Are you considering growing your family through in vitro fertilization (IVF)? The journey can involve a mix of anticipation, excitement, and perhaps even a touch of anxiety.

Fortunately, you’re not alone. The Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility team understands the complexities of IVF treatment and is here to guide you every step of the way.

This article will explain six things to expect during your IVF experience so there are fewer surprises.

1. You will need to visit the IVF clinic multiple times

When it comes to IVF, one size does not fit all. Every individual’s fertility needs differ, making it impossible to provide a fixed schedule. However, while we can’t give you exact dates and times, we can outline an “ideal cycle”:

• Seven Visits in Total: You’ll need to visit the IVF clinic around seven times during your IVF cycle. These visits will include important milestones like retrieval and monitoring.
• Retrieval: The retrieval process is when your mature eggs are collected. It’s a day-long visit and an essential step toward building your family.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring appointments are a necessary part of your IVF treatment plan. They help ensure the best possible outcome.

2. You’ll administer some shots yourself

Your body may need shots of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones to help prepare for a baby. However, some of your shots won’t be administered at the clinic. Many will be self-administered in the comfort of your own home.

Giving yourself a shot can seem scary, but don’t worry. The injection is subcutaneous, which means the needle only penetrates the top layer of the skin. Our team will provide guidance, training, and a schedule for self-administering the shots so it’s more manageable. We even have some training videos online for you to refer to.

To make things even easier, we’ve color-coated your medications to help you keep track. Our commitment is to make your IVF treatment as stress-free as possible.

3. You may experience side effects

IVF medications can trigger side effects like hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, and bloating. We can’t predict precisely how your body will react, but normal side effects mimic pregnancy symptoms or a “bad period.”

Remember, these side effects are temporary and a sign that your body is responding to treatment. Just stay in contact with your doctor and reach out if something feels strange or you have any concerns.

4. IVF can be costly

IVF is an investment in your future, and the cost is often a concern. We’re proud to offer one of the most cost-effective IVF programs in the region. We understand that the financial aspect can be daunting, so we’ve made it a point to provide accessible, high-quality care.

Going through an IVF round is often taxing, so we make sure to provide reliable estimates upfront. We’ll work with you to determine the treatments that fit your needs.

5. Support matters

Your emotions may go through a whirlwind when you’re trying to conceive through IVF. Having a solid support system in place is essential. We encourage you to bring your partner, family member, or friend to appointments for moral and emotional support.

Constant travel to an IVF clinic and following a fertility medication regimen can be harsh on your schedule. Understanding that you have support behind you helps you stay committed, calm, and centered.

6. IVF may not be your last option

If you don’t achieve a successful pregnancy with your first round of IVF, other options may exist, such as surrogacy or using a donated embryo. We’ll help you explore all available options, ensuring you make informed decisions about your family’s future.

Start your journey today

IVF helps you take control of your fertility. We understand that this journey may be emotional and challenging, but we’re here to provide a well-supported, comprehensive experience that considers your individual needs.

Schedule a consultation at the Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility today, and let’s work together to make your dream of starting or growing your family a reality. If you’re ready to take the next step, call the number at 520-326-0001 or follow us on Facebook.

Introduction

Every year, more than 500,000 American males get vasectomies. However, the only way to decide if the procedure is correct for your family is to consider your unique goals.

As an infertility clinic, the team at Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility can provide guidance, but ultimately, getting a vasectomy is a deeply personal decision that should be made thoughtfully.

We should mention that we are not a clinic that offers vasectomies as a service. However, as a fertility clinic, we are aware of the impacts a vasectomy has on each person and partnership’s fertility journey, and we want to offer our two cents to everyone considering this procedure.

With that in mind, here are seven things to think about:

1. What is a Vasectomy?
2. Your Future Family Goals
3. Potential Complications
4. Procedure and Recovery Time
5. Alternatives to Consider
6. Risks of Reversal 
7. Insurance Coverage and Cost

What Is a Vasectomy?

If you’re thinking about a vasectomy, you should know precisely what it entails.

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that prevents a man from being able to father children. During the surgery, which typically takes less than an hour and can be performed under local anesthesia, the doctor will cut and seal off the vas deferens, two tubes carrying sperm from the testicles to the penis.

Once these tubes get sealed off, a man can no longer impregnate a partner. His sex drive, hormones, and ability to ejaculate will not change.

Your Future Family Goals

Before deciding on a vasectomy, it’s essential to consider your long-term family goals. Do you and your partner plan to have more children in the future? Or is your family complete? A vasectomy makes it impossible to get someone pregnant without fertility treatments or surgery, so ensure you are confident in your decision.

Potential Complications

Every surgical procedure carries the risk of complications. Discussing these risks with a male infertility doctor like Dr. Gelety before the vasectomy is critical. Some potential complications include:

• Bleeding or blood clots in the scrotum
• Infection at the incision site
• Sperm granuloma, a lump caused by leaking sperm
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain in the testicles or scrotum, infection, and bleeding.

Procedure and Recovery Time

Most vasectomies are performed in a doctor’s office or clinic, though some may be done in a hospital. 

Recovery time from the procedure varies significantly from person to person, but most males return to normal activities within a few days. It’s important to refrain from strenuous activity or sexual intercourse for about a week after the procedure to ensure proper healing.

Pain and swelling are normal and can be alleviated with cold compresses or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen.

Alternatives to Consider

A vasectomy is not your only option regarding long-term birth control. You and your partner may wish to consider non-surgical forms of birth control like the implant or the IUD. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are safe and effective and can be quickly reversed if you decide to have children later.

Risks of Reversal

Although it’s extremely rare, a vasectomy can reverse itself. If this occurs, you may accidentally impregnate your partner.

The reversal can also be deliberate. Doctors can perform a vasectomy reversal and restore fertility in most cases, but this procedure is much more costly than a vasectomy and has a lower success rate.

Insurance Coverage and Cost

A vasectomy costs between $0 and over $1000, depending on where you live and how much is covered by insurance. Other factors may also affect the cost, including the surgery technique. Less invasive options typically cost more.

It’s a good idea to check with your health insurance provider. Many insurers will comprehensively cover the cost of a vasectomy, while others may have specific requirements or limitations. Learn what your insurance will cover before searching for an infertility clinic near me.

Speak With a Specialist

Discussing your options with a male infertility specialist can help you make an informed decision.

At Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, our experienced team can provide guidance and answer any questions. We know that choosing a vasectomy is no small decision — we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons to make the best choice for your family.

Call 520-326-0001 to learn more about our infertility clinic, or follow us on Facebook.

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Dr. Gelety wrote a scientific article that highlights the recommendation that young females consider freezing their eggs, a process known as oocyte cryopreservation, sooner in life if they are pursuing a degree. Young eggs equals healthier eggs, so preserving them sooner in life will give you enhanced flexibility down the road.

The ICSI procedure is an advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART) technique used in fertility treatments to help couples conceive a child. The acronym ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, and it is advantageous in cases with issues with male infertility or when other fertility treatments have not been successful.

Dr. Gelety and the reproductive health specialists at Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility stress the importance of hydration in a female’s fertility journey.

Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility helps local and out-of-state patients achieve their dream of parenthood.

Looking for expert advice on what to eat during pregnancy? From essential nutrients to pregnancy-friendly foods, we’ll guide you through a healthy and satisfying diet for you and your growing baby.

Meet our team member Savannah! She loves what she does and each patient who comes through our clinic. Get to know her more here!