Everything you need to know about IVF from treatment stages to costs – Kidspot

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Jane Barry, midwife and child health nurse explains everything you need to know about IVF, from treatment stages to costs (and everything in between!).
IVF stands for in vitro fertilisation. In vitro literally means performed in a test tube, culture dish or outside of a living organism. When a couple or woman has problems conceiving naturally, IVF is a technique that can help to become pregnant. It’s estimated around one in nine couples have problems conceiving naturally and for many, IVF can be a solution.
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During an IVF procedure, an egg is fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. First, the egg or eggs are removed from the woman during a collection procedure and stored until they are ready to be fertilised with sperm from her partner or a donor. Once the egg has been fertilised, the developing embryo is implanted into the woman’s uterus. Generally, two embryos (sometimes more) are implanted to boost the chances of having a successful pregnancy.
Do you know what to expect? Source: iStock.
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There are many reasons why IVF may be recommended for you. Fertility specialists are experts in assessing a woman and/or couple’s overall reproductive health. Once the reason for infertility is found, specific treatment options can be recommended.
Sometimes infertility is because of a combination of factors, or fertility problems with one or both individuals. Making the decision to have IVF is rarely taken lightly. It can be very expensive and involve a big commitment of time, energy and money. 
Everyone who does IVF hopes for successful conception, though there are never any absolute guarantees. Most fertility specialists are very open about the chances, odds and risks of having IVF before a mutual agreement is made about starting the process.
There are a range of reasons for choosing to have IVF, the most common are:
Sometimes IVF is needed because a couple is using donor sperm and/or donor eggs. If eggs or sperm have been frozen, these can be thawed and used when the time is right.
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Donor sperm or donor eggs may be used. Source: iStock.
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Managing IVF cycles takes a fair amount of planning. Having a full and thorough physical examination and tests beforehand helps to build a ‘baseline’ for understanding a woman’s typical cycle and what she needs.  
Generally, as part of an IVF cycle, women need to take hormones to boost the number of eggs they are producing. This means that at egg collection time, there are several eggs to choose from.
Your chances of having a successful pregnancy will depend on your individual situation. Though on average, for every cycle of IVF a woman undergoes, she has about a 1 in 5 chance of becoming pregnant and having a baby. 
For women who are younger than 35, their chances of IVF success are higher. For women who are older, their success rate is less. Some women need up to 5 (or more) IVF cycles to become pregnant. And some women, despite doing all they can, never successfully achieve a pregnancy.
Hormone injections can stimulate the ovaries. Source: iStock.
Each clinic has its own costs and charges, though competition between fertility clinics is helping to contain the costs. Many fertility treatments are rebatable through Medicare and the Medicare Safety Net provides extra rebates for those who are paying large amounts in medical expenses.
On average, one cycle of IVF in a calendar year costs around $10,000. Approximately $5,000 of this will be ‘out of pocket’. This cost comes down once the safety net is reached. 
Some IVF clinics charge only the Medicare rebatable fee. Though the majority of clinics are private and their charges are higher than the Medicare rebates alone.
Egg, sperm and embryo freezing and storage are additional costs, as are any medications you’ll need to take. 
Speak with your GP about your own unique fertility. They can order preliminary tests which may provide some insights into why you’re having problems conceiving. If necessary, they’ll refer you to a fertility specialist.
Written for Kidspot by Jane Barry, Midwife and Child Health Nurse.
Kidspot is running a conception campaign all throughout November called Two Tiny Lines. If you have a fertility journey you’d like to share with us, please reach out via [email protected]
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