In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most common infertility treatments. It is typically recommended in cases where the female patient has an inherited genetic disease, experiences recurrent miscarriages, has damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, or endometriosis-related infertility.

It is also used in cases where the male patient has low sperm count or motility. We want to emphasize that every fertility situation is unique, so IVF is sometimes used when other infertility treatments have not been successful.

Even if IVF is the recommended course of treatment, certain factors can disqualify a patient from receiving IVF, or a fertility specialist may not recommend IVF due to low success rates in particular cases.

Age
IVF success rates are typically measured against the age of the female patient. Because the quality of your eggs is so closely related to your age, a more mature fertility patient may not qualify for an IVF program. Every fertility practice is different, and IVF success rates may seem higher at some practices because they do not offer treatment to patients aged 40 and above. Your fertility specialist will provide a clear assessment of how your age may or may not factor into a fertility treatment plan.

Weight
Overall health can play a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Obesity can affect a person’s fertility, and an unhealthy BMI is not compliant with fertility optimization during treatment. Your fertility specialist may recommend changes to your diet and exercise routine prior to undergoing IVF.

Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can prevent women from conceiving or maintaining a healthy pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with a condition that makes conception and carrying a pregnancy to term very difficult, your fertility specialist may suggest third-party reproduction instead of IVF. Using an egg donor or gestational surrogate is an option for those with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, polyps, and others.