Who is Most Suitable for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?

Choosing the right fertility treatment can be challenging, especially with the wide range of options available. IVF is specifically recommended for women with absent, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. It is also often used in cases of unexplained infertility, in some cases of male factor infertility and can be used in combination with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) in cases of severe male factor infertility. This guide explores key considerations that can help determine whether IVF is the most appropriate option.

What is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is an advanced fertility treatment that involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. After 5 days of fertilisation, the resulting embryo is then implanted into the woman’s uterus, where it hopefully will develop into a pregnancy. The process begins with ovarian stimulation, where fertility medications are used to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

These eggs are then retrieved from the ovaries in a minor surgical procedure, and sperm is introduced to fertilise the eggs. The embryos are then cultured in an incubator such as an embryoscope for 5 days before the best quality embryo is selected for transfer into the uterus.

Common Fertility Issues Addressed by IVF

IVF can be used to assist with females who may suffer from blocked or damaged fallopian tubes or unexplained infertility, providing a solution when other treatments have failed. Below, we explain some of the most common fertility issues IVF is used to address:

Blocked Fallopian Tubes - Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from meeting the sperm, making natural conception difficult. IVF bypasses this issue by retrieving eggs directly from the ovaries and fertilising them in the lab before placing the embryos into the uterus. This offers a viable solution for women with tubal infertility, allowing them to conceive even with obstructed tubes.

Ovulatory Disorders - Ovulatory disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can prevent a woman from releasing eggs regularly, making conception challenging. IVF can help by stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs and then retrieving them for fertilisation. This approach offers a solution for women with irregular ovulation, increasing their chances of successful conception through IVF.

Male Infertility - Male infertility, including low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology, which can be determined via male fertility testing, can be a significant barrier to conception. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), may be used as a treatment option for male factor infertility. This allows a single healthy sperm to be injected directly into an egg, improving the chances of fertilisation. This method offers men with sperm-related issues a chance to have a biological child.

Assessing Suitability for IVF Treatment

IVF can be a highly effective fertility treatment, but several factors must be considered to determine its suitability. Consulting with a fertility specialist, such as those at Sims IVF in Ireland, can help assess whether IVF is the most appropriate option. The following factors play a key role in evaluating whether this treatment is the right choice for a couple:

Age of the Woman

Women under 35 typically have higher success rates with IVF, although it can still be an option for older women, especially with the use of egg donors or frozen embryos. As a woman’s age increases, the quality and quantity of eggs tend to decline, which can affect the success of IVF. However, IVF remains a viable option for women of advanced maternal age, with various strategies like egg freezing or using donor eggs to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Cause of Infertility

IVF can be particularly helpful in cases of male infertility (low sperm count, poor motility) or female infertility (blocked fallopian tubes, ovulatory disorders). In situations where traditional methods of conception, like natural intercourse or Intrauterine Insemination, have not been successful, IVF offers a more targeted approach. 

Duration of Infertility

Couples who have been trying to conceive for over 12 months (6 months for women over 35) without success may be suitable candidates for IVF, as prolonged infertility can warrant a more advanced approach. 

Health Conditions

For individuals or couples with specific health conditions such as severe endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, IVF may offer the best chance of conceiving. These conditions can interfere with normal conception, making it harder for the egg to be fertilised or for the embryo to implant successfully. IVF allows specialists to address these issues directly, increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy through tailored treatment plans.

Is IVF the First Fertility Treatment Used?

IVF is not always the first treatment option for couples struggling to conceive. Before considering IVF, fertility specialists often recommend less invasive approaches, such as lifestyle changes, ovulation medication, or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) if suitable for the patient. If other treatments, such as medication or IUI, have not worked, IVF may be recommended as the next step. For couples who have faced repeated unsuccessful attempts, IVF offers a more controlled environment where both egg and sperm quality can be more closely monitored. It’s often seen as the next logical step in cases where simpler fertility treatments have not resulted in a pregnancy.

Start your IVF Journey with Sims IVF

Here at Sims IVF, we provide a range of advanced fertility treatments, including In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), to support individuals and couples in achieving their goal of parenthood. With expertise in both female and male fertility challenges, the team works closely with patients to determine the most suitable treatment options. 

Comprehensive support is available throughout every stage of the IVF process, ensuring both medical guidance and emotional care. In addition to IVF, a range of other fertility treatments is offered, including IUI, ICSI, and PGT-A, for those who may benefit from alternative approaches. For more information about available treatments, an appointment request can be completed, and a response will be provided promptly.