In the Grand Prix, you must plan your trip before you leave the starting line. In the IVF race, it’s especially important to anticipate decisions that may occur ahead of time. Sometimes, these decisions may have moral and religious implications for you which you will need to consider and discuss.
You will need to decide how many embryos will be transferred – in order to maximize your chances for pregnancy – while minimizing the possibility of multiple babies. You will also need to decide what you will do with extra eggs and/or embryos, such as whether to freeze, dispose, or donate them.
If there is a possibility that donor gametes (sperm or egg) may be used during the cycle, it is important that you carefully discuss the issues involved in raising a donor-conceived child before the cycle. Decisions with lifelong implications should not be made impulsively, or at a stressful time, such as after retrieval. Counseling can assist you in exploring these issues.
This is the fourth installment in a series of articles entitled “The IVF Race.” Read the rest of the articles in this series for suggestions in helping you finish the IVF race feeling like a champion, no matter where you place.
Previous articles from this series:
The IVF Race: A Grand Prix
The IVF Race: Maps & Terrains
The IVF Race: The Racing Team
Related Resources
Additional articles in this series:
The IVF Race: The Schedule
The IVF Race: Coping
The IVF Race: Goal Markers
The IVF Race: Bumps & Detours
The IVF Race: Credit for Completion
Related Resources
