In vitro fertilization, known widely as IVF, is a widely used method of conception for hopeful parents across the U.S. and beyond.
It involves a series of procedures — including egg harvesting, in-lab fertilization via sperm, and implantation of one or more embryos in a uterus — and can be used as a treatment for infertility or as a way to avoid passing down genetic diseases. It’s also a popular choice for LGBTQ+ parents and single parents who want to have children and can’t conceive naturally.
One full cycle can take around two to three weeks (including frequent doctor visits for ultrasound monitoring and blood work) and comes with a hefty price tag. It doesn’t always work on the first try, and uncontrollable factors such as age can affect your success rate.
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