How to Know If the IVF Program Fits You

September 11, 2025Molly Chu Chen - Labryo Fertility

Educational

More couples and individuals are turning to in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a path to parenthood. According to USAFacts, one out of every 37 babies born in the U.S. in 2022 was conceived using ART, underscoring the growing acceptance and accessibility of assisted reproductive technologies nationwide. Whether you’ve been trying to conceive naturally or exploring alternative family-building options, understanding when and why to consider IVF can help you make informed decisions. This guide covers key considerations, elective options, benefits, important questions, and steps to begin your IVF journey.

1. Recognizing When It’s Time to Seek IVF

IVF is often considered when traditional methods of conception have not been successful. Couples may try to conceive naturally for months without success, and underlying fertility issues can make pregnancy difficult. IVF provides a controlled, effective method to increase the chances of conception. Here are some key indicators that it may be time to consult a fertility specialist:

1.1 Length of Time Trying Without Success

If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months without success (or six months if over 35), it may be considered infertility, and it’s time to consult a fertility specialist. Early evaluation can help identify potential fertility challenges and improve the chances of a successful outcome.

1.2 Underlying Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions can affect fertility, including:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt ovulation and hormone balance, reducing the chances of regular, healthy cycles.
Endometriosis can affect egg quality, cause inflammation, or block fallopian tubes, making it harder for an embryo to implant successfully.
Male infertility factors – such as low sperm count or motility issues.
Beyond these, other health issues—like thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions, or unexplained hormonal imbalances—may impact fertility.

If you suspect any of these conditions or are experiencing difficulty conceiving, it is recommended to visit a local OB-GYN or fertility specialist. They can assess whether these factors are the main reason for infertility and guide you toward the most appropriate treatment options, including IVF if needed.

1.3 Multiple Failed IUI

If several IUI cycles haven’t led to pregnancy, IVF can be more effective. By combining eggs and sperm directly in a lab, IVF increases the chances of fertilization. Doctors can also monitor embryo development and select the healthiest embryos for transfer, improving success rates after failed IUI attempts.

1.4 Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Couples with recurrent miscarriages may benefit from IVF with genetic testing. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can identify embryos with chromosomal issues, reducing the risk of miscarriage and increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy. IVF also allows closer monitoring of embryo development and implantation.

2. Elective Options for IVF Considerations

IVF is not only for those facing infertility. Elective IVF is increasingly common among individuals and couples who wish to plan their families on their own terms:

2.1 LGBTQ Couples

For many LGBTQ couples, IVF provides a reliable path to parenthood. Same-sex female couples may choose IVF with donor sperm, sometimes with reciprocal IVF, where one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy. Male couples often use IVF with an egg donor and a gestational carrier, allowing one or both partners to have a biological connection to their child. IVF offers greater flexibility and typically higher success rates compared to other assisted reproduction methods.

2.2 Single Mothers by Choice

More women today are becoming single mothers by choice, and IVF offers them the opportunity to pursue parenthood independently. By using donor sperm or embryos, women can achieve pregnancy on their own timeline. IVF also gives them options such as egg freezing, which allows them to preserve fertility until they feel ready for motherhood. This path provides both autonomy and control over family planning decisions.

2.3 Women Pursuing Surrogacy

For women who cannot carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons such as uterine abnormalities, repeated implantation failure, or high-risk health conditions, IVF combined with gestational surrogacy is a key solution. The intended mother’s eggs (or donor eggs) are fertilized through IVF, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the gestational carrier. This approach allows the intended parents to maintain a biological connection to their child while ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.

3. The Advantages IVF Can Offer You

IVF provides several benefits beyond simply achieving pregnancy:

3.1 Higher Success Rates Compared to Natural Conception or IUI

IVF often provides higher success rates than natural conception or IUI, especially for couples with fertility challenges. By controlling fertilization, monitoring embryo growth, and selecting the healthiest embryos, IVF increases the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduces the risk of implantation failure.

3.2 Flexibility Through Egg and Embryo Freezing

Egg and embryo freezing allow women and couples to plan their families on their own timeline. Preserving eggs at a younger age helps counter age-related fertility decline as well as medically related egg freezing, like undergoing chemotherapy or cancer treatments, while frozen embryos can be used later or with a gestational carrier, improving flexibility and cumulative pregnancy chances.

3.3 Genetic Screening Options

IVF can include Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or inherited conditions. This reduces miscarriage risk, increases the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy, and provides valuable guidance for families with genetic concerns.

4. Questions to Ask Your Doctor When Considering IVF

Before starting IVF, it’s important to have an open conversation with your fertility specialist. Some essential questions include:

4.1 What Tests Will Be Done Before Considering IVF?

Before starting IVF, it’s important to assess both partners’ reproductive health. This usually includes tests for ovarian reserve, hormone levels, sperm quality, uterine health, and any underlying conditions that could affect fertility. Some clinics, like Labryo Fertility, offer online consultations for patients with tight schedules. This allows you to discuss your medical history with a doctor and even complete preliminary tests before committing to a full IVF cycle, saving time and reducing unnecessary procedures.

4.2 Is IVF the Best Approach for My Profile?

Determining whether IVF is the most suitable option requires a personalized assessment. In many cases, doctors may recommend starting with less invasive treatments, such as ovulation induction or IUI, before moving to IVF. However, some patients—due to age, medical conditions, or previous failed treatments—may benefit from starting IVF immediately. A fertility specialist can help identify the most efficient path, ensuring you don’t spend unnecessary time on treatments that may have lower success rates.

4.3 What Are the Success Rates If I Start IVF?

Understanding your chances of success helps set realistic expectations. Success rates vary depending on factors like age, diagnosis, and prior fertility history. Most clinics can provide personalized success data after reviewing your test results and medical background. Your doctor will discuss what to expect after your initial consultation, helping you make informed decisions about your IVF journey.

5. How to Begin Your IVF Journey

Starting IVF can feel overwhelming, but careful planning and preparation can make the process smoother:

5.1 Choosing a Trusted Doctor and Fertility Clinic

Choosing the right fertility clinic can make all the difference in your IVF journey. Labryo Fertility Center is a multilingual fertility clinic dedicated to helping couples conceive, offering personalized care that puts patients at the center of every decision. Our team focuses on developing individualized treatment plans and creating a supportive environment where patients are fully involved in the IVF process. With experienced fertility specialists and a patient-oriented approach, Labryo Fertility ensures that every step of your journey is guided with expertise and care.

5.2 Making the Most of Your First Consultation

Your first consultation is a crucial step in your IVF journey. At Labryo Fertility Center, doctors take the time to understand your medical history and conditions in detail, often spending 1–2 hours to ensure nothing is overlooked. We encourage patients to prepare questions, medical records, and previous test results so that your consultation can be thorough, personalized, and fully focused on your needs. This careful approach helps lay the foundation for a tailored IVF plan.

5.3 Preparing Mentally and Financially

IVF can be both emotionally and financially demanding. At Labryo Fertility Center, we provide support on both fronts. We offer a Performance Value Package, which provides a refund if unexpected events occur during your treatment—because your success is truly our success. Our team also assists with financial planning, insurance guidance, and emotional support, helping you feel prepared and confident as you begin your IVF journey. [Click here for more information.]

Conclusion

IVF is a powerful tool that can help individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood, whether for medical reasons or elective family planning. By understanding when IVF is appropriate, exploring elective options, knowing the benefits, asking the right questions, and preparing thoughtfully, you can approach your fertility journey with confidence and clarity. Give us a call if you have any questions!

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