Why is IVF performed?

People choose IVF for many reasons, including infertility issues or when one partner has an existing health condition. Some people will try IVF after other fertility methods have failed or if they’re at an advanced maternal age. IVF is also a reproductive option for same-sex couples or people who wish to have a baby without a partner.

IVF is an option if you or your partner has:

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
• Endometriosis.
• Low sperm count or other sperm impairments.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other ovarian conditions.
• Uterine fibroids.
• Problems with your uterus.
• Risk of passing on a genetic disease or disorder.
• Unexplained infertility.
• Are using an egg donor or a gestational surrogate.

IVF is a complicated process with many steps. On average, you can expect the process to last four to six weeks. This includes the time before egg retrieval, when a person takes fertility medication until they’re tested for pregnancy.