For more than 50 years, our nation’s first ladies have had a knack for bringing public awareness to crucial issues via their own personal experiences.
In 1963, the nation mourned along with Jacqueline Kennedy as her son Patrick passed away days after birth. Betty Ford’s breast cancer surgery in 1974 brought awareness to that awful disease, and her willingness to discuss her struggles with substance abuse led to rehab centers being named in her honor (including one in our neck of the woods).
Most recently, former first lady Michelle Obama opened up about her own struggles with infertility, and undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments to conceive her daughters Malia and Sasha. She is one of the millions of American women who have undergone IVF treatments to start and expand their families.
“I felt like I failed because I didn’t know how common miscarriages were because we don’t talk about them,” she told ABC News. “We sit in our own pain, thinking that somehow we’re broken. That’s one of the reasons why I think it’s important to talk to young mothers about the fact that miscarriages happen.”
You’re Not Broken. You’re One of Millions.
If you have struggled with infertility, you are not broken and your situation is not hopeless. In fact, there has never been a better time for fertility treatments; advanced technologies such as IVF and egg freezing, combined with the generosity and availability of egg donors, have made it more possible than ever to overcome the challenges of infertility.
Recently, our very own Dr. Josh Kapfhamer joined KARE 11 News to discuss the latest advancements in IVF treatments.
What Is IVF?
Dr. Kapfhamer explained the IVF process: “We collect eggs from a woman’s ovaries; those eggs are then inseminated or mixed with sperm in an embryology lab. The resulting eggs – or embryos – are then transferred back to the uterus of an intended parent or a gestational carrier.” Learn more about the IVF process.
Unfortunately, there are many common misperceptions about IVF. As you consider your fertility treatment options, it’s important to have accurate information so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. Learn more about Common IVF Myths.
What Are The Risks?
According to Dr. Kapfhamer, “From a medical standpoint it’s actually pretty safe. As most people and couples who have gone through this will attest to, it’s associated with a fair amount of financial, emotional, and physical stress.” Having the support of your partner and loved ones can be a crucial ingredient in a successful IVF experience.
What Are The Chances For Success?
“The chance of taking home a live baby with IVF depends on a number of factors. Most importantly, the age of the person going through treatment, and the reason they are undergoing a fertility treatment,” Kapfhamer explained.
There are no guarantees for IVF because every individual and couple’s situation is different. It’s important to work with experienced medical professionals with a track record of achieving success. At CRM, our IVF success rates exceed the national delivery rate in every category. Learn more.
Are You Ready For The Next Step?
Call 612-863-5390or complete our quick, convenient new-patient form to schedule an appointment with one of our proven specialists.
