IVF FAQs
IVF Treatment FAQs: The Questions Patients Ask Most
These are the questions that come up most often in consultation at IVF Access Fertility Clinic in Peelamedu, Coimbatore, answered as plainly as they are answered in the room.
Before you come in
A fertility consultation is appropriate whenever conception is taking longer than expected, when cycles are irregular, or when there is a known condition such as PCOS, endometriosis, previous pelvic surgery or a male-factor concern.
Bring any earlier reports you have — semen analysis, hormone tests, scans and records of previous treatment. They shorten the path to a diagnosis.
During treatment
An IVF cycle typically runs over a few weeks, with regular monitoring visits during the stimulation phase. Most patients continue normal daily activity throughout, with rest advised around the retrieval and transfer.
Frequently asked questions
- When should I consult a fertility specialist?
- Generally after one year of trying below 35 years of age, and six months above 35. If there is a known condition such as PCOS, endometriosis or a male-factor concern, evaluation should not be delayed.
- Is IVF the first treatment for every couple?
- No. Treatment is chosen from the diagnosis, age, ovarian reserve and duration of infertility. Many patients conceive with ovulation induction or IUI. IVF is recommended when it is the most appropriate option, not as a default.
- What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?
- In conventional IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together in the laboratory. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg. ICSI is used mainly for male-factor infertility or previous fertilisation failure.
- When is IUI treatment suitable?
- IUI suits selected patients with open fallopian tubes, adequate sperm parameters and ovulatory or unexplained infertility. It is less invasive than IVF, and is not appropriate for every diagnosis.
- What is diminished ovarian reserve?
- A lower number of remaining eggs than expected for age, usually assessed with AMH levels and antral follicle count. It affects protocol selection and timing, and requires individualised counselling.
- Is IVF painful?
- Stimulation injections cause mild discomfort for most patients. Egg retrieval is performed under anaesthesia, and embryo transfer is usually painless and needs no anaesthesia.
- Can fertility be preserved through egg freezing?
- Yes. Egg or embryo freezing allows reproductive potential to be preserved for later use. Outcomes depend strongly on age and ovarian reserve at the time of freezing.
- How many embryos are transferred?
- As few as necessary. Transferring a single good-quality embryo where appropriate avoids the risks that come with a twin or higher-order pregnancy.
Have a question about your own treatment?
Dr. Sandhya consults at IVF Access Fertility Clinic, Peelamedu, Coimbatore. Book a consultation or message the clinic directly.