It’s important to know the right time for IVF for couples who are finding it difficult to get pregnant naturally. However, it’s not always easy to decide when to go for IVF. There are many factors that can affect the right time. It includes your age, health problems, previous treatments, and how long you’ve been trying to conceive. So, it’s very important to know when to take the next step in your fertility journey.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist, has helped many couples to understand the right time for IVF based on their personal situation. So, in this blog, we will explain when IVF can be the right option and share some important points to help you make the best decision.
What is IVF and How Does It Work?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a medical method that helps those couples who cannot conceive naturally. In this procedure, the baby is made in a lab and then the baby (embryo) is placed back into the uterus.
Here’s the IVF process step by step:
- Ovulation Stimulation: The woman is given fertility medicines to help her ovaries to produce more eggs than normal.
- Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are ready, they are taken out of the woman’s body by using a simple and safe procedure.
- Sperm Collection: The male partner gives a semen sample. The sperm is cleaned and prepared in the lab.
- Fertilization: The collected eggs and sperm are combined in a lab dish so that fertilization (joining of egg and sperm) can happen.
- Embryo Formation: After a few days, the fertilized eggs grow into embryos.
- Embryo Transfer: One healthy embryo is carefully placed into the woman’s uterus.
- Pregnancy Test: After 10–14 days, a blood test is done to check if IVF pregnancy has started.
Why Timing Matters in IVF Treatment?
Timing plays a very important role in the success of IVF treatment. It’s important to understand the right time for IVF because starting too early or too late can affect the results.
Additionally, there are many factors which can affect the timing. It includes age, health problems, hormone levels, and past treatments. For example, a woman’s fertility naturally decreases with age, especially after 35. On the other hand, starting IVF too soon without trying other simpler treatments first may not be necessary in some cases.
Also, timing matters during the IVF cycle itself. The exact day to take medicines, collect eggs, and transfer the embryo must be carefully planned. These steps are based on how the woman’s body responds, and small delays can affect the entire procedure.
That’s why it’s important to speak to a fertility expert who can guide you based on your health, age, and personal situation. You can also consult one of the best fertility experts in Delhi, Dr. Rita Bakshi at RISAA IVF.
When Should You Consider IVF?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is usually considered when other fertility treatments don’t work. If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for over a year (or 6 months if you’re over 35) without success then it may be time to talk to a fertility expert.
Some situations where IVF may be the right option include:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Low sperm count or poor sperm quality
- Ovulation problems like PCOS
- Unexplained infertility (no clear reason found)
- Endometriosis
- Failed IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) cycles
- Women who wish to preserve fertility or are using donor eggs or sperm
Age and Its Role in IVF Success
Age is one of the most important factors that affect IVF results. As women grow older, their egg quality and quantity naturally decrease and this can lower the chances of a successful pregnancy. So, it’s important to start IVF at the right time to improve your chances and reduce the need for multiple treatment cycles.
Here’s how age can affect IVF:
- Women under 35 usually have higher IVF success rates.
- Fertility starts to decline after age 35.
- After 40, the chances of success become lower due to weaker egg quality.
- Older women may need donor eggs to increase their chances.
- Age can also impact the uterus’s ability to support a pregnancy.
- Men’s age matters too but not as strongly as in women.
Trying Naturally vs. Starting IVF – How Long to Wait?
There are many couples who get confused about when to stop trying naturally and start IVF. It’s normal to try for some time but if pregnancy doesn’t happen then it’s okay to ask for help. The right time for IVF can depend on your age, health, and how long you’ve been trying.
Here are some general guidelines which can help:
- If you’re under 35 and have been trying for over a year
- Couples with repeated miscarriages or failed IUI treatments
- If you’re 35 or older, talk to a doctor if you haven’t conceived after 6 months of trying.
- If you have a known fertility issue like PCOS, low sperm count, or blocked tubes
Signs It’s the Right Time for IVF
There are some signs which are important to know for every couple who want to get pregnant with IVF. We will share some common signs that can help you to know when it could be the right time to start IVF.
Here are some signs that it might be the right time for IVF:
- You’ve been trying for over a year without getting pregnant (or 6 months if you’re over 35).
- You or your partner has a fertility issue, like low sperm count, blocked tubes, or PCOS.
- You have irregular or no periods and it is making it hard to track ovulation.
- Other treatments haven’t worked, like ovulation medicines or IUI.
- You’ve had multiple miscarriages and need a more advanced treatment.
- You are in your late 30s or early 40s and want to improve your chances quickly.
- You want to freeze eggs or embryos for future use due to age or health reasons.
When IVF May Not Be the Immediate Choice?
IVF is a helpful option but it’s not always the first step for every couple. Sometimes, there are other ways to try before moving to IVF.
Here are a few situations where IVF may not be needed right away:
- Less than one year of trying
- Irregular periods or hormonal issues
- Minor sperm problems
- Blocked fallopian tubes on one side
- Emotional or financial unpreparedness
Final Words
The right time for IVF can be different for every couple and it depends on their age, health, and how long they’ve been trying to conceive. In this blog, we’ve discussed what IVF is, why timing matters, signs to consider IVF, and when it might not be needed right away. This information can help you to understand your options and decide the best time to take the next step.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has helped many couples to make this important decision. If you’re unsure about the right time for IVF or want expert guidance, don’t hesitate to connect with us. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at doctor@risaaivf.com.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the best age to go for IVF?
The ideal age is between 25 to 35 years, as fertility is higher. But IVF can still work for women above 35 with proper care.
How long after your period do you start IVF?
Usually, IVF starts 2–3 days after your period begins. Your doctor will confirm the best time through tests.
When to start IVF process?
If you’ve been trying for over a year (or 6 months if above 35) without success, it might be time to consider IVF.
When is IVF pregnancy safe?
With regular checkups and medical care, IVF pregnancies are generally safe, just like natural ones.