Who Should Consider IVF? A Doctor’s Guide to Fertility Treatment

Deciding whether to pursue in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) can be an emotional decision, particularly if you have been trying to conceive for months or even years. It is natural to have questions about whether IVF is the right step, when it should be considered and what the process may involve.

While IVF has helped many individuals and couples achieve pregnancy, the decision to proceed is never based on a single factor. Fertility specialists consider your medical history, fertility assessment and reproductive goals before recommending the most appropriate treatment approach.

Knowing how fertility specialists determine whether IVF is appropriate and why it may be recommended in certain situations can help you make more informed decisions about your fertility care.

When Should You Consider IVF?

IVF treatment may be recommended in several situations, depending on the underlying cause of infertility and your individual circumstances.

You Have a Fertility Condition That Reduces the Chances of Natural Conception

Some medical conditions make natural conception more difficult and may increase the likelihood that IVF will be recommended. Depending on the severity of the condition, IVF may help overcome barriers to fertilisation or improve the likelihood of pregnancy.

Examples include:

• Blocked or severely damaged fallopian tubes
• Moderate to severe endometriosis
• Reduced ovarian reserve or age-related decline in egg quantity and quality
• Ovulation disorders that have not responded to other treatments
• Certain genetic conditions where IVF may be combined with embryo testing

Your fertility specialist will consider the nature of your condition alongside other factors before determining whether IVF is the most appropriate treatment approach.

Male Fertility Factors Are Affecting Conception

Infertility is not solely a female health issue. Male fertility factors contribute to a significant proportion of couples experiencing difficulty conceiving.

If semen analysis shows a very low sperm count, poor sperm movement or other significant abnormalities, IVF may be recommended. In some cases, IVF is performed together with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilisation. Your fertility specialist will advise whether this approach is appropriate based on the underlying cause of male infertility.

Previous Fertility Treatments Have Not Been Successful

If you have already undergone other fertility treatments without successful pregnancy, you may be wondering whether IVF is the next appropriate step. Depending on the cause of infertility, in some cases IVF may offer a higher chance of success.

The decision to move to IVF depends on factors such as your diagnosis, age, ovarian reserve and how many treatment cycles have already been attempted. Rather than following a fixed pathway, fertility specialists tailor recommendations to maximise the likelihood of a successful pregnancy while avoiding unnecessary delays.

How Does a Fertility Specialist Decide Whether IVF Is Appropriate?

Before recommending IVF, a fertility specialist will consider the underlying cause of infertility alongside several medical and personal factors. The goal is to develop an individualised treatment plan that offers the best chance of achieving a healthy pregnancy while taking your circumstances and family-building goals into account.

Conducting a Fertility Assessment

The underlying cause of infertility plays an important role in determining whether IVF is appropriate. Before recommending IVF, a fertility specialist reviews the results of your fertility assessment to understand the factors affecting conception. This may include female factors, male factors, combined infertility or unexplained infertility, together with the results of fertility investigations and any previous treatments. These findings help determine whether IVF is likely to offer the best chance of pregnancy or whether another fertility treatment may be more appropriate.

Considering Your Age and Ovarian Reserve

Age is one of the most important factors influencing fertility treatment recommendations, particularly for women. As women get older, both the number and quality of eggs naturally decline, which can reduce the likelihood of natural conception and affect the success of fertility treatment.

A fertility specialist will also assess ovarian reserve using investigations such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) testing and ultrasound assessment of antral follicle count. While these tests cannot predict whether you will become pregnant, they provide valuable information about how your ovaries may respond to treatment.

Discussing Your Treatment Goals and Readiness for IVF

Because IVF involves multiple stages and requires a considerable commitment, understanding the treatment process is an important part of deciding whether it is the right option for you. Your fertility specialist will discuss the physical, emotional and financial aspects of treatment so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your clinical needs and personal goals.

What Should You Consider Before Starting IVF?

Once you and your fertility specialist have decided that IVF is an appropriate treatment option, it is important to understand what the process involves beyond the medical aspects. Having realistic expectations and preparing for the practical, emotional and financial commitments can help you feel more confident and supported throughout your fertility journey.

Having Realistic Expectations About IVF Success

IVF can significantly improve the chances of pregnancy for many individuals and couples, but it does not guarantee success. Success rates vary depending on factors such as age, the underlying cause of infertility and overall reproductive health. Some people conceive after one IVF cycle, while others may require additional treatment. Your fertility specialist will discuss your individual chances of success based on your fertility assessment.

Preparing for the Physical and Emotional Journey

IVF involves hormone medications, regular monitoring appointments and procedures such as egg retrieval and embryo transfer. The process can also be emotionally demanding, particularly during periods of waiting and uncertainty. Having support from your partner, family or healthcare team can help you navigate the treatment journey.

Understanding the Time and Financial Commitment

IVF requires a commitment of both time and resources. Treatment typically involves multiple clinic visits over several weeks, and some individuals may require more than one cycle. Understanding the expected timeline and costs beforehand can help you plan ahead and make informed decisions about your treatment.

Discussing Whether IVF Is Right for You with Dr Irene and Dr Jon

Choosing whether to proceed with IVF is a significant decision that should be guided by a thorough understanding of your fertility and treatment options. A personalised consultation allows your fertility specialist to identify the factors affecting conception, explain whether IVF is appropriate, discuss the expected benefits and limitations of treatment, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual circumstances and family-building goals.

At Irene & Jon Clinic for Women, we provide personalised fertility assessments and evidence-based treatment recommendations tailored to each individual or couple. Dr Irene Chua and Dr Jonathan Wee are both obstetricians and gynaecologists with experience in providing personalised IVF treatment in Singapore. They take the time to review your fertility investigations, explain your diagnosis and available treatment options, and guide you through each stage of the IVF process with individualised care.

If you are considering IVF or would like to better understand your fertility treatment options, to discuss the most appropriate next steps for your family-building journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About IVF Treatment