According to the CDC, over 6 million people in the United States have trouble getting pregnant or staying pregnant. Those who have difficulty getting pregnant struggle with infertility, which is when they can't get pregnant after trying for at least one year. They are also considered infertile if they are at least 35 years old and can't get pregnant after six months of trying. Infertility can be heartbreaking for those who can't conceive. The good news is, there are some treatment options available to help people become pregnant. One such treatment option is called in vitro fertilization (IVF).

For those who want to know more, here are the answers to three frequently asked questions about IVF. This is a service that is typically provided by a women's health center.

1. How Does IVF Work?

The basic premise behind IVF is that it offers a way for a sperm and an egg to unite outside of the body. Before this happens, the patient is given fertility drugs, which help the body produce eggs. At the appropriate time, the eggs are removed from the body during a procedure called follicular aspiration. Around this time, they will need a sperm sample.

During the stage called insemination, the healthiest sperm get injected directly into the eggs. After fertilization between the sperm and eggs occurs, the embryos are placed inside the uterus. The embryo that implants itself into the lining of the uterus is the one that will develop into a fetus.

2. Who Are Good Candidates for IVF?

In vitro fertilization is most effective for those whose infertility is caused by the following issues:

• The Fallopian tubes are missing, blocked, damaged, or scarred.
• The ovaries are affected by a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• The Fallopian tubes or ovaries are scarred by a condition called endometriosis.
• A male partner has a low sperm count or abnormalities with their sperm.

Those who want to increase their chances of having a baby through IVF should quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight.

3. How Much Does IVF Cost?

On average, one cycle of IVF, along with the necessary medications and hormones, costs $22,000. Many people have to go through two or three cycles before they finally become pregnant. Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover IVF. While insurance plans may not cover IVF, they might still cover some of the costs associated with infertility treatment. Before starting IVF, patients should contact their insurance plan to see what they will cover.