There appears to be a slightly higher risk of miscarriage after IVF (25% to 30%) compared to spontaneous pregnancies (15-20%). This is probably because the problems causing infertility may also contribute to miscarriage. Up to the age of 35, pregnancy statistics do not change dramatically. Above the age of 40, pregnancy rates decrease and the incidence of miscarriage increases significantly.

To date, the incidence of birth defects in over thousands of babies produced by IVF-ET is no higher than what is expected in spontaneous pregnancies populations. See similar questions...

It appears that continuing metformin use at least through early pregnancy may reduce the chance of miscarriage, especially in patients with recurrent losses. A recent abstract, "Metformin throughout pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome reduces first-trimester miscarriage" (CJ Glueck et al, J Invest Med 2000), revealed a group's experience with 59 pregnant PCOS women. Of these, 23 were kept on metformin for the long haul. The other 36 did not continue metformin in pregnancy. See similar questions...

IVF-ET is the preferred fertility treatment in 3 situations. Firstly, when the fallopian tubes are blocked or badly damaged. Secondly, when the sperm count is very low. Finally, when simpler alternative assisted reproductive techniques have failed repeatedly. See similar questions...

The sex ratio is almost identical to that seen in the general population following standard IVF treatment. Furthermore, the Government of Singapore forbids sex selection procedures. See similar questions...

IVF is the common acronym for In-Vitro Fertilization, a frequently used conception practice when there are certain issues with the reproductive health of the mother, father, or both. IVF is simply the uniting of egg and sperm in vitro (in the lab). Subsequently the embryos are transferred into the uterus through the cervix and pregnancy is allowed to begin. The process is done in conjunction with ovulation induction through drugs, monitoring of hormone levels and follicle scans with ultrasound. See similar questions...

The primary way to reduce miscarriage associated with PCOS is to normalize hormone levels. For women with low progesterone levels in the luteal phase, improving ovulation through the use of clomiphene citrate, or injectable FSH or FSH/LH may help the problem. Addressing ovulation issues is more useful than progesterone supplementation as low progesterone is usually a symptom of a problem, such a weak ovulation, rather than the actual cause of miscarriage. See similar questions...

The outline of the procedure is the following: the egg is aspirated from the ovary, it is fertilized by a sperm in the laboratory, and the embryo is then transferred to the uterus. It could be devided to the following stages: See similar questions...

At least one in six clinical pregnancies ends in clinical miscarriage. Many more miscarriages may occur before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Most of these preclinical miscarriages are due to a random chromosome error. See similar questions...

Recurrent miscarriage is defined as three or more miscarriages in a row. About 1 to 2 percent of women suffer recurrent miscarriage. See similar questions...

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks, with most miscarriages actually occurring during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately, miscarriage is very common, affecting one in five pregnancies. There are different types of miscarriages:- silent (missed) miscarriage' - Some women have no symptoms at all and the miscarriage is only diagnosed by the absence of the fetal heart when they are given an ultrasound scan. See similar questions...

If you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year, or if you are over 35 and have been trying for 6 months, you may want to explore the possibility of IVF. IVF is taxing and expensive, so you will want to do tests with your doctor to determine that this is the best route for you. See similar questions...

The average cost of a single IVF procedure in the U.S. is $12,500 on average (it can vary significantly, depending on where and what doctor) and many insurers provide zero or minimal coverage. If you are using an egg donor, compensation for the donor and the egg-donation agency can double the costs. Because success is not assured, remember that you may need to pay for multiple attempts. See similar questions...

There are no known ill effects. Abnormal pre-embryos, even those produced through normal fertilization, do not seem to mature. However, any long-term effects of IVF remain to be determined. See similar questions...

ET is a blood disorder in which the bone marrow increases the platelet count. Some people suffer with bleeding or clotting, but some have no symptoms at all. See similar questions...

Secondary recurrent miscarriage is the loss of at least three pregnancies to miscarriage following one successful pregnancy. See similar questions...

The rate of birth defect is related directly to the age of the mother. The chance of having a child with a birth defect is the same for a woman using IVF or ICSI techniques as it is for a woman of the same age having a child naturally. See similar questions...