IVF overview for patients

Overview

IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. It is a medical procedure where an egg is taken from a woman's ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory dish. The resulting embryo is then placed into the woman's uterus to help achieve pregnancy.

Yes, IVF is a widely used fertility treatment. According to the UK's National Health Service, around 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving, and many turn to IVF.

IVF is used by people who have been unable to conceive naturally after trying for at least a year. This includes women with blocked fallopian tubes, men with low sperm count or poor sperm quality, people with ovulation disorders, same-sex couples, and those with unexplained infertility.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Difficulty getting pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected sex (or 6 months if the woman is over 35).
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods.
• Repeated miscarriages.
• Pain during sex or heavy menstrual bleeding (which may indicate underlying conditions).

Symptoms in children

• This topic is not applicable to children. IVF is a treatment for adults.

Symptoms in older adults

• Fertility declines with age, especially after 35 for women. Older adults may also have age-related health issues that affect fertility.

Causes

Main causes

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
• Low sperm count or poor sperm movement (motility).
• Ovulation disorders – when the ovaries do not release eggs regularly.
• Unexplained infertility – no specific cause is found.
• Endometriosis – tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus.
• Premature ovarian failure – ovaries stop working before age 40.

Risk factors

• Advanced age (over 35 for women).
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use.
• Being overweight or underweight.
• High stress levels.
• Exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.
• Medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden severe pelvic pain or heavy bleeding during IVF treatment.
• If you experience signs of OHSS – severe bloating, rapid weight gain, or difficulty breathing.
• If you have thoughts of harming yourself or feel extremely depressed.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success (or 6 months if you are over 35).
• If you have irregular periods or known conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• If you have had multiple miscarriages.
• If you have a known fertility problem from a previous diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Infertility is diagnosed through a series of tests done by a fertility specialist. IVF is not a diagnosis – it is a treatment option offered after tests show that natural conception is unlikely.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests – to check hormone levels (like FSH, LH, and AMH) and rule out thyroid or other conditions.
• Semen analysis – to check sperm count, shape, and movement.
• Ultrasound scans – to look at the ovaries, womb lining, and check for cysts or fibroids.
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG) – an X-ray test to see if the fallopian tubes are open.
• Laparoscopy – a minor surgery to look inside the pelvis for endometriosis or scar tissue.

What to expect at your appointment

Your specialist will review your medical history, discuss your cycle, and explain the tests. Most tests are not painful. Some (like HSG) may cause mild cramping. Your doctor will explain results and discuss whether IVF is right for you.

Treatment

IVF is a multi-step procedure that usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks for one full cycle. It involves hormone medications to stimulate the ovaries, an egg retrieval procedure, fertilising the egg with sperm in a lab, and then transferring the best embryo into the womb.

Self-care at home

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol – both can reduce fertility.
• Maintain a healthy weight – being very overweight or underweight can affect hormone balance.
• Limit caffeine to no more than 200 mg per day (about 2 cups of coffee).
• Manage stress – try gentle exercise, meditation, or talking to a counsellor.

Medical treatments

Fertility treatments include ovulation induction (medications to help you ovulate), intrauterine insemination (IUI) where sperm is placed directly in the womb, and IVF. IVF involves hormone injections to produce multiple eggs, a procedure to collect the eggs, fertilisation in a lab, and then transfer of one or more embryos into the uterus. Your doctor will tailor the approach based on your test results and preferences. Most people need more than one cycle to achieve pregnancy.

When is surgery considered?

In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat conditions that cause infertility, such as removing fibroids, opening blocked fallopian tubes, or treating endometriosis. This can happen before or after IVF.

Living with this condition

The IVF process can be time-consuming and emotionally demanding. You will need to attend many appointments for blood tests, scans, and procedures. You may need to take time off work. It is important to plan ahead and ask for support from family and friends.

Lifestyle tips

• Take time to rest, especially after egg retrieval.
• Avoid strenuous exercise during the hormone stimulation phase and after embryo transfer.
• Do not smoke or use recreational drugs.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine.
• Stay connected with your partner – the process can be stressful on relationships.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet rich in antioxidants (from berries, nuts, leafy greens) may support egg and sperm health. Moderate exercise like walking, yoga, or swimming is fine – but avoid very intense workouts. Stay hydrated and eat regular meals.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

The emotional ups and downs of IVF can be hard. Many people feel anxious, sad, or frustrated. It is normal to have mixed feelings. If you feel very low or have thoughts of self-harm, contact your doctor or a mental health helpline.

Prevention

Not all infertility can be prevented, but a healthy lifestyle can help protect fertility. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress may improve your chances of conceiving naturally and of IVF success.

Screening programmes

Regular health check-ups and addressing conditions like thyroid problems or polycystic ovary syndrome early can help preserve fertility. Some people choose to freeze eggs or sperm for future use – this is called fertility preservation.

Complications

If left untreated

• Emotional distress and depression related to infertility.
• Potential worsening of underlying medical conditions (like endometriosis).
• In rare cases, infertility may be a sign of other health problems that need treatment.

Long-term outlook

The good news is that many people do achieve pregnancy through IVF, especially with advances in technology and better understanding of fertility. Success rates continue to improve. Even if one cycle does not work, many try again or explore other options such as egg or sperm donation. Your healthcare team will support you every step of the way.

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