In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most common infertility treatments. It is used in surrogacy and biological pregnancies to assist women who are struggling with fertility. Sometimes it is used for other reasons as well. It is a form of assisted reproductive technology also known as ART.
Basic Procedure
When undergoing IVF, the egg donor will often stop her cycle prior to beginning the egg retrieval process. This allows the doctor to manipulate dates of retrieval and ensure that medications are taken at the right times. If the donor is not the carrier, her cycle will be synchronized with the intended mother or surrogate’s menstrual cycle. Super ovulation begins with being given hormones to stimulate egg production. Eggs will be retrieved and fertilized. For some women, they stop here for a time and freeze the eggs, but if they are completing a full cycle it will continue. The embryos are then reinserted into the uterus. In cases where there are few eggs available or there are complications with embryo survival, the eggs may be held in the lab up to 5 days to create a blastocyst. This type of embryo has a higher rate of survival. The blastocyst is then implanted in the uterus where the mother hopes for cell implantation.
Purpose
There are many reasons to use IVF. As stated before, if there are fertility issues related to the survival of the fetus, often a blastocyst is implanted. If fertilization is a problem, having a lab to fertilize the eggs can solve that for parents. In addition to these reasons, people using surrogates or egg donors will use IVF for embryo transfer. The success rates for in vitro fertilization are higher than that of sexual intercourse and may help people facing age and physical complications as well as those who are facing other reasons for infertility.
Risks
While risks are minimal, women can still miscarry when using IVF. There is a risk of hyperstimulation from the egg retrieval. If this happens, you will immediately need to see your doctor. This is a rare occurrence, though.
Final Thoughts
Invitro fertilization is a newer reproductive technique available to those seeking to start a family. There may be reasons that this assistive reproduction is not right for you. It is a wonderful way for infertile couples to start a family. It can also help LGBTQ couples become parents. When trying to conceive, always talk to your doctor to understand the risks and benefits for your family.
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There are many reasons that people elect to adopt children. Some people who cannot have children of their own will adopt and other times people will adopt because they want to help children in foster care or orphanages out. There are three popular types of adoption in the US. While there are others, these are the most often utilized types.
Step/ Non-Biological Parent
Sometimes a biological parent is not present in a child’s life. The present biological parent will enter into a relationship with someone new and over time they form a bond with that child. When feasible, the non-biological parent will often adopt the child and take them as their own. This sometimes happens when the child is young and other times happens as the child grows older. Many people may initiate this process, but it can only be completed if the other biological parent is unknown or does not have parental rights. This is the least expensive adoption scenario but is only available for a small number of parents, so not everyone can opt for this type of adoption. It is the most common in the US, though.
Foster System Adoptions
Foster system adoptions are the least expensive options for those adopting outside of their immediate families. Children placed in foster care often become orphans if their parents’ rights are terminated. These children spend years bouncing from foster home to foster home and eventually age out of the system. Whenever possible, these children are put up for adoption.
Private Adoptions
These are the most expensive adoptions. Sometimes the children placed for adoption wait a very long time to be adopted. These children have been voluntarily surrendered by their biological parents, most of the time. People often prefer to adopt babies with minimal medical needs, so children with additional difficulties often stay in the adoption system for a very long time, sometimes until they turn eighteen. .
Private adoptions may be arranged before the birth of the baby with a pregnant woman, or you may adopt a child from an orphanage or home Surrogacy
Another alternative to adoption is surrogacy if you want to achieve your dream of parenthood. There are different types of surrogacy, and in the following links you can find helpful information about surrogacy:
Final Thoughts
Parents must decide what type of adoption is best for them. While there are benefits to each kind, there are no easy choices. Many people love adopting foster kids, but they often come with additional needs that can be difficult to overcome. These complications come with their own problems and can be more than some parents can handle. On the other hand, some parents thrive with these types of children. It is the type of care they were built for completing. There is nothing wrong with being either type of parent. You must build the family that works best for you!
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Photos used under Creative Commons from donnierayjones, Ivan Radic