What Fertility Doctors Look at Before Recommending IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most well-known fertility treatments, and many hopeful parents see it as the natural first step when facing fertility issues. However, fertility specialists consider various factors before recommending IVF, such as age, underlying medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and previous fertility treatment outcomes. By analyzing these elements, fertility specialists aim to create a personalized treatment plan that maximizes the chances of pregnancy success in an informed and strategic way.
1. Medical History
A thorough medical history is essential for understanding a patient's reproductive health and whether IVF is the best path forward. Fertility specialists consider:
- Reproductive and gynecological history: A comprehensive evaluation of menstrual cycle regularity, duration, and pain, along with any history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis.
- Obstetrical history: Documentation of past pregnancies, live births, and miscarriages.
- Previous treatments: An analysis of the results and outcomes from prior fertility treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI.)
- General health & lifestyle: An assessment of any chronic diseases, previous surgeries, current medications, and lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI).
- Family history: An overview of genetic conditions and any family history of early menopause.
2. Age
The quantity and quality of a woman's eggs decline with age, making it an important factor to consider when recommending fertility treatment. Generally, IVF is regarded as an effective fertility option for women over the age of 35 to 40 because it increases the chances of conception by retrieving multiple eggs at once. Additionally, IVF can help address age-related issues with the fallopian tubes and allows for genetic testing of embryos. However, it's important to note that success rates for IVF decrease significantly as age increases. For some women in their 40s, using donor eggs may offer the best chance of conception.
3. Fertility Testing Results
Fertility specialists conduct comprehensive testing before recommending any treatments, analyzing various factors, including:
- Ovarian reserve: Blood tests, along with an antral follicle count via transvaginal ultrasound, are used to estimate the number of remaining eggs.
- Uterine structure: A transvaginal ultrasound, saline infusion sonohysterogram (SHG), or hysteroscopy is performed to identify any fibroids, polyps, or issues with the uterine lining.
- Fallopian tube patency: A hysterosalpingogram (an X-ray with dye) is used to check if the fallopian tubes are open.
- Semen quality: Evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology in the male partner.
These tests help identify the root cause of infertility, assess egg quality and quantity, and guide treatment options.
Why IVF Isn’t Always the Right Option
While IVF is an effective method for treating infertility, it's not the only option available and may not be the best choice for everyone. IVF is invasive and is often more expensive than other alternatives. Therefore, beginning with lifestyle changes or exploring other treatments, such as fertility medications, IUI, or donor eggs or sperm, might be a more suitable first step.
Fertility treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. To maximize your chances of conception, it's essential to have a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. At Washington Fertility Center, our experienced fertility specialists can help determine whether IVF is right for you and provide a wide range of fertility treatments. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.