Not getting a baby? Don’t be discouraged! In‑vitro fertilization (IVF) may make your dream of having a child come true

When natural conception is beset with hurdles, many couples may feel frustrated and helpless. Fortunately, advances in reproductive medicine — especially the maturity of in‑vitro fertilisation (IVF) — have offered hope to countless couples struggling with infertility. If you’ve been asking “when will we be parents?”, this guide explains how IVF works, who it may help, and how it can increase your chance of conceiving.

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Who is in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) for? Are you a candidate?

IVF is not normally the first-line fertility treatment, but it becomes a key option when other approaches fail. You might consider IVF if any of the following apply:

• Tubal factor infertility — for example, both fallopian tubes are blocked, removed, or hydrosalpinx that prevents sperm‑egg meeting.
• Severe male infertility — very low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology.
• Ovulation disorders — when several rounds of ovulation‑induction drugs have failed.
• Endometriosis (moderate to severe) — affecting ovary function or pelvic environment.
• Unexplained infertility — after full investigation, no clear cause found.
• Age-related fertility decline or diminished ovarian reserve — wanting to increase chances via technology.
• Need for genetic screening — couples wishing to avoid passing on genetic diseases, as IVF enables pre‑implantation genetic testing (PGT) to select healthy embryos.

If any of the above apply, it’s advisable to consult a fertility specialist to assess whether IVF is right for you.

Standard IVF process — step by step

Understanding the IVF process can help reduce anxiety about the unknown. A typical IVF cycle includes the following major steps:

1. Initial assessment and evaluation — both partners undergo comprehensive fertility testing (hormones, ovarian reserve, semen analysis, etc.) to personalise the treatment plan.
2. Ovarian stimulation — medication is used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, increasing the number of usable oocytes.
3. Monitoring — through ultrasound scans and blood tests to track follicle growth and hormonal changes, determining the optimal timing for egg retrieval.
4. Egg retrieval (oocyte pick-up) — under light sedation, a thin needle is used via the vagina to collect the eggs. The procedure is quick and generally pain-free.
5. Sperm collection and fertilisation — on the same day, the male partner provides a semen sample. In the IVF lab, eggs and sperm are combined; fertilisation may be via conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
6. Embryo culture — fertilised eggs are cultured in specialised incubators under conditions that mimic the natural environment for 3–6 days, allowing embryo or blastocyst formation.
7. Embryo transfer — one or more high-quality embryos are selected and gently transferred into the uterus using a soft catheter.
8. Luteal support & pregnancy test — after transfer, hormonal support is given to assist implantation. Around 10–14 days later, a blood test (β‑hCG) confirms whether pregnancy was achieved.

How many IVF cycles are typically needed for success?

Success isn’t guaranteed in one go — many factors affect the outcome, particularly the woman’s age.

• Age is the key determinant: for women under 35, the clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer may exceed 50%, while success rates decline as egg quality decreases with age (for women over 40, chances may drop to ~20% or lower).
• From a statistical standpoint, many successful pregnancies occur within the first 1–3 cycles. If the first attempt fails, doctors often analyse the reasons, adjust the treatment plan, and the chances for the second or third cycle remain meaningful.
• It is important to view IVF as a treatment journey — not a one‑time “exam”. Being mentally and financially prepared for possibly more than one cycle helps maintain hope and resilience.

IVF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are babies born through IVF healthy?
Yes — research shows children born via IVF don’t show significant differences in behaviour, intelligence, development, or health compared to naturally conceived babies. What matters most is the quality of the eggs and embryos used.

Do you need bed rest after embryo transfer?
Not really. A short rest of 1–2 days is advised, and strenuous exercise should be avoided. Prolonged bed rest may actually hinder blood circulation and embryo implantation.

Does IVF cause premature ovarian failure?
No. The ovarian stimulation simply recruits eggs that would normally undergo natural death (atresia) — it doesn’t deplete the entire egg reserve prematurely.

Can you choose the baby’s gender?
Not for non‑medical reasons. Gender selection is generally prohibited. Only when there is a serious sex‑linked genetic disease can pre‑implantation genetic testing (PGT) be used for embryo selection.

How to boost the IVF success rate?
A healthy lifestyle before and during treatment helps: stop smoking, avoid alcohol, eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, exercise moderately, and manage stress. Emotional well‑being also matters.

Conclusion

The path to parenthood may be full of challenges, but you are not alone. In vitro fertilisation is a mature and effective reproductive technology that has helped millions of families worldwide realise the dream of becoming parents. With realistic expectations, professional guidance, and perseverance, your dream could soon come true.

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Source of information

1. Chinese Society of Reproductive Medicine (2023). Statistical Report on Assisted Reproductive Technology in China. Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception, 43(5), 321-335.
2. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine Practice Committee (2022). “Guidelines on in vitro fertilisation: Practice committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine”. Fertility and Sterility, 118(4), 659-679.
3. World Health Organisation (2023). Estimated prevalence of infertility (2000-2023) .
4. Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (2023). “Multiple gestation associated with infertility therapy: an American Society for Reproductive Medicine Practice Committee opinion”. Fertility and Sterility, 119(3), 375-379.

This article is translated from the original article in Chinese: 宝宝不来？别气馁！体外受精 IVF 可能实现生育梦想

Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are feeling unwell or have any medical concerns, please seek guidance from a licensed medical professional.

This medical content has been reviewed by Dr Chun-Kai Chen, a reproductive medicine expert in Taiwan, currently serving as an adjunct attending physician at National Taiwan University Hospital and the director of Chi Hsin Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic. He holds a Master’s degree in Assisted Reproductive Technology from the University of Nottingham, UK, and was the first Taiwanese physician to complete PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) training at University College London, successfully introducing this technology to Taiwan. Specialising in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A/PGT-M), and infertility treatment, he is committed to the philosophy of “listening attentively and accompanying with all our might,” helping every couple realise their dream of having children.

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