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considered to be one of the most stressful infertility treatments. To help avoid stress, patients are encouraged to educated themselves about the process, create a support network of family and friends and seek professional counseling. Other typical stress reducing techniques, such as relaxation and meditation, plenty of rest, exercise and proper nutrition are also advised.

Health risks and disappointment are not the only costs of IVF. Each cycle costs an average of $12,400 and many couples will have to endure more than one cycle in order to conceive.

However, for most in vitro patients, the stress and financial investment are well worth it. Besides the obvious benefit of a woman conceiving a child that is biologically related, there are a few other advantages to IVF. Before the introduction of IVF technologies, many women underwent surgery on their fallopian tubes in an attempt to restore fertility. Thanks to IVF, more invasive surgeries such as these have been cut in half.

If infertility stems from a partner's inability to produce eggs or sperm, donors or even a frozen embryo can be used. A woman who has a genetic disease which may be passed on to her baby may also choose to utilize donated eggs via in vitro fertilization techniques. IVF also makes it possible for single women to become pregnant with the use of sperm donors.

Studies suggest that in vitro fertilization is a safe procedure, which results in the creation of a child that is as healthy as those conceived naturally. However, some studies have suggested that children conceived through assisted reproduction are at an increased risk for genetic disorders.

Information contained in this article was obtained from the following sources:
The American Pregnancy Association
www.mayoclinic.com
w ww.emedicinehealth.com

Learn more about this author, Marie Gerber.
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