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Learn why IVF day is observed, causes of infertility, how IVF works and who may benefit from treatment.
World IVF Day and IVF Treatment: Key Takeaways
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Almost every couple dreams of becoming parents, but with instances of infertility rising rapidly, the road ahead is not the same for everyone. That’s where IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) comes in. Since the birth of the world’s first IVF baby in 1978, the IVF treatment has emerged as a ray of hope for couples exploring assisted reproductive care, helping countless couples realise their dream of parenthood.
World IVF Day is observed every year on 25 July to recognise this landmark development in reproductive medicine, honour the doctors and embryologists, and promote awareness about IVF. In this blog, we’ll discuss the significance of World IVF Day, the causes of infertility, and the steps in the IVF process, along with its benefits and recent advancements in the field.
What is World IVF Day?
World IVF Day, also known as World Embryologist Day, is observed every year on 25 July to commemorate the birth of Louise Brown, the world’s first baby conceived through IVF, in 1978. IVF is a fertility treatment in which eggs are combined with sperm in a specialised laboratory, and a suitable embryo may later be transferred into the uterus.
The day highlights the history of IVF and its impact on reproductive medicine. Over the years, IVF has expanded treatment possibilities for people affected by blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, male infertility, genetic conditions and unexplained infertility.
More than a celebration of medical progress, this IVF awareness day encourages informed conversations, reduces stigma and honours the patients, fertility specialists, nurses, counsellors and embryologists involved in the journey towards parenthood.
Understanding Infertility in Women and Men
Infertility is generally defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected intercourse. The World Health Organization estimates that around one in six people of reproductive age experience infertility during their lifetime. It may be linked to female factors, male factors, a combination of both, or causes that remain unexplained even after evaluation. Let’s look at some of the causes of infertility in men and women.
Common Causes of Female Infertility
Common causes of infertility in females include:
- Ovulation disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome
- Reduced ovarian reserve
- Age-related decline in fertility
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids or polyps
- Premature ovarian insufficiency
- Hormonal or thyroid disorders
Common Causes of Male Infertility
Common causes of infertility in males include:
- Low sperm count
- Reduced sperm movement or motility
- Abnormal sperm shape
- Azoospermia, or an absence of sperm in the semen
- Varicocele
- Hormonal or genetic conditions
- Infections
- Ejaculatory or sexual-function concerns
Smoking, alcohol use, certain medicines, exposure to excessive heat, chronic health conditions and environmental hazards may also affect reproductive health.
Can Infertility Be Prevented?
Not every cause of infertility can be prevented. Genetic conditions, congenital differences, age-related changes and certain medical disorders may occur despite healthy habits.
However, the following steps may help protect reproductive health and reduce some avoidable risks:
- Avoid smoking, vaping and smokeless tobacco
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet
- Exercise regularly
- Practise safer sex and seek timely treatment for infections
- Manage diabetes, thyroid disorders and other chronic conditions
- Discuss fertility preservation before chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Seek medical advice for irregular periods, pelvic pain or testicular concerns
These measures support the prevention of infertility risks, but they cannot guarantee that infertility will be avoided.
What is IVF Treatment?
IVF treatment is one of several methods used to address infertility and may be performed through different approaches. Conventional IVF combines eggs and sperm in a laboratory, while IVF with ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, often in selected cases of male infertility. Other approaches include natural-cycle IVF, mild-stimulation IVF and in vitro maturation, although the most appropriate option depends on the patient’s age, ovarian reserve, semen parameters, medical history and previous treatment.
Benefits of IVF
The potential benefits of IVF include:
- Supports fertilisation: Eggs and sperm are combined in a controlled laboratory environment.
- Enables embryo monitoring: Embryologists can observe fertilisation and early embryo development.
- Allows ICSI: A single sperm may be injected directly into an egg.
- Supports embryo freezing: Suitable embryos can be preserved for future treatment.
- Helps preserve fertility: Eggs, sperm or embryos may be frozen for later use.
- Enables donor programmes: Donor eggs or sperm may be used when appropriate.
- Supports genetic testing: Selected embryos may be assessed for specific genetic concerns.
- Offers transfer flexibility: Fresh or frozen embryo transfer may be planned as needed.
How Does the IVF Treatment Process Work?
IVF involves several stages, including ovarian stimulation, egg collection, fertilisation and embryo transfer. Here are the main stages of the IVF process:
- Consultation and evaluation: Medical history, ovarian reserve tests, ultrasound, hormonal tests, semen analysis and uterine assessment may be advised.
- Ovarian stimulation: Fertility medicines encourage several follicles to develop. Progress is monitored through scans and blood tests.
- Trigger injection: A carefully timed medicine supports final egg maturation.
- Egg retrieval: Eggs are collected through an ultrasound-guided procedure, generally under sedation or anaesthesia.
- Semen preparation: A fresh, frozen or surgically retrieved sperm sample may be used, depending on the clinical situation.
- Fertilisation: Eggs and sperm are combined through conventional IVF or ICSI.
- Embryo culture: Embryologists monitor fertilisation and embryo development in controlled laboratory conditions.
- Embryo transfer: A selected fresh or frozen embryo is placed inside the uterus.
- Pregnancy test: A blood test is performed after the advised waiting period, followed by appropriate medical care.
Who Should Consider IVF Treatment?
IVF treatment may be recommended for people with:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Moderate to severe male infertility
- Azoospermia where sperm retrieval is possible
- Endometriosis
- Ovulation disorders that have not responded to treatment
- Reduced ovarian reserve
- Unexplained infertility
- Repeated failure of IUI or other fertility treatments
- A need for donor eggs or donor sperm
- A need for fertility preservation
- A risk of passing on a serious genetic condition
The decision to begin IVF should be made after a detailed evaluation by experienced IVF specialists, as the most suitable infertility treatment depends on age, reproductive health, test results and previous treatment.
IVF Success Rates: What Couples Should Understand
There is no single IVF success rate that applies to everyone. Outcomes are influenced by:
- Age
- Ovarian reserve
- Egg and sperm quality
- Cause and duration of infertility
- Embryo development
- Uterine health
- Medical or genetic conditions
- Laboratory standards
- Previous treatment history
Success figures may refer to fertilisation, implantation, clinical pregnancy, live birth or cumulative live birth. These terms should not be used interchangeably.
At Gunjan IVF World, we have supported more than 25,000 successful deliveries and report a take-home baby rate of over 80% in selected treatment groups. However, we understand that every fertility journey is different, and individual outcomes may vary based on age, fertility diagnosis, ovarian reserve, embryo quality and other clinical factors.
Recent Advancements and the Future of IVF
The future of IVF is moving towards increasingly personalised treatment. Ovarian stimulation may be planned using age, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, antral follicle count, body weight, medical history and previous response.
Researchers are also studying whether artificial intelligence can assist clinicians in predicting ovarian response and adjusting gonadotropin medicines, including FSH and hMG. Existing research suggests that AI may support dose and timing decisions, but much of the evidence remains observational or retrospective. These systems require further validation and should support, rather than replace, clinical judgement.
Other developments include time-lapse embryo monitoring, vitrification, improved culture systems, fertility preservation and AI-assisted embryo assessment. Preimplantation genetic testing may also be appropriate in selected cases, although it cannot guarantee pregnancy or the birth of a healthy baby.
Common IVF Myths and Facts
Despite advancements, infertility and assisted reproduction are still surrounded by stigma, assumptions and misinformation. On World IVF Day, addressing these myths is important because informed conversations can help couples seek timely support, understand their treatment options and approach the journey to parenthood with greater confidence.
| Myth | Fact |
| IVF is the first treatment for infertility. | Treatment depends on the cause, age and test results. |
| Infertility is mainly a female problem. | Male and female factors can both affect fertility. |
| IVF always leads to pregnancy. | IVF may improve the possibility of conception, but success is not guaranteed. |
| IVF always results in twins. | Multiple pregnancy risk is influenced by embryo-transfer decisions and other factors. |
| IVF is only for older women. | People of different ages may require IVF for different reasons. |
| Lifestyle changes can cure infertility. | Healthy habits help, but cannot correct every medical cause. |
Supporting Parenthood Journeys with Personalised Fertility Care
World IVF Day celebrates a milestone that transformed fertility care while honouring patients, doctors and embryologists. It also reminds us that infertility deserves timely evaluation, reliable information and compassionate support.
At Gunjan IVF World, a team of experienced fertility specialists, embryologists and medical professionals led by Dr Gunjan Gupta Govil provides support across IVF, female and male infertility, fertility surgeries, gynaecology and pregnancy care. With over 20 years experience in fertility and reproductive medicine , the team provides affordable, transparent and personalised care through clinics in Noida, Greater Noida West, Ghaziabad, Meerut and Janakpuri.
To book an appointment, call +91 99900 44555, WhatsApp +91 70489 20797, or email gunjanivfworld@gmail.com. Appointments can also be booked online through the Gunjan IVF World appointment page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 What is the role of an embryologist in IVF treatment?
An embryologist works with eggs, sperm and embryos during the IVF process, from fertilisation and embryo culture to freezing and preparation for transfer. World IVF Day, also observed as World Embryologist Day, recognises these laboratory professionals and their vital contribution to fertility care.
Q.2 When should a couple consult a fertility specialist?
Couples may consult a fertility specialist after 12 months of trying to conceive if the female partner is under 35, or after six months if she is 35 or older. An earlier evaluation is advisable for irregular periods, known male infertility, endometriosis or other recognised fertility concerns.
Q.3 Is IVF the first treatment option for infertility?
No, IVF treatment is not always the first form of infertility treatment recommended. Depending on the causes of infertility, IVF specialists may initially suggest medicines, lifestyle changes, surgery or intrauterine insemination before considering in vitro fertilisation.
Q.4 How long does one IVF cycle usually take?
One IVF cycle commonly takes around four to six weeks from the beginning of ovarian stimulation to the pregnancy test. The timeline may be longer when additional testing, embryo freezing or a frozen embryo transfer is included.
Q.5 How many IVF cycles may be required?
The number of IVF cycles required differs for every patient, and some may conceive after one cycle while others may need further attempts. At Gunjan IVF World, treatment planning considers age, ovarian reserve, embryo development, medical history and previous response rather than recommending a fixed number of cycles.
Q.6 Are two eggs enough for IVF treatment?
Pregnancy may be possible with two eggs, provided they are mature, fertilise successfully and develop into suitable embryos. However, not every retrieved egg completes each stage of the IVF process, so egg quality, age and sperm health are as important as the number collected.
Q.7 In which country was IVF first successfully performed?
The first successful IVF birth took place in the United Kingdom. Louise Brown, the world’s first baby conceived through in vitro fertilisation, was born in England on 25 July 1978, the date now observed as World IVF Day.
Q.8 Does IVF have a 100% success rate?
No, IVF does not have a 100% success rate. Outcomes depend on factors such as age, ovarian reserve, egg and sperm quality, embryo development, uterine health and the underlying causes of male or female infertility.
Q.9 Why is Day 2 embryo development important during IVF?
By Day 2 after fertilisation, an embryo has typically begun dividing into multiple cells, allowing the embryology team to observe its early development. This assessment provides useful information, although later development and overall embryo quality must also be considered before transfer or freezing.
Q.10 Is an IVF pregnancy the same as a naturally conceived pregnancy?
Once an embryo implants, an IVF pregnancy generally develops in the uterus in the same way as a naturally conceived pregnancy. However, some patients may require closer monitoring because of their age, medical history, infertility diagnosis or risk of pregnancy-related complications.
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About Author
Dr. Gunjan Gupta
Gynecologist and IVF specialist
Verified & Most Trusted OneDr. Gunjan Gupta is a Gynaecologist with a specialization in IVF, Infertility & Laparoscopy specialist doctor and has close to 2 decades of experience in : Treating Infertility, Performing Gynae Laparoscopy (Keyhole Surgeries) Handing high-risk Pregnancies. She is a Member of Royal College of Obs and Gynae (MRCOG) of UK and has been trained in Laparoscopy at EUDGES (France).
To book an appointment, call: +919990044555
