intended mother is infertile or if it is a sample sex couple, they will be using an egg donor. 

The next step is for doctors to retrieve or harvest the eggs and sperm respectively, and prepare them for fertilization. Both samples will then be combined and developed into an embryo. Finally, once the embryo is ready, it will be transferred into the gestational surrogate’s uterus, where it will grow and develop into a little bundle of joy.

• How do I Know if I am a Good Candidate for IVF as a Gestational Surrogate?

To become eligible as a gestational surrogate, you will need to undergo an extensive screening process. You will need to provide accurate medical, legal, and financial history. These procedures will test whether you would make a good candidate for both the gestational journey and IVF process. 

You will also need to carry specific characteristics and personal qualities to become a vessel for the intended parents. Women who become surrogates are individuals who are open to helping others, thoughtful, organized, well-informed, and healthy.

• How Do I Prepare for the Process?

When it comes to preparing your body for IVF, self-care should be your top priority. Many professionals will tell you that taking good care of yourself, both physically and mentally, before implantation is just as important as the pregnancy itself, and we could not agree more. Try to take as much time as you can — three to six months, if possible— to get your affairs in order. Remember to begin taking the necessary vitamins, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and reduce your stress.

• Is IVF Painful?

It comes as no surprise that many women are afraid that the implantation process might be painful. After all, many base it on the dreaded annual pap smear. The truth is, everyone experiences this differently. Some say that you might feel some slight pain, while others have said this is not painful at all. If, for any reason, you are feeling any pain or discomfort after implantation, reach out to your physician or fertility specialist. 

• Are There Any Side Effects to this Process?

Like with any medical procedure, there is always a risk factor. Here are some possible side effects you might experience with the hormone injections:

• Nausea
• A temporary allergic reaction on the injection site
• Swelling in the injection site
• Mood swings 
• Fatigue
• Breast tenderness 

Make sure that before you choose to continue with this process, you do the proper research and get in touch with your medical practitioner and fertility specialist.

• Do the Hormones Pose any Long Term Health Risks?
  When you first start looking for information about the gestational surrogacy process, one of the first things many women will look for are the risks. This is entirely understandable. Even though you are doing this out of the goodness of your heart—  the last thing you would want to rusk is your overall health. You might have heard that the use of a hormonal treatment might increase the risk of women having ovarian cancer; however, after hundreds of studies, that is yet to be proven factual.
• How Long until I am Pregnant?

This might be hard to hear, but there is no magical way to know how long it will take you to become pregnant. As mentioned above, every woman is different, and their bodies will respond differently to IVF. Some women might get pregnant right away, while, with others, it might take more than one try. 

Once the embryo is implanted, it might take up to two weeks before you know for certain if the procedure was a complete success. Keep in mind that pregnancy tests purchased at your local drug store are not 100 percent accurate. Remember to check in with your fertility specialist so that they may confirm the pregnancy by using a blood and urine test.

• What is the Success Rate?

There are many things that can factor into the success rate of IVF. That is why many surrogacy agencies have created a list of requirements you will need to have in order to become a gestational carrier. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), this process can pose a 55 percent success rate for transferred embryos to result in a successful pregnancy.

• Can I get Pregnant Naturally after using IVF?

It is only natural for you to worry whether this process will affect your ability to conceive naturally after the hormonal treatments. The short answer is yes! The human body is an amazing thing. Even though you have to endure the daunting tasks of IVF, your body will be able to go back to “normal” sometime after you have completed the gestational journey. Should you choose to have a child rest easy. After this experience, you will still have the ability to get pregnant naturally.

Note for Gestational Carrier

Understandably, you might need some time to decide if this is the right path for you after reading this information. Remember always to consult your healthcare professional and fertility specialist to guide you through this process. Gestational surrogacy is time consuming and full of hard work. Should you choose to pursue this, know that many women have described it as one of the most memorable, self-satisfying journeys they have ever experienced.

Stay positive and take care of yourself!

Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Las Vegas has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across in Las Vegas since 2012. For information more general to Nevada, please visit our mother site Adoption Choices of Nevada. For information specific to Reno, please visit our sister site Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno. You can also call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: CALL OR TEXT 702-474-4673

Melissa N. Martínez is exceptionally hard-working, creative, and passionate about her writing.  From a very young age, she found the writing gave her the voice that she needed. Currently, she is working on writing a fantasy novel which she wished to publish someday. She hopes to one day share her writing with others and create worlds that can comfort them in their time of need.

When she is not curled up with a good book you can find her spending time playing with her dog Zelda, watching television, or baking. She has recently moved from the island of Puerto Rico to Minnesota with her husband and dog.