The journey toward beginning IVF is a very personal and often sincere choice. Because conversations around infertility can, and are, discussed with sensitivity and sometimes stigma in Nepal, the act of exploring fertility treatment may seem more complicated. You need to ensure that all your doubts are answered and you understand the process before you start. We’re giving you a complete playbook on IVF, IVF procedures in Nepal, key questions to ask your fertility doctor. Likewise, how to make sure you remain mentally well throughout the journey is also mentioned.
Introduction to IVF?
IVF is a process involving the joining of a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm in a lab process. The embryos are subsequently implanted into the uterus in the expectation of pregnancy.
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of fertility centres in urban hubs such as Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lalitpur hence IVF is easily available in Nepal. IVF is for those that have failed attempts with other cases of treatments. Case of blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count are reasons for infertility or those planning parenthood later.
Although there are similar medical procedures, the IVF journey in Nepal is influenced by elements in Nepalese society and emotions and finances that are different from those in other jurisdictions.
Overview of the procedure for IVF and the cost estimation in Nepal
- Initial Consultation: Blood tests, scans, and tests for your fertility status.
- Ovarian Stimulation: Women get hormone injections 8–12 days to promote the ovaries’ synthesis of multiple eggs.
- Egg Retrieval: Egg retrieval occurs with a small medical process while you are sedated.
- Fertilization: The eggs get fertilized in the lab with sperm.
- Embryo Transfer: Good embryos are inserted into the uterus.
- Pregnancy Test: At about two week mark following an embryo transfer, the beta hCG blood test is performed to check for pregnancy.
Estimating Costs in Nepal
One IVF cycle costs depends on:
- Use of medications
- freezing of eggs or sperm (if necessary)
- Procedure type (e.g., donor egg/sperm, ICSI, etc.)
- Aftercare
Unexpected expenses can mount swiftly, so it’s crucial to find out if the given price covers prescription drugs, lab fees, embryo freezing, and consultation fees.
IVF Questions To Ask Your Doctor Before Starting Treatment
It’s important to comprehend each element of fertility treatment, both economically and mentally, before beginning the process. Before you begin, you should ask your Nepali IVF doctor the following important questions:
1. What Diagnostic Tests Are Recommended Before Commencement Of The Fertility Treatment?
Pre IVF assessment with comprehensive fertility evaluation is mandatory. Standard procedures consist of hormone blood work, ultrasound work, semen analysis, and other diagnostic work that you and your partner need to undergo. These assessments help determine what is causing infertility and how to create the most effective treatment option. Sit down with your doctor and discuss which specific tests are needed and how those results affect the success rate.
2. What Are Your Clinic’s Success Rates With IVF, Especially For Someone With My Age And Fertility Condition?
The odds of success as a variable can also change significantly depending on your age. This is because of your particular cause of infertility and the clinical approach used. Ask you doctor to send you success statistics, based on your age and health condition. The realistic outcomes help you take stock and make an educated choice about whether to continue, repeat treatment or pursue different ways of addressing fertility.
3. What Are The Total Costs Involved In IVF Treatment, Including Medications, Consultations, And Lab Work?
A practice would, perhaps, go into all the financial details of IVF including cost of drugs, visits to doctors, and laboratory services.
IVF treatment is a significant cost to many couple. Don’t forget to ask about everything connected with the financial plan, with IVF itself, the costs on the medication, in-depth tests, cycle monitoring, storage of embryos, and possibly extras like ICSI and PGD. Knowing the entire cost in advance helps you make informed decisions about finance or insurance.
4. What IVF Or IUI Should I Pick For Unexplained Infertility And Why As A Basis For Each Recommendation?
In case you have unexplained infertility, treatment option may involve IUI or trying IVF. Using this question, your doctor is able to explain what treatment method is most likely to yield the best results on your part. Your age, number of years attempting to conceive, and history of previous treatment determine, to a certain degree, this recommendation.
5. What Differentiates The Fresh And Frozen Embryo Transfers, And Which Do You Usually Recommend Or Most Frequently Use?
Several clinics are in a position to carry out fresh and frozen embryo transfer. A new transfer occurs at the same cycle as egg retrieval while a frozen transfer is carried out later in a cycle. The decision should be made based on your measurements of hormones, the health of the uterus, and personal medical condition. Your doctor will be able to advise you having considered your individual situation and experience of the clinic working with both approaches.
6. Do You Suggest Transferring One Embryo Or Multiple, And What Are The Risks And Benefits Of Each?
Your doctor will either suggest transferring a single or multiple embryos, and the decision has its pros and cons. Choosing several embryos increases the chances of pregnancy, but also increases the possibility of fruiting in twins or more, which could cause complications in the course of pregnancy. In the current world most healthcare providers now prefer single embryo transfers (SET) to reduce the possibility of complications. It’s important that you talk to your healthcare provider with regards to your age, quality of embryo and other health issues that might arise.
7. What Are The Potential Side Effects Or Physical Discomforts I Should Expect During And After IVF Treatment?
You may experience physical discomfort and side effects such as bloating, cramping or mood changes, or you may have these symptoms before the treatment and after the procedure.
Some individuals can feel discomfort caused by hormonal medications and procedures which are applied to IVF. Common side effects could be from bloating, mood changes to cramping and discomfort around the injection sites. That Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) could occur as a complication stands as a low probability. Understanding what is common and what isn’t makes one likely to know and address any health issue during IVF.
Mental Health Care After IVF
Dealing with infertility is frequently emotionally exhausting process, and the IVF processes with all the waiting and uncertainty may increase the level of anxiety, stress and depression. Because of the vibrant social pressure to reproduce, couples in Nepal tend to hold their challenges close to the chest.
Managing Mental Health Through And After IVF
- Call out to someone you trust, to whom you can burden your secrets. this may be your partner, friend, or even a therapist. Holding back your feelings will add additional damage.
- Join a support group as there are many classes held by fertility clinics throughout Nepal, which act as informal groups or online groups to which people can subscribe; these groups are an opportunity to communicate with others and discuss psychological aspects of the IVF journey.
- Take a break, allow yourself to pause, and schedule time between rounds of treatment. Take a good note of what you feel physically and emotionally.
- Refrain from situations or discussions that could stir up undesired emotions even in the initial moments of pregnancy or following a poorly conducted IVF cycle.
Using your mental health to your advantage is the main aspect of successfully experiencing the IVF process. Don’t hesitate to seek help. You’re not alone.
Conclusion
To those looking to have a family through assisted reproductive technologies, IVF has the potential for major sweeping change in Nepal. However, it is a hard day by emotions, by the money, and by your body. Before starting your treatment it’s essential to find straightforward, honest responses, understand your fertility as fully as possible, and plan ahead for financial and emotional elements of your journey.
We hope you are know aware about the types of IVF questions to ask your doctor before starting treatment.
