When you’re set on becoming a parent, an infertility diagnosis is a major setback. However, you still have several options, such as adoption and IVF.

When it comes to adoption vs IVF, there’s no obvious choice. Both processes can be challenging and involve investing a lot of time, money, and energy. It’s up to each family to choose the best path for their situation.

That said, there are a few things you should know before making your choice. In this article, we’ll go over how IVF and adoption work and which option may make more sense for your needs!

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Explained

Fertility treatments are a common first step for most couples having issues becoming pregnant. Of the several fertility treatment options (also known as assisted reproductive technologies), IVF is the most common one.

How Does IVF Work?

The IVF process begins by retrieving an egg and a sperm cell from each partner. Then, the physician fertilizes the egg with the sperm in a laboratory dish. If the fertilization is successful, this will result in the formation of embryos.

During the following two to six days, the technicians will choose the healthiest embryo to transfer. They’ll then implant it in the woman’s uterus. If all goes well, the pregnancy will continue like any other one.

Costs of IVF

The average cost of IVF is $21,600 per cycle, including medication. The exact cost will depend on which IVF package you use and which medications you’ll need. You may also pay for some additional costs, including:

• Endometrial procedures
• Genetic testing of embryos
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Keep in mind that the current IVF success rates are around 40%. This means that most women will need more than one cycle to become pregnant. Several cycles can quickly exhaust your budget, and there’s no guarantee of a child.

Is IVF Uncomfortable?

With the IVF process explained, it’s worth noting that some women find it uncomfortable. That said, this is usually described as a series of temporary discomforts rather than intolerable pain. Common sources of discomfort include:

• Semi-invasive procedures
• Self-injecting medications
• Side effects like soreness or cramping

Adoption Explained

A lot of couples move on from IVF to adoption at some point, usually when IVF fails or becomes too expensive. However, many couples also have adoption as their first choice for growing their family.

Different Types of Adoption

If you’re considering this option, you should know that not every child adoption journey is the same. The most common types of adoption are:

• Domestic infant adoption
• Foster care adoption
• International adoption

Domestic infant adoption is what happens when a pregnant woman decides to choose adoption for her unborn baby. She’ll choose her child’s adoptive family and get to know them, often maintaining an open relationship with them.

Foster care adoption refers to cases where the court has terminated the rights of a child’s biological parents. Children coming out of the foster care system tend to be a little older and are slightly more likely to have special needs.

As the name implies, international adoption involves adopting a child from another country. Due to new regulations, this process is less common than it used to be, and greatly depends on the country you’re adopting from.

How Much Does Adoption Cost?

The cost of adoption depends on the resources necessary to complete it. Foster care adoption is usually the most cost-effective method. It can even be free, as some states will handle the legal and administrative costs.

On the other hand, international and domestic private adoptions can range up to $50,000. As long as you work with a good agency, however, opting for adoption will guarantee that you’ll become a parent.

Is Adoption Worth It?

The adoption benefits are numerous, from fulfilling your dreams of parenthood to creating a positive outcome for children. That said, this is a lifelong commitment, so it’s important to ensure you’re ready for it.

One obvious disadvantage of adoption compared to IVF is that you’ll have no genetic relation to your child. Even so, many people find that their desire to be parents is far more important than seeing their own genetics in a child.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Common Are Failed Adoptions?

Unfortunately, not every adoption process is completed successfully. For instance, an adoption may fail because a birth parent chooses to keep the baby. She may also pick another family or adoption agency.

One thing you can do to minimize adoption disruptions is to work with a trustworthy agency. There are plenty of unlicensed agencies that work on expiring contracts and trap prospective parents into paying exorbitant fees.

What Percentage of Adoptees Are Happy?

The happiness of adoptees is hard to measure, but studies indicate a high level of satisfaction. Most adoptees feel positively about their adoption and show positive social behaviors. Of course, individual experiences can vary.

How Long Does Adoption Take?

The timeline of adopting a child varies based on the adoption method you opt for. On average, adopting a foster child takes 6-18 months. Adopting a newborn tends to take 2-7 years, depending on your flexibility with preferences.

International adoptions are a wild card, as they involve two different governments and legal systems. This is usually the longest process, potentially lasting six or more years.

Who Is the Most Famous IVF Baby?

The most famous IVF baby is the first person in the world born via this method. This is Louise Joy Brown, born in 1978. Beyond bringing hope to millions solely by being born, Brown continues to be an advocate for fertility treatments.

Adoption vs IVF: Making the Right Choice

The adoption vs IVF choice is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. This is why it’s essential to talk over your options with your partner and the rest of the family before choosing a path.

At Heart of Adoptions, we can make your decision a little easier. If you’re considering adoption, we offer a variety of programs customized uniquely to your needs and wishes. We’ll also coordinate the whole process from beginning to end!

With over 2,250 completed child placements, we’re among Florida’s leading adoption agencies. Get in touch with us to hear more about your options!