In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a method of fertility treatment where eggs are removed from your ovaries and fertilized in a lab to grow into embryos. The embryos are then transferred back to your uterus to complete the pregnancy.
IVF is a viable method for people who have a difficult time conceiving naturally or for other reasons in which traditional conception cannot happen. You may be one of these people in Chicago who thinks IVF is a possible option for you, or who has been told by a fertility doctor in Chicago to consider IVF.
The good news is there are many IVF centers here in Chicago, Illinois and in the outskirts. Many of these fertility centers of Illinois can look over your medical history and your partner’s, test you both, and give you several choices regarding pregnancy. These include IVF, IUI (intrauterine insemination), egg donation, sperm donation, surrogacy, and more.
How do I find an infertility doctor near me?
The best place to start when inquiring about IVF is with your own ob/gyn. He or she will have plenty of knowledge when it comes to the best fertility doctors in Chicago or which doctors in Chicago specialize in IVF. You can also seek out the opinions of other women who are currently undergoing IVF in Chicago. These women can be found in Facebook support groups and other fertility groups, such as Shine Fertility.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for IVF?
Once you decide on a fertility center in Illinois, the fertility doctor will examine you and your history, test you and your partner, and then make that recommendation. In some cases, your situation may be related to a condition that requires a visit to the gynecologic surgery institute. These can sometimes fix the problem and then no further treatment is required. In other cases, you might undergo a surgical procedure, and then discuss IVF to make pregnancy viable.
I have a busy schedule. Is it better to find an infertility specialist near me or one that’s better in reputation?
That all depends on your situation and your flexibility. Some of the best fertility doctors in Chicago may not be at all near your work or home. Because infertility treatments can be stressful, it may be best to decide what will reduce your stress – a doctor you feel most comfortable with or ease of access to the fertility center. Whether you work in downtown Chicago but prefer a fertility institute in Naperville, or vice versa, you’ll need to figure out what’s the best approach for you. You can also try one practice but if it becomes too difficult, then try another.
Most important is that you have a supportive network around you during this time. You can find other women going through the same treatments to talk to, and also make sure your family and close friends understand and are available for you as well.