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IFLG-6-Things-to-Know-Before-Starting-IVF-Rich-Vaughn

16 Oct 2023 6 Things to Know Before Starting IVF

Posted at 09:00h in Assisted Reproductive Technology, Fertility Treatment, IFLG, In Vitro Fertilization, Insurance, Intended Parents, IVF, Preparation Before IVF, Preparing For IVF, Rich Vaughn by
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2.3% of babies born yearly in the United States are the result of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) thanks to the work of thousands of ART professionals coupled with the determination, sacrifice, and love of thousands of so many intended parents, egg and sperm donors, and surrogates. Over the past decade, the use of ART has more than doubled, and this growth is expected to continue as technology advances and more intended parents gain access to ART.

As ART becomes increasingly prevalent, it is essential to consider certain factors before embarking on your fertility journey. Every journey comes with its own set of challenges, and in vitro fertilization (IVF), the primary procedure in ART, can be particularly demanding on the mental and physical well-being of intended parents. Adequate preparation, physical, emotional, and financial, can help alleviate some of the stress involved with IVF and may contribute to a more successful outcome.

IVF Does Not Guarantee a Pregnancy

While IVF is successful for thousands of intended parents each year, it does not provide a 100% guarantee for a successful pregnancy and birth of a healthy baby. Knowing the statistics for successful implantation and live birth may help intended parents maintain realistic expectations in preparing for IVF.

According to a summary report by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), women under the age of 35, using their own eggs, have an almost 40% chance of achieving a successful pregnancy and live birth with the first embryo transfer via IVF. However, as women age, SART reports that these percentages decrease significantly, with women over the age of 42 facing just a 3.5% chance of a successful pregnancy and live birth. This decline in live births as women age can be attributed partly to a reduced likelihood of achieving pregnancy and partly to an increased risk of miscarriage as age increases.

Recognizing challenges that may arise with IVF, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) now recommends only implanting one embryo per IVF cycle, not only for the health of the intended parent or gestational carrier but also to create a higher chance of a live birth, stating that “even twin gestations have a significant additional morbidity compared with that of singletons,” as we reported earlier this year. The CDC also aligns with this approach, emphasizing that implanting a single embryo helps mitigate the risks associated with preterm labor, premature births, and developmental delays that can occur when carrying multiples.

Be Proactive with Your Fertility Journey Before IVF

Infertility is clinically defined as the inability to conceive after one year of trying for women under the age of 35, or six months for women over the age of 35. However, some medical experts argue that there is no need to wait for the full duration of those guidelines before seeking help, as there are preliminary medical assessments that can be conducted through simple bloodwork and examinations.

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist in San Francisco, tells The New York Times, that intended parents are sometimes labeled with unexplained infertility without undergoing basic diagnostic tests. She emphasizes the importance of taking steps before consulting a fertility specialist. This includes women having their hormone levels checked, their uterus and fallopian tubes examined, and, if they have a male partner, having his semen evaluated as well. Eyvazzadeh goes on to tell The Times, “You don’t want to spend one year trying and then find out you have problems. Make fertility screening part of your health checkup.” 

Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes Before Beginning IVF

To increase the chances of a successful IVF journey, there are several lifestyle changes that intended parents should consider implementing before beginning IVF. Deidre D. Gunn, M.D., an assistant professor of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, tells Parents, “Achieving a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and quitting tobacco and other substance use can greatly improve IVF success rates.”

Moreover, adopting a healthy diet and incorporating regular exercise into your routine can have a positive impact on overall health, and in turn, IVF outcomes as well. A systematic review in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that being physically active before starting IVF is associated with better outcomes with an increase in clinical pregnancy and live births. The report also indicates that engaging in routine physical activity can alleviate stress and anxiety, which have been identified as significant risk factors impacting the outcomes of assisted reproduction.

Know the Risks and Side Effects of IVF

As with any medical procedure, there are possible risks and side effects. Although rare, one of the main risks associated with IVF is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), swelling of the ovaries and fluid retention in the body. OHSS can range from mild to severe, with the most severe cases posing a life-threatening risk and requiring immediate medical attention.

Intended parents should also be aware of potential side effects before beginning an IVF cycle. Fertility medications can cause nausea, bloating, weight gain, headaches, mood swings, fatigue, hot flashes, and even dizziness. Not all women experience side effects during the IVF process, but it is helpful to know they are a possibility. If and when side effects do arise, knowing that they are common and only temporary, may help alleviate any stress or anxiety associated with such side effects and the IVF process.

Plan for Financial Costs Incurred During IVF

IVF is expensive and can cost $12,000 to $17,000 per cycle, with intended parents often needing more than one cycle to create their families. Preparing yourself financially can help not only alleviate some of the financial pressures but also the mental stress that comes along with financial sacrifice. Whether it be taking the time to save for IVF, or opting for a payment plan with a clinic, having a well-defined financial strategy in place is essential before starting IVF.

Fortunately, many states are now mandating insurers offer reproductive health coverage, and some employers are offering fertility benefits packages for their employees, giving increasing numbers of intended parents a financial break. This added benefit can help alleviate the financial pressure for IVF in general and ease the added pressure to implant more than one embryo into the womb at a time for fear of not being able to afford another IVF cycle. State mandates and reproductive health insurance benefits may also help intended parents who otherwise would not be able to afford IVF a chance to fulfill their dreams of parenthood as well. You can check with RESOLVE The National Infertility Association to see if your state requires ART coverage as well as with your employer to see if it offers fertility benefits. Not all employers cover IVF, but many cover other fertility tests and procedures, which can help offset the cost of IVF, as we’ve reported previously.

Preparation for IVF Pays Off in Peace of Mind

For many intended parents, the journey to conceive can be a long one, but informed preparation is well worth the time and effort. Researching and understanding the IVF journey beforehand, along with realistic expectations of the process and outcomes, can help intended parents prepare mentally and physically. IVF is an emotionally taxing experience in which there are no right or wrong emotions. Allowing yourself time to research and educate yourself about the process will give you the knowledge to be proactive in your own path to parenthood. At IFLG, through constant engagement with our extensive network of ART professionals and reproductive rights advocates, we take enormous pride in staying informed of the latest advancements in assisted reproductive technology as well as any changes and advancements in state mandates for fertility coverage. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or for guidance on how to provide legal security for your family during your IVF journey. We are happy to help.

 

 

 

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Richard Vaughn
rich@iflg.net

Attorney Rich Vaughn is founder and principal of International Fertility Law Group, one of the world’s largest and best-known law firms focused exclusively on assisted reproductive technology, or ART, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, sperm donation or egg donation. Rich is co-author of the book “Developing A Successful Assisted Reproduction Technology Law Practice,” American Bar Association Publishing, 2017.

Peiya Wang
PEIYA WANG（王培娅)
Paralegal （律师助理）

Peiya Wang joined IFLG as a paralegal in 2015, where she manages surrogacy, egg donation and parental establishment cases and provides translation services for many of IFLG’s international clients. Peiya moved to the United States in 2012 to attend Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, receiving a Master of Science degree in Global Studies and International Affairs in 2014. Peiya moved to Los Angeles in 2015, received her paralegal certification from UCLA Extension, and obtained her second Master of Science degree in Legal Studies from Loyola Law School. Peiya relocated back to her hometown, Beijing, China in 2019 and works from IFLG’s Beijing office. When away from the office, Peiya is a dragon boat paddler and a ballroom dancer, where she favors Rumbas and Cha-chas. She is fluent in Mandarin and English.

Luis Sosa
LUIS SOSA
Paralegal

Luis R. Sosa joined IFLG as a paralegal in 2016, where he enjoys pursuing his passion for family and reproductive law. While working toward his bachelor’s degree at Florida International University which he received in 2013, Luis worked as a paralegal and legal assistant for family law litigation firms in Miami and Washington, D.C. As a paralegal and case manager for IFLG, Luis, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, manages surrogacy, egg donation and other reproductive law cases. Luis has worked for IFLG in both Los Angeles as well as San Francisco, and is currently based in Dallas, Texas. In addition to spending time with husband Randy and dog Marty, Luis enjoys being outdoors and appreciating the arts.

Toni Hughes
TONI BOONE
Paralegal

After receiving her B.S. in Business Management, Toni joined IFLG to pursue her dream of working in the legal field. As a Paralegal with over 10 years of experience in the assisted reproduction technology field, Toni is our Managing Paralegal, responsible for training and managing our paralegal staff. From drafting legal documents to assisting our clients with post-birth matters, Toni embraces the challenge of learning something new in this field each day. Besides spending time with her son, Jordan, Toni enjoys exploring new things, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and serving as a Youth Advisor for “Next Generation.”

Kim
KIM LETZKUS
Paralegal

Kim has over 30 years of experience in the legal field and has worked exclusively in surrogacy and assisted reproduction law since 1999. Kim is a senior case manager responsible for managing parental establishment cases and interacting with IFLG’s Of Counsel attorneys across the country. With three children of her own, Kim understands the importance of family and finds working in this area of law a rewarding experience.

Rich Vaughn
RICHARD B. VAUGHN
Founder

Attorney Rich Vaughn combined his personal passion as a father of twin boys born via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with more than 20 years of experience in business and technology law to build International Fertility Law Group. Today IFLG is one of the most successful and best-known law firms in the world focused exclusively on fertility law, helping thousands of intended parents through empathetic listening, compassionate guidance, and unmatched legal expertise. As an advocate for reproductive freedom, Rich also contributes his knowledge and time to improving the understanding and practice of ART law, most recently as a founder of and speaker at the first Cambridge University International Surrogacy Symposium held in June 2019, as immediate past chair of the American Bar Association ART Committee, and as a popular presenter to law schools, faculty and advocacy organizations all over the world.

Elizabeth Tamayo
ELIZABETH TAMAYO
Paralegal

Elizabeth received her Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University of Los Angeles. Shortly after graduating, she continued her education at the University of California, Los Angeles where she obtained her Paralegal certificate. Elizabeth is fluent in Spanish and has been in the legal field since 2009. She is excited to be a part of the IFLG Team helping families realize their dreams.

Sunny Chien
SUNNY CHIEN
Paralegal

Sunny joined IFLG as a paralegal in 2017, where she manages surrogacy, egg donation and parental establishment cases for many of IFLG’s international clients. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from California State University of Los Angeles, where she graduated cum laude. Sunny is bilingual in English and Mandarin and has extensive experience as a legal assistant and paralegal at Los Angeles-area law firms. She is excited to be part of the IFLG team. In her spare time, Sunny enjoys spending time with her family and their dog, going to the beach, cooking, and being outdoors.

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Molly O'Brien
MOLLY O'BRIEN
Partner

Fertility law attorney Molly O’Brien began working in the field of assisted reproduction technology (ART) in 2005, at an egg donation agency and a surrogacy agency where she became familiar with all aspects of in-vitro fertilization, egg donation and the financial aspects of surrogacy. Since becoming an attorney in 2011, Molly has drafted and negotiated surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation embryo donation agreements for hundreds of her clients all over the world.

Phoebe Sadler
PHOEBE S. SADLER
Associate

Fertility law attorney Phoebe Sadler has a background in family law and has been practicing exclusively in the area of assisted reproduction technology (ART) law since 2018.

Rubina Aslanyan
RUBINA ASLANYAN
Paralegal

Rubina has an extensive background in the legal field as a paralegal in Family Law and has worked in surrogacy and assisted reproduction law since 2012. Her area of focus is in managing and assisting clients with surrogacy, egg donation, and parental establishment cases for many of IFLG’s domestic and international clients. During her spare time, Rubina enjoys spending time with her family and dog Bella, traveling and cooking.

Alexander Espinoza
ALEXANDER ESPINOZA
Legal Assistant

Alexander joined IFLG as a legal assistant in 2019, where he manages surrogacy, egg donation and parental establishment cases. Alex is bilingual in English and Spanish and has been in the legal field for 23 years. Alex is excited to join the IFLG team and pursuing his will to help others in the reproductive law process. In his spare time he loves spending time with his family and friends, being outdoors, road trips, loves music and dancing.

Cara Stecker
CARA STECKER
Senior Paralegal

After receiving her paralegal certificate in 2005, Cara began working in assisted reproductive law. During the fifteen years Cara has worked in this field, she has gained a wide range of experience and knowledge that she uses to help better assist clients and those involved in the assisted reproductive journey. Cara’s primary roles involve managing parental establishment matters and coordination with IFLG’s Of Counsel attorney network, drafting contracts and parental establishment court documents and providing support to other team members. Cara finds great joy in being a small part of a team of caring people who help others achieve their dream of having a family. In her spare time, Cara enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, watching her children play the sports they love, and she enjoys, running, cycling and exploring the outdoors in the sun.

Stephanie Kimble
STEPHANIE KIMBLE
Paralegal

Stephanie received her BS in History and Political Thought from Concordia University Irvine in 2015 and her Paralegal Certificate from University of San Diego later that same year. She has been working as a Paralegal since 2016 in Family and Reproductive Law. She is excited to be part of International Fertility Law Group working on managing Surrogacy, Egg donation and Parental Establishment Cases.

Trish Pittman
TRISH PITTMAN
Assistant Financial Coordinator

With more than 20 years of experience in the field of accounting, Trish joined the IFLG team in 2019 as Assistant Financial Coordinator. Her client-facing focus at IFLG is to assist with all client trust accounting. Trish is the mother of two daughters and enjoys spending time teaching and learning new things from them. In her free time, she loves long walks in the park and reading suspense and mystery novels.

Katie Deaquino
KATIE DEAQUINO
Senior Paralegal

Katie is a Senior Paralegal with IFLG and has dedicated over sixteen years to the areas of surrogacy and reproductive law. She received her Paralegal Certificate from Coastline Community College and has worked with some of the top law firms in the assisted reproduction community. Katie is also a commissioned Notary Public. With IFLG, Katie manages Surrogacy, Egg Donation, and Parental Establishment cases and provides support to other IFLG team members. Katie truly enjoys helping others build their families through assisted reproduction and is thankful she has had the rewarding experience of assisting IFLG clients. Katie often spends her free time with her Husband, four young children and her bulldog “Bella”.

Elsa Jimenez
ELSA JIMENEZ
Legal Assistant

Elsa joined IFLG as a Legal Assistant in 2019, bringing more than 35 years of experience working in the legal profession (concentrating in tort and litigation matters). At IFLG she assists surrogates with their surrogacy and parental matters. The oldest of five siblings, born and raised in East Los Angeles to Mexican immigrant parents, Elsa loves “seeing the beauty of families forming” through assisted reproductive technology. She and her husband Carlos have four children and one grandson. Elsa enjoys jazz and ’80s music, being outdoors in nature, collecting teacups and tea pots, and spending time with her close-knit family.