Have you been trying to conceive for some time now? Have you started to lose hope and think that it is hopeless trying to conceive naturally anymore? Is IVF the only solution coming to your mind? This can be a confusing matter, especially in the first phase — when you are trying to decide whether or not it is even possible.

If this is the case with you, then it is time to look for the right IVF expert advice to guide you before you actually visit them. You might also have questions. Here are a few things you need to know before opting for IVF, or what a fertility expert would advise you. 

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1. Give yourself time before going in with IVF

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While everyone is unique and different, some couples take only a few months to conceive while others take almost a year or two to conceive. So an IVF expert would advise to not lose hope within the first few months of trying and carry on until a year at least and see if they can conceive naturally before seeking IVF treatment.

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2. Choose simple fertility treatments first

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Post naturally trying to conceive after a year or two, while the age group of the couple is below 30 years, IUI is advised. It may require single or multiple cycles depending on the couple and other factors associated with their fertility. If IUI seems to have failed, only then IVF is advised by the fertility expert. 

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3. When both tubes are blocked

When the diagnosis shows that both the fallopian tubes of the female partner are blocked, IVF is highly recommended for this kind of infertility as the eggs cannot travel through the blockage in the fallopian tube, and hence cannot meet the sperm, preventing fertilization. 

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4. When the male partner has a total motile count of less than 5 million

When the total motile count seems to be less than what is required for the male partner to fertilize the egg, the process of IVF can be employed to choose the best sperm samples and fertilize them with the egg in vitro to achieve fertilization. 

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5. Post-cancer fertility treatment

If the couple is looking to conceive using their own gametes would need to save them before going for cancer treatment. That would require cryopreservation. After the cancer treatment is finished, the fertility doctor can determine when to start the fertility treatment again with the frozen eggs, sperm, or embryo. 

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IVF has become more and more common. Although not guaranteed, it increases the chances of becoming pregnant compared to other methods. There are a lot of choices and risks to consider when deciding on which course of treatment fits your situation best. Some people will not be able to afford this procedure, others will decide this is their last resort when fertility treatments have failed them multiple times. With positive results being reported throughout the world, it's not surprising that more and more couples are opting for the procedure.

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References

• National Health Service. (2021). Overview on IVF. NHS. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ivf
• Pelinck, M. J., Hoek, A., Simons, A. H. M., & Heineman, M. J. (2002). Efficacy of natural cycle IVF: a review of the literature. Human reproduction update, 8(2), 129-139.

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