I Cannot Conceive, Do I Need IVF Treatment?

If you have been trying to conceive and pregnancy has not occurred, it is natural to wonder whether IVF treatment (In Vitro Fertilization) is necessary.

For couples trying to have a baby, regular unprotected intercourse is recommended for:

• 12 months if the woman is under 35
• 6 months if the woman is 35 or older

If pregnancy does not occur within these timeframes, a fertility evaluation is recommended.

However, IVF is not always the first step. The right treatment depends on the underlying cause of infertility.

Let’s break this down clearly.

When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?

You should consult a specialist if:

• You are under 35 and have tried for 1 year without success
• You are over 35 and have tried for 6 months
• You have irregular periods or no ovulation
• You have known reproductive conditions (PCOS, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve)
• You have had multiple miscarriages
• The male partner has abnormal sperm parameters

Infertility affects both men and women. A full fertility evaluation includes testing for both partners.

What Is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)?

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in which egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory environment to create embryos.

The embryo is then transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.

IVF may be recommended when:

• Tubes are blocked
• Ovulation disorders do not respond to medication
• Severe male factor infertility exists
• Unexplained infertility persists
• Previous treatments have failed

How Does IVF Treatment Work?

IVF treatment follows several stages:

1. Ovarian Stimulation

Hormonal medications stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple eggs in one cycle.

2. Egg Collection (OPU)

Approximately 34–36 hours after the trigger injection, eggs are collected under short anesthesia using ultrasound guidance.

3. Fertilization

Sperm is collected from the male partner.

Fertilization is performed using:

• Conventional IVF (sperm and egg placed together)
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection – sperm injected directly into egg)

4. Embryo Development

Embryos are monitored in laboratory incubators for 3–5 days.

5. Embryo Transfer

The healthiest embryo is transferred into the uterus.

6. Pregnancy Test

Approximately 10–12 days after transfer, a Beta HCG blood test determines pregnancy.

If positive, pregnancy progresses like a naturally conceived pregnancy.

Does Age Affect IVF Success?

Yes — female age is one of the most important factors affecting IVF success.

• Women under 35 generally have higher success rates
• Success decreases gradually after 37
• After 40, egg quality significantly declines

Instead of fixed percentages, success depends on:

• Egg quality
• Ovarian reserve
• Sperm quality
• Uterine health
• Underlying diagnosis

Early evaluation improves chances.

How Natural Conception Occurs

Understanding natural conception helps clarify when IVF is needed.

1. The brain releases FSH and LH hormones.
2. Ovaries mature and release an egg.
3. The egg survives for 24 hours.
4. Sperm survives up to 5 days.
5. Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube.
6. The embryo implants in the uterine lining (endometrium).

If any step in this process is disrupted — ovulation, sperm quality, tubal function, implantation — conception may not occur.

When Do You Actually Need IVF?

You may need IVF if:

• Tubes are blocked or damaged
• Severe sperm abnormalities are present
• Ovulation induction treatments fail
• You have low ovarian reserve
• You have unexplained infertility after other treatments

IVF is not always first-line treatment. Sometimes ovulation induction or IUI (insemination) is tried first.

A personalized treatment plan is essential.

When to Start IVF After a Miscarriage or Abortion?

After Miscarriage

In many cases, IVF can begin after:

• Hormone levels return to normal
• The uterus is evaluated
• One or two menstrual cycles have occurred

The timeline is individualized.

When to Start IVF After Hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy evaluates and treats uterine abnormalities such as:

• Polyps
• Fibroids
• Adhesions

After hysteroscopy, IVF may begin:

• In the next menstrual cycle
• Or 1 month later, depending on the procedure

Your physician determines timing.

When to Start IVF After Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is used to treat:

• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Tubal problems

Recovery is faster than open surgery.

IVF is typically considered:

• 1–3 months after minor procedures
• 3–6 months after more complex surgeries

Timing depends on surgical findings.

IVF Treatment Duration

A full IVF cycle typically lasts:

2 to 3 weeks

From the start of stimulation to pregnancy testing.

IVF Costs and Planning

IVF costs vary depending on:

• Clinic experience
• Laboratory technology
• Additional procedures (ICSI, embryo freezing, genetic testing)
• Medication protocols

Patients should ask what is included in the treatment package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long should I try before considering IVF?

Under 35: 12 months.
35 and older: 6 months.
Earlier evaluation is recommended if you have known fertility issues.

Can I get pregnant naturally after failed IVF?

Yes. Some couples conceive naturally after IVF attempts, especially if underlying factors improve.

Is IVF painful?

Egg collection is done under sedation. Embryo transfer is usually painless.

Is IVF safe?

IVF is generally safe. Mild side effects may occur. Rare complications include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Can male infertility require IVF?

Yes. Severe sperm problems often require IVF with ICSI.

Does IVF guarantee pregnancy?

No. IVF increases the chance of pregnancy but does not guarantee success. Outcomes depend on age and reproductive health.

If you need IVF treatment for price and further information you can give us a call from 444 39 49.