There’s a huge buzz going on right now about the couple from Britain who underwent fertility treatments (specifically IVF) 13 times over 7 years in order to get pregnant with their twins.  (The girls are very healthy at two month old.)

While we’re thrilled that the man and woman had a positive outcome, we do feel that it’s important for readers to understand that this represents an unusual story in the world of fertility treatments for a number of reasons:

1.  Most couples don’t continue to do IVF this many times.  Nor should couples intending to consider IVF worry that they’ll have to go through round after round.  Usually, if IVF doesn’t work a few times, patients will choose other routes.

2.  Not all fertility treatments are extremely costly.  The article highlights how much the couple spent over time, but their experience is an individual one.

3.  Going abroad for fertility treatments is a last resort.  Perhaps in western Europe it’s more common to head to other parts of Europe to undergo IVF, but Americans are usually cautioned against going this drastic route, especially when there are exceptional fertility specialists around the states.

Again, we’re very happy for this couple and glad they feel so overjoyed at reaching their dream of becoming parents.  For them, 13 indeed has been tremendously lucky!