In Vitro Fertilization

Question: How do embryos start developing after in vitro fertilization? We are doing a project on twins in my biology class and my topic is multiple births due to in vitro fertilization. And I need to find out how the embryos get started.

Answer: In a normal female, fertilization occurs in the oviduct after an ovum has been released from the ovary, and is fertilized by the sperm. This fertilized ovum then travels down the oviduct and implants itself into the endometrium (the outermost layer) of the uterus. The zygote will grow for the duration of the pregnancy here. In in-vitro fertilization, a physician will implant multiple embryos in the endometrial lining of the uterus, the opposite of the natural process. In most cases, physicians will implant more than one embryo simply to increase the chances of having one successfully implant and grow. Following implantation in the uterus, these embryos grow in the same way as all others, The zygote undergoes multiple division to form the blastocyst, and eventually cells begin differentiating and specializing.

Question: How much is In Vitro Fertilization & how does it work? How much does In Vitro Fertilization run for and how does it work? My husband & I are 23 years old, had a miscarriage last year and we've been trying for over a year to have a child with no luck. The doctors say that nothing is wrong with me or him, it just hasn't happen. What is the process for In vitro fertilization and how much is it? We are ready to be parents!!!

Answer: If you had a miscarriage, then IVF is not what you need. You can conceive! You may, however, need to see a doctor who specializes in miscarriage OR see a reproductive endocrinologist.

Question: How effective is in vitro fertilization for a woman under 30? I have had three healthy children but after my last child, had my tubes cut in sections. they are unrepairable so i'm looking into in vitro fertilization. Have appointment on the 30th with fertility clinic. Everything else concerning my reproductive system is just fine so i doubt there should be any issues. I'm looking to hear about this procedure from those that have gone through it or know someone who has done it. what the success rate is, how likely it is to have multiples ect. any info is greatly appreciated.

Answer: The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology did a national study and found that women under 35 had a live birth average success rate of 39.9% for IVF using a fresh non-donor embryo. Your actualy rates will depend on your specific situation, your fertilization rates for your actual cycle, quality of the embryos produced, number transferred back etc . . . As to multiples - in IVF you have a lot of control. Most doctor try to reduce the risk of high-order multiples and many are encouraging women to only transfer 1 embryo. My advice is to NOT transfer more than you are willing to handle. I would not want to have to do selective reduction after going through so much to get pregnant or putting myself and the unborn at risk by transferring too many. We did IVF and transferred 2 embryos - both stuck and we now have twins that will turn 1 in 3 days - a true blessing but a ton of work. I could not have handled triplets and would not have risked more than twins. You might want to look into nutrition, acupuncture, stress management, counseling and prenatal yoga if you end up doing IVF. I personally found it beneficial when going through IVF - I was in a better place mentally and physically. Good luck and best wishes!

Question: My uncle paid for his girlfriend's in vitro fertilization can he duduct on tax return? My uncle paid for his girlfriend's in vitro fertilization, but both their names are on all the forms. Can he deduct or can she deduct on 1040. I feel like I should add that both their names were on all forms and part of the payment went to his part as well. They were treated as joint patients its just that most of the work went to his girlfriend.

Answer: If the girlfriend is his dependent (lives with him all year, he provided more than half of her support, and she made less than $3500), then there's no question. If not, I might still push the issue. IRS Pub 502 clearly states that in vitro fertilization procedures are a qualified medical expense. Especially if the reason for the procedure was his low sperm count--and not problems with her fallopian tubes--then I might say it was as much his procedure as hers. The worst case is that the IRS would disallow it and he'd have to pay the extra tax at that time. There would be interest on the extra tax, but I doubt if there'd be penalties--since the clinic listed his name as a patient.

Question: Would you willingly donate sperm or eggs for in vitro fertilization to produce a healthy child? Would you willingly donate sperm or eggs for in vitro fertilization to produce a healthy child for a couple who could not have one because of the risk of an inherited disease, such as Fanconi's anemia?

Answer: that is actually on my list of things to do for 2009, donate sperm. so the answer is...YES!!

Question: How does human cloning compare with other reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, hormone tr? Is human cloning "playing with nature"? How does human cloning compare with other reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, hormone treatments, or other forms?

Answer: Human cloning is totally different. The other techniques are intended to 'help nature' in producing a new human being. Cloning would imply making a duplicate of an existing human. Cloning in not reproduction, it is duplication. Technically speaking, all of those things are "playing with nature". But then again, if humans were not to be playing with nature, we'd be dwelling in caves, not use fire, and essentially living like chimps do in the wild.

Question: Is it right to donate sperm and ovum for In vitro fertilization (test tube baby) purpose? In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process by which egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside the womb, in vitro. IVF is a major treatment in infertility when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed.

Answer: Without it, some people would not be able to have kids. I think giving people the joy of having their own child is definitely a good thing.

Question: Is in -vitro fertilization cheaper than a tubual litigation reversal? I am trying to decide whether i should get a tubal litigation or someone mentioned in-vitro fertilization but i'm not sure how that works.Any help would be great.

Answer: The costs of tubal ligation reversal and of IVF will, of course, vary greatly, but overall the cost of tubal ligation is probably less than that of IVF. From what I've read, the typical cost of tubal ligation reversal in the US would range from about $3,000 to about $10,000. Add to that figure the hospital charges, which could be as low as about $6,000 and as high as about $20,000. Also, I believe that most insurance would not cover any of this. The cost of a single IVF cycle would probably be around $12,000 -- but you must then add the cost of medications, which averages at a few thousand dollars per cycle. (It's also my understanding that the cost of a single IVF cycle can be much more, perhaps as high as $25,000....although personally I don't know of any clinic that charges that much.) Some states require that insurance plans contain infertility coverage, but those are in the minority; outside of that, most insurance doesn't cover it...or, I've seen a lot of insurance plans that cover various fertility treatments but specifically exclude IVF. If you compare the cost of tubal ligation reversal to the cost of a SINGLE IVF cycle, then perhaps the IVF is cheaper. But that assumes your first IVF cycle is successful. With tubal ligation reversal, the hope, of course, is that once you have the surgery you require no further medical intervention to get pregnant -- you have the cost of the surgery and you're done. With IVF, however, you may be looking at a single cycle....or at two...or three...or four...you get the picture. That said, something to consider is that many fertility clinics have so-called "shared risk" programs, and, *if* you qualify for that clinic's program, you pay a certain amount for a certain number of tries, and if you don't succeed with the IVF you get a certain portion of your money back, or all of it back. (For example, the shared risk program at a prominent Maryland clinic costs about $30,000 and entitles you to 6 IVF cycles (the cost of medications is separate, of course); if you deliver and bring home a healthy child, whether it's from the first cycle or the sixth, it's cost you $30,000, but if you don't succeed 100% of the cost is refunded, and, you can opt out at any time (ie after 3 cycles you can decide you want to stop treatments, and the full amount of money will be refunded.) Anyway, the point is there are a lot of variables. And things to consider also are factors that effect your fertility. For example, you may want to have your partner/husband have a semen analysis, because if there's any issue on that front that could create a fertility issue, it seems to me it would be a "risk" to get a reversal when you'd likely still face problems conceiving. Also, age/egg quality would be issues to consider, again because of the idea that you don't want to go through the tubal ligation reversal only to find yourself struggling with fertility issues afterwards. Sorry for the novel. I guess my point is that there are more factors than "just cost," and, in any event, the cost question isn't so clearcut as there are variables. Best of luck, whatever you decide.

Question: Are relationships pointless because of In vitro fertilization? Since we can just fertilize people in a lab why doesn't the human race just do away with relationships and control procreation through strict government controlled In vitro fertilization? I feel that this makes the whole messy situation of families and relationships pointless. Why don't we do it this way?

Answer: Ummm...... maybe because people fall in love, want a sexual relationship and because children deserve to at least have a chance at a normal 2 parent family. If you'vee had bad experiences of families/relationships then perhaps you should stay clear of them, other people are doing fine with theirs. PS Invitro is where you take the sperm and eggs from a man and women, then you let them fertilize, you still need permission from both man and women as well as their genetics. EDIT from reading your past questions such as 'why do we havew ovens when we have microwaves?' and 'are computers a fad lie the yo yo?' i can tell your just a wind up. Good questions though.

Question: What are the ethical concerns regarding In Vitro Fertilization? Should doctors refuse In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment on patients with large families?

Answer: Did you delete this question? I know that I answered this . . . No, it is not up to a doctor to decide how large my family should be - so long as I am a good candidate, can afford the treatment and can financially and emotionally support my children . . . it is my choice. BUT - I do not think that they should transfer more than 2 - 3 embryos. Tranferring 6 (as in the case of the Octuplet mom - she transferred 6 and 2 split into twins) is irresponsible and puts both the children and mom at an unnecessary high risk of medical complications and even death.

Question: Does the military insurance pay for in vitro fertilization? My fiance and I are talking about the possibility of having a baby after we are married. I had my tubes tied with my first marriage and I was wondering if the military insurance pays for in vitro fertilization or if they will cover my surgery to untie my tubes.

Answer: http://PregnantBible.clickthru.ca I understand your frustration, my dear. Believe it or not, my husband and I tried to conceive for more than 8-months. We tried to refrain from sex for days and even weeks but it didn't help. Worst part is, there were empty hopes - I thought I was pregnant but in the end I wasn't. It's really frustrating and I understand that. I was in Yahoo Answers and in this section quite some time ago and I ask a question similar to yours and a person recommended me a book. It's entitled "Getting Pregnant Bible". I swear it's like a gift from God! It teaches stuffs like the seven things you need to do before even you try to get pregnant to ensure a healthy pregnancy; the appropriate diet to conceive; how to increase your husband's sperm count; the ovulation cycle and many others! I am already having my 4th child now! I really recommend that you try reading this book out. Also, they are currently giving free bonus books like fertility secrets and choosing your baby gender! It's for a limited time only! Learn more about it here: http://PregnantBible.clickthru.ca

Question: What do you know about in vitro fertilization? I'm just curious. My husband and I are trying to have a baby and we haven't reached the stage of considering something like this, but Iike to be well informed. I heard it can be expensive. Do you know of any other effective fertilization methods that can help you conceive?

Answer: You sound a lot like me, dot all of the i's and cross the t's. My husband and I tried the natural way of getting pregnant for five years...rhythm, ovulation prediction, standing on my head:) artificial insemination with drugs and artificial hormones injections galore followed that. I personally think if you can't get pregnant naturally you should skip right to ICSI. It seemed like everything else was designed to take our money and leave us barren and devastated. ICSI is a process where they give you hormones to produce eggs, they harvest the eggs and then take an individual sperm and inject it directly in to the egg. We had our eggs harvested one year ago today and we now have a healthy beautiful little 12 week old girl. The expense total was 48,000 and defiantly had an impact on our family. We could only afford the one try since our insurance (Cigna) wouldn't cover a thing. Shame on them. We got lucky, don't forget the emotional impact of not being successful. (We had 6 tries at insemination, and every month there is that glimmer of hope) Make sure you have a great support system intact-mother, sister, Friends...it is a long sad road hopefully with a joyous outcome. Keep in mind too that adoption can take a longgggg time, you might want to start the process as soon as you start with artificial methods of fertilization. I recommend an organization called Bethany. Good luck to you and yours, happy holidays.

Question: Where does the religious community stand on in vitro fertilization? Since it's an unnatural way of getting pregnant, does this go against the morality of your faith? Is a baby born thru this method then considered a sin? I've just wondered this for a while because I hear so often that babies are a gift from god. So is an in vitro baby not a gift from god as it wasn't actually created by a man and a woman during a reproductive act. If you are a believer of any denomination would you consider having in vitro or would this go against your faith? Thank you.

Answer: I'm a atheist and I am somewhat against it. I say this only because there are so many children who will never have a family out there. Of course I would never support trying to make it illegal, I just think there are better options.

Question: What would be the Catholic position on in vitro fertilization? Are there different positions regarding in vitro for single women or lesbian couples? It's procreation without fornication, so I suppose it would be fine for them also.

Answer: IVF is not acceptable for Catholics for a number of reasons. For one thing, the dignity of the human embryo is not honored, respected or protected. For another, the creation of a child is supposed to happen within the marital act -- the clincial "interference" of eggs extracted from a woman, combined with sperm extracted from a man's semen (which is acquired through masterbation, a form of fornication and therefore a sin), and then raised for some time in a petri dish and then injected into a woman -- perhaps not the same woman -- is all completely contrary to the dignity of human life.

Question: For those who want children, do you prefer having a baby born by in-vitro fertilization or pregnancy? The in-vitro fertilization that I am talking about is a baby born without a woman being pregnant. It involves using embryotic stem cells and test tube. For example, Louise Brown might be the first person to be born not by pregnancy, but by in-vitro fertilization by test tube.

Answer: I think that you are a bit confused - my twins were conceived via in-vitro fertilization (IVF) but trust me - I went through pregnancy, had the heartburn, cramps, stretch marks, weight gain, delivery of a baby (actually 2 babies) from my body etc . . . It also does NOT involve embryonic stem cells. It involves an egg cell and a sperm cell. IVF involves having the mom take medication to overstimulate her ovaries, produce many eggs and then have them surgically removed. They then take the sperm cells and fertilize the egg in a lab (or a test tube - but no one really uses this term anymore). They then transfer back the fertilized egg to the mom's uterus and when all goes right, she will go through pregnancy. I guess it could be considered conception without sex . . . but believe me, you are most definitely pregnant! Louise Brown was conceived in a lab not by having the egg and sperm meet inside of her mom. As to choice, most people would prefer to have a baby without the drugs and surgery, without the side effects, pain, stress, cost - it can be more than $10,000 for one attempt and no guarantee of pregnancy etc . . . it is a last resort for couples who cannot conceive any other way. Believe me, my husband and I would have preferred to conceive our twins the old-fashioned way. Unless there is a reason that you do not want to have intercourse with someone of the opposite sex such as being gay or a medical reason . . . I cannot believe that anyone would prefer IVF as the way to conceive your child but not a day goes by that I am not thankful that the technology was available so that I could have my children.

Question: How did Nadya Suleman pay for in vitro fertilization? Where did she get the money to pay for in vitro for the first six kids and where did she get the money for the ones she just had. Makes me sick. My husband and I both have good jobs and we couldn't afford to keep going just trying to keep up with medicines much less pay for in vitro.

Answer: She used the money she was awarded from a back injury while working. Apparently it was $165,000.. although I don't know how she managed to pay for 6 rounds of it AND take provide for kids on that amount. Her story must be appalling to you and your husband (as it is to me, too). Best of luck to the both of you.

Question: We need a methodology on the in vitro fertilization of Janitor Fish eggs? As the title/not really a question, but we do need the methodology on in vitro fertilization of janitor fish eggs, it's for our thesis and very important!! Please help!!!

Answer: dont know about that

Question: Will in vitro fertilization increase my chances for twins? I am a single woman who really wants to have twins! I am going to have in vitro done, and am hoping to be blessed with multiples (no more than two). Twins do NOT run in our family. We only have two pairs (from grandmother's side). Does in vitro help increase chances since fertility drugs are used? Can they just remove the egg as in surrogacy? And if they can, can't they just put two sperm in to ensure twins? thanks a ton for your help!

Answer: What are you talking about putting in two sperm to ensure twins? In Vitro is achieved by combining semen and eggs in a test tube and seeing how many eggs are fertilized. They do not put in just one sperm and one egg. The procedure where they actually inject an individual sperm into an egg is called ICSI - is that what you mean? This differs from In Vitro. The chances of twins is only greater if they actually attempt to implant more than one egg. There is absolutely no way to increase the chances of identical twins, but implanting more than one embryo increases the chances of fraternal twins. Fertility drugs are used to induce multiple follicles in your ovaries that can be harvested for placement into the petri dish to be combined with semen. The chances of twins has nothing to do with the fertility drugs, it has to do with the number of embryos implanted. The chances of both embryos implanting and growing into viable pregnancies is low. Why are you choosing In Vitro over IUI if you're an otherwise healthy woman who wants to get pregnant? I think you need to meet with a fertility doctor because it seems you have some information backwards in regards to In Vitro, ICSI, IUI, and other infertility treatments.

Question: My wife and I want to have an in vitro fertilization so we can have a baby. can army benifits do this? My wife and I want to have an in vitro fertilization so we can have a baby. can army benifits do this?and where can wego in kansas to get this done?

Answer: yes, that is how my aunt had her son! i would inquire!

Question: Does anyone know if Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama covers In-Vitro Fertilization? My husbands work is changing over to BCBS of AL in 2009 and we have to do In-Vitro Fertilization in order to have children. Everyone at the company will be getting the same plan and they will be deducting it from his paycheck bi-weekly. I was wondering if anyone that has it knows if this is covered or if any fertility treatment is covered at all? Thanks!

Answer: Unfortunately, it is unlikely - only 15 states require that insurance companies provide any sort of coverage for fertility issues and Alabama is NOT one of them. So while BC/BS of Massachusetts does provide coverage as the state mandates it . . . Alabama does not as it is not required to be provided . . . Unless the employer stepped up and purchased additional coverages, it will not be part of it. http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?p… Once you have the insurance information, contact Fertility Lifelines: http://www.fertilitylifelines.com/ They have a toll free number - 1-866-LETS TRY where a customer service agent will take your insurance information, research it and provide you all of the information in easy to understand terms. Maybe you will have coverage for things like medications, testing etc . . . Here is another great website regarding grants and ways to pay for treatments when your insurance does not cover it: http://www.nobabyonboard.com/options.htm… My fingers are crossed that you will have some sort of coverage!