Featured in the Magazine, 2022 Volume 2
By: Stephanie Wissig
In medical terms, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is an elective procedure.
I know. You’re probably thinking, “Excuse me? There is nothing elective about this experience.”
True.
But, in medicine, the term “elective” doesn’t necessarily mean optional. It just means that the procedure isn’t needed to address an immediate threat – it can be planned for and scheduled in advance.
Examples of other elective procedures include knee and hip replacements, surgeries to fix hernias and mastectomies to treat breast cancer.
Because elective procedures can be planned for, patients have the opportunity to research and prepare for them.
Typically, whether considering IVF or a knee replacement, there are six things that patients want to know:
- What is it?
- Does it work?
- Will it work for me?
- What are the risks?
- What does it cost?
- Who is the best doctor for me?
Although these questions seem straightforward, it is surprising how hard it can be to find the information we need to answer them.