How to recognise early warning signs before considering fertility treatment

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is often utilised when conventional methods of conception prove unsuccessful. However, many couples remain uncertain about the appropriate timing for such intervention.

HT Lifestyle spoke with Dr Monika Gupta, centre head at IVF, Kailash Hospital, Noida, who explained that critical early warning signs are frequently missed.

"Around 1 in 7 couples deal with infertility at some point, but too many wait way too long before considering something like IVF," Dr Monika Gupta revealed.

The signs which show the requirement of IVF

1. Unexplained delays in conception after 6-12 months:

• If you're under 35 and doing everything ‘right,’ timing the intercourse perfectly, and you are still not pregnant after 12 months, it signals potential hidden issues.
• Problems can be like subtle ovulation glitches or low sperm motility.
• Don't wait another year.

2. Irregular or absent periods:

• Indicates polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS or thyroid issues disrupting egg release.
• IVF bypasses these by retrieving eggs directly.

3. Multiple miscarriages (two or more):

• Might be caused by chromosome mix-ups, uterus abnormalities, or blood clotting disorders.
• IVF plus genetic screening (PGT) picks the strong embryos.

4. Male factor infertility

• Poor sperm numbers, weird shapes, or slow swimmers cause 40% of infertility.
• Since at-home kits fail to catch it, getting a proper semen analysis, then IVF with ICSI (sperm injection) leads to successful outcomes.

5. Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes:

• Past infections, like chlamydia, endometriosis, or even past surgeries, can scar the tubes, preventing fertilisation.
• A quick scan spots it, and IVF doesn't need the tubes at all.

6. Advanced age or low ovarian reserve:

• Tests like FSH or AMH flag fading eggs, with clues like shorter cycles or random hot flashes.
• After 40, chances of fertility go down fast; don't delay.

7. Failed prior treatments:

• If IUI or meds do not work after 3-6 cycles, go for IVF.
• IVF has a higher success rate (70-80% per cycle for under-35s)

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not count as professional advice.