In Vitro Fertilization, commonly called IVF, is a powerful tool that has brought joy to millions of couples struggling with fertility issues. However, the IVF process can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing. In this post, we'll look in-depth at the IVF process, its associated costs, and potential hazards and explore how holistic approaches, such as Merciér Therapy, can offer natural, cost-effective alternatives or complement traditional methods. We will also delve into the potential of these holistic strategies to help individuals conceive naturally.

The IVF journey can be emotionally and physically demanding, but a comprehensive understanding of the process can help prepare prospective parents for what lies ahead.

IVF Step 1: Initial Consultation and Pre-IVF Assessment

Before embarking on the IVF journey, couples or individuals will meet with a fertility specialist for an initial consultation. During this time, the doctor may:

• Order blood tests

• Conduct thorough medical histories of both partners.

• Perform physical and/or pelvic examinations.

• Evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes, often using imaging tests such as an HSG or SIS.

IVF Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation

• Purpose: The goal is to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.

• Process: Patients are prescribed fertility medications (usually injectable hormones) to stimulate the ovaries. Regular monitoring via ultrasound and blood tests allows the doctor to track the eggs' development.

• Duration: This phase typically lasts 8-14 days.

IVF Step 3: Egg Retrieval

• Purpose: To collect mature eggs from the ovaries.

• Process: A minor surgical procedure, usually performed under sedation or anesthesia. A needle is guided via ultrasound through the vaginal wall to the ovaries, where the mature eggs are aspirated (suctioned out).

• Duration: The procedure usually takes about 30-60 minutes, with additional time for recovery from anesthesia.

IVF Step 4: Sperm Collection and Preparation

• Purpose: To obtain a sperm sample from the male partner or a donor and prepare it for fertilization.

• Process: The sperm sample is collected through ejaculation. The sample is then processed to isolate the healthiest and most motile (active) sperm.

IVF Step 5: Fertilization

• Purpose: To combine the eggs and sperm in a controlled environment to encourage fertilization.

• Process: There are two standard methods:

  • Conventional Insemination (AKA Natural Selection): Sperm and eggs are placed in a petri dish and left to fertilize naturally

  • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg. This method is often used when there are concerns about sperm quality.

• Outcome: After 16-20 hours, the eggs are checked to see if they have been fertilized.

IVF Step 6: Embryo Development

• Purpose: To allow the fertilized eggs (now called embryos) to grow and develop in a controlled environment.

• Process: Embryos are kept in an incubator and monitored for 5-6 days as they develop into blastocysts (the more mature stage of an embryo).

• Evaluation: During this time, the embryos are evaluated for quality, and the best ones are selected for transfer.

Step 6.5: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

• Purpose: To screen embryos for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities before transferring them to the uterus.

• Process: A few cells are carefully removed from each embryo, usually on the fifth or sixth day of development. These cells are then analyzed to detect any genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.

Types of PGT:

• PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies): Screens embryos for the right number of chromosomes.

• PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Defects): Screens embryos for specific genetic disorders.

• PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Chromosomal Structural Rearrangements): Screens embryos for chromosomal rearrangements.

Outcome: PGT can help select the healthiest embryos for transfer, thereby increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy and reducing the risk of certain genetic disorders. However, PGT is not always necessary, and some research is questioning whether we are throwing away viable embryos (read more here and here). Genetic testing of embryos should be considered on a case-by-case basis, considering individual circumstances, such as parental genetic history or recurrent miscarriages.

Step 7: Embryo Transfer

• Purpose: To place the selected embryo(s) into the woman's uterus, where they may implant and lead to pregnancy.

• Process: A soft, thin catheter is used to transfer the embryos through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. This is usually a painless procedure.

• Timing: Timing depends on several factors: 1. Is the couple going to genetically test the embryos? 2. How is the woman feeling after being on stim meds? If the couple chooses to do genetic testing, they will have to do a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), which could be done in any cycle after the woman does her stim cycle. For couples who opt not to do genetic testing, they have the option to do a fresh transfer. A fresh transfer is typically done 3-6 days after fertilization, depending on the embryo's development and the clinic's protocol. If the couple is considering a fresh transfer, we would recommend making that choice after retrieval. Some women get hyperstimulated during the retrieval phase and aren’t feeling the best. In this case, we would guide the woman to have a bleed first, then consider a FET with her next cycle or two cycles later. This will give her body time to come off of all of the stim meds and “recover” before transferring an embryo.

IVF Step 8: The Two-Week Wait

• Purpose: To allow time for potential implantation of the embryo(s) in the uterine lining.

• Process: After the embryo transfer, patients enter a waiting period, often dubbed the 'two-week wait,' before taking a pregnancy test. We can help clients nail down when they can test at home, should they choose to do this prior to going in for their blood draw.

IVF Step 9: Pregnancy Test

• Purpose: To determine if the IVF process has resulted in pregnancy.

• Process: Ten to fourteen days after the embryo transfer, patients return to the clinic for a blood test to measure hormone hCG levels (human chorionic gonadotropin), which indicates pregnancy. Fertility clinics generally like to see this level above 50, but just because it may be lower doesn’t mean the pregnancy isn’t viable. Every 48 hours, HCG levels should just about double.

IVF Step 10: Follow-Up and Next Steps

• If the test is positive, patients continue with early pregnancy monitoring through their clinic. If the test is negative, the doctor will discuss the next steps, including additional IVF cycles or exploring other fertility options.

The Cost of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

The cost of IVF can be significant, ranging from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle in the United States. This cost can include consultations, medications, surgeries, lab work, and more. The financial burden can be substantial because success is not guaranteed, and multiple cycles might be necessary.

Merciér Therapy: A Natural, Holistic Approach

Merciér Therapy is considered bodywork. It is a deep tissue, visceral manipulation focused on improving blood flow, circulation, and mobility of pelvic organs. It is holistic and natural, not involving drugs or invasive procedures. One significant aspect of Merciér Therapy is its potential to help women with conditions like endometriosis, a common issue that can make conception more challenging.

How Merciér Therapy Works with yinRoot

Merciér Therapy, when combined with coaching from yinRoot, becomes a potent blend. yinRoot promotes a complete and integrative approach to fertility, pairing the manual therapy techniques of Merciér Therapy with holistic health education.

Together, they aim to:

1. Increase Blood Flow: Merciér Therapy improves pelvic organ mobility and enhances blood flow to the ovaries and uterus.

2. Balance Hormones Naturally: In addition to Merciér Therapy, the education and resources from yinRoot often focus on lifestyle and dietary changes that can support optimizing hormone balance.

3. Reduce Pelvic Pain: Merciér Therapy can help reduce associated scar tissue, pain, and inflammation for those with conditions like endometriosis or PCOS.

Cost-Effective Complement to IVF

Because Merciér Therapy and yinRoot's holistic approach often involve fewer medications and less invasive procedures than traditional IVF, they can be more cost-effective. Additionally, they can be used alongside IVF, potentially increasing the odds of success per IVF cycle and thus potentially reducing the total number of costly cycles needed.

The Possibility of Conceiving Naturally

While IVF is a powerful tool for those struggling with fertility, the dream for many is to conceive naturally. At yinRoot, we offer a path towards achieving this goal. By optimizing the health of the pelvic organs, balancing hormones naturally, and creating a state of overall well-being, we can set the stage for natural conception. Numerous women have successfully conceived naturally after going through The Shared Journey Fertility Program through yinRoot.

The Potential Hazards of the IVF Process

While In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a widely practiced and generally safe procedure, as with any medical intervention, there are potential risks and side effects. Here is an outline of potential hazards associated with IVF:

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS):

• Description: Sometimes, the ovaries respond too well to fertility drugs and become very swollen. OHSS is generally more common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Symptoms: Bloating, mild pain, and nausea. Severe cases can lead to rapid weight gain, severe pain, and shortness of breath.

• Management: Most cases are mild and can resolve unaided, but severe cases may require hospitalization.

Ectopic Pregnancy:

• Description: There is a slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy with IVF. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.

• Symptoms: Vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.

• Management: Ectopic pregnancies are not viable and can be life-threatening; they require immediate medical attention.

Multiple Pregnancies:

• Description: IVF increases the risk of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) if more than one embryo is transferred to the uterus.

• Risks: Multiple pregnancies have higher chances of pregnancy loss, preterm birth, neonatal health issues, and maternal complications.

Miscarriage:

• Description: The risk of miscarriage for women who conceive using IVF with fresh embryos is similar to that of women who conceive naturally, but the risk increases with maternal age.

Premature Delivery and Low Birth Weight:

• Description: Research indicates that IVF may increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, regardless of the number of embryos transferred.

Birth Defects:

• Description: Children conceived through IVF might have a slightly higher risk of congenital disabilities than children conceived naturally, but the risk is still relatively low.

Emotional and Psychological Stress:

• Description: IVF can be an emotionally intense process, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.

Ovarian Torsion:

• Description: In rare cases, stimulated ovaries can twist on themselves, cutting off blood flow.

• Symptoms: Severe pelvic pain and, in some cases, nausea and vomiting.

Infection or Bleeding Associated with Egg Retrieval:

• Description: While egg retrieval is generally safe, as with any invasive procedure, there is a small risk of infection or bleeding.

Financial Strain:

• Description: IVF can be costly, and the financial burden can be a significant source of stress for many couples.

Medication Side Effects:

• Description: The injectable hormones used to stimulate the ovaries can cause side effects such as hot flashes, feelings of bloating, headaches, and mood swings.

Potential Cancer Risk:

• Description: Some studies have raised questions about whether fertility treatments could increase the risk of ovarian or breast cancer.

Possible Risks to the Baby:

• Description: Some evidence suggests that IVF may be associated with a slight increase in specific health problems in the baby, although the absolute risk is still low.

It is essential for individuals considering IVF to have a thorough discussion with their healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of the procedure in their specific situation. The healthcare provider will consider a patient's medical history, age, specific fertility issues, and other health factors when advising on the risks associated with IVF.

Please note this is a general outline of potential hazards associated with IVF. The risks can vary significantly between individuals, and it is vital to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding fertility treatments.

Conclusion

IVF has revolutionized the field of reproductive health, offering hope to millions. However, it is often a path fraught with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Holistic and natural approaches, such as working with a Fertility Coach at yinRoot, offer a compelling and cost-effective complement or alternative to the traditional IVF process.

By engaging with these holistic practices, individuals are not abandoning the science that has been a beacon of hope for so many. Instead, they are opting to combine the best of both worlds — harnessing the power of modern medicine and the body's innate ability to heal and conceive naturally.

Please note that while yinRoot offers promising outcomes, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your fertility treatment plan.