Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You should consider these factors while choosing an IVF center or Fertility Clinic:

• IVF Results – Always choose a IVF center or Fertility clinic with best IVF results.Also, the take home baby rate should be high.
• Experienced Doctors, Embryologists and Team – You can increase your chances 50 times by choosing Experienced IVF specialists near you. The embryologist should be full time. If the team has more than one IVF specialists, its better.
• Read Reviews – Read what others say about them. The number of postive reviews should be significant.
• Cost of IVF treatment – Beware of IVF centers offering heavy discounts on IVF treatment.Such IVF centers do not give results. You need Results NOT Discounts.
• Transparency – IVF center should be ready to transparently explain you the treatment plan, costs and timelines.

The chances of success of IVF treatment depends on several factors:

• Age of both female and male partner
• Egg quality
• Endometrium quality
• Stress free environment

Gunjan Ivf World has been delivering 90% ivf success rate. So book an appointment with best ivf center near you today.

• A couple is usually called “infertile” if they try for a baby for one year with regular unprotected sex and the woman does not get pregnant.
• If the woman is 35 years or older, doctors usually suggest checking after 6 months of trying.
• If the woman is 40 years or older or has health issues like irregular periods, blocked tubes, endometriosis, or the man has very low sperm count, it’s better to see a doctor right away instead of waiting.
• There are two types:
• Primary infertility – when a couple has never had a pregnancy.
• Secondary infertility – when a couple has had a pregnancy in the past, but now has trouble conceiving again.

👉 Simple takeaway:
If you are under 35, see a doctor after 1 year of trying.
If you are 35 or older, see a doctor after 6 months.
If you already know there is a problem (like irregular cycles or very low sperm count), don’t wait—get help earlier.

❌ No, most birth control methods do not cause permanent infertility.
They only work while you are using them, and once stopped, fertility usually returns.

Different methods and fertility return:

• Birth control pills, patches, rings → Fertility usually returns within a few weeks to months after stopping. Some women may take 2–3 cycles for periods to normalize.
• Injections (Depo-Provera) → This can take 6–12 months for fertility to return after the last shot, but it’s not permanent.
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs) → Fertility returns immediately after removal (both copper and hormonal IUDs).
• Condoms, diaphragms, spermicides → No effect on fertility at all.
• Tubal ligation (female sterilization) / Vasectomy (male sterilization) → These are the only permanent methods of contraception.

Important point:

If a woman is not getting pregnant after stopping birth control, it’s usually because of age, underlying health conditions (like PCOS, endometriosis, low sperm count, thyroid problems, etc.), not because of the contraception itself.

👉 Simple takeaway:
Birth control does NOT cause infertility. Once stopped, most women can get pregnant, depending on age and overall reproductive health.

If you are under 35 years old → Try naturally for 1 year. If no pregnancy, see a fertility doctor.

If you are 35–39 years old → Try for 6 months. If still not pregnant, seek help.

If you are 40 years or older → See a doctor right away, don’t wait.

See a doctor earlier (any age) if you have:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Known blocked tubes, endometriosis, PCOS
• Previous pelvic/uterine surgery or pelvic infection
• Repeated miscarriages
• Partner with very low sperm count or testicular problems

👉 Simple takeaway:
Don’t wait too long—fertility naturally declines with age.
Under 35 → 1 year | 35+ → 6 months | 40+ → immediately

• Sometimes, even after doing all the standard fertility tests, the cause of infertility is not found.
• This is called “Unexplained Infertility.”

What tests are usually normal in unexplained infertility?

✅ Woman’s ovulation → normal
✅ Fallopian tubes → open
✅ Uterus → healthy
✅ Man’s semen analysis → normal

Yet, the couple is unable to conceive.

How common is it?

• Seen in about 10–20% of infertile couples.

Important points:

• “Unexplained” does not mean untreatable.
• Many couples still conceive naturally over time.
• Treatments like ovulation induction, IUI (intrauterine insemination), or IVF can improve chances.

👉 Simple takeaway:
Unexplained infertility means all tests are normal, but pregnancy still doesn’t happen. It can be frustrating, but treatment options exist and success rates are good.

Things to Look for in a Good IVF Centre

1. Doctor’s expertise

• • Qualified fertility specialists (MD/MS/DNB with reproductive medicine training).
  • Experience in handling complex cases.

2. Laboratory quality

• • Advanced embryology lab with modern equipment.
  • Good success rates with embryo freezing, ICSI, blastocyst culture.
  • Strict infection control and air quality systems.

3. Success rates (transparent reporting)

• Ask for live birth rate per embryo transfer (not just pregnancy test rate).
• Success depends on your age and health, so avoid centres that promise “guaranteed pregnancy.”

4. Range of services

• IUI, IVF, ICSI, PGT (genetic testing), fertility preservation, donor programs.
• In-house ultrasound and hormone testing facilities.

5. Ethical practices & counseling

• Clear explanation of treatment plan, costs, risks.
• Emotional and psychological support for couples.

6. Cost transparency

• No hidden charges.
• Package should clearly mention medicines, procedures, freezing, storage.

7. Accessibility & support

• Easy appointment system, emergency support.
• Patient-friendly staff and good communication.

Typical Cost of IVF in India

Depending on city, clinic, inclusions, etc., here are approximate cost ranges (2025) for one full IVF cycle in India:

Why Costs Vary So Much

Here are factors that make the price go up or down:

• Location: IVF in big metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) is usually costlier because of infrastructure, staffing, higher rents.
• Clinic reputation & technology: Clinics with high success rates, good embryology labs, advanced technology (time-lapse incubators, PGT) often charge more.
• Medicine/stimulation protocol: More hormone injections (“stimulation”) → more drugs → higher cost.
• Number of monitoring visits, scans, ultrasounds.
• Use of donor eggs/sperm or personalised lab work.
• Whether the package includes all costs (medicines, tests, injections, embryo freezing, etc.) or excludes some. Hidden costs can surprise.

Is it Expensive?

• Yes and no — relative to local incomes, it is a big expense for many couples. But compared to many Western countries, IVF in India tends to be much more affordable (sometimes 50-80% cheaper).
• If you are comparing costs globally, you will often find that a good clinic in India charges significantly less than clinics in the USA, UK, Australia, etc., for similar quality treatment.

Yes. IVF is the best treatment.

• IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely.
• The egg is retrieved directly from the ovary, fertilized with sperm in the lab, and the embryo is placed in the uterus.
• This makes blocked/damaged tubes irrelevant.

🔹 Success rates: Similar to women with other infertility causes (age and egg quality matter most).

🔹 Special case – Hydrosalpinx:

• If tubes are swollen with fluid, success rates of IVF drop by ~50%.
• Surgery (laparoscopic salpingectomy or clipping) before IVF improves chances of pregnancy.

👉 Simple takeaway:
Blocked or damaged tubes rarely show symptoms. If tubes are the problem, IVF offers the best chance of pregnancy, especially after removing hydrosalpinx if present.

When to Try IVF Again After a Failed Cycle?

• Physically:
• Most women recover within 4–6 weeks after egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
• Studies show that doing the next cycle as early as the following menstrual cycle is safe for most patients.
• Emotionally:
• IVF failures are stressful. Many couples need time for emotional healing before trying again.
• Counseling and support groups can help.
• Medically:
• Your doctor may want to review the cycle—egg quality, sperm factors, embryo grading, endometrium, lab conditions.
• If changes in protocol are planned (different stimulation, genetic testing, treating endometrium), you may need a 1–3 month break.

What guidelines and studies suggest:

• ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) and several studies:
• No evidence that delaying many months improves outcomes.
• A short interval (even immediate next cycle) is acceptable if the woman is physically and emotionally ready.
• Hydrosalpinx surgery, endometrial scratch, or new investigations may require a longer wait.

✅ Simple takeaway:

• If no medical or emotional reason to delay → you can usually try again in the very next menstrual cycle.
• If protocol changes or extra treatment needed → wait 1–3 months.
• Most important: take the time you need emotionally before restarting.

Yes — there is an upper legal age limit for IVF treatment in India, as per the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021.

Upper Age Limits for IVF in India (ART Act 2021):

• Women: up to 50 years of age
• Men: up to 55 years of age

Why the age limits?

• To ensure safety of the mother and child, since pregnancy risks rise sharply after 50.
• To maintain ethical practices in assisted reproduction.
• To standardize age criteria across fertility centres.

Important points:

• After 45, natural egg quality is usually very low → many women may need donor eggs.
• Success rates depend more on egg quality (age of the woman/egg donor) than on the uterus itself.
• Clinics must legally follow these limits—treatment cannot be offered beyond these ages.

👉 Simple takeaway:
In India, IVF is legally allowed up to age 50 for women and 55 for men. After this, clinics are not permitted to provide ART treatments

Medical Tests to Evaluate Infertility

Since infertility can be due to either partner (or both), tests are done for both woman and man.

Tests for the woman:

1. Ovulation check
• Blood test: Progesterone in the second half of the cycle (day 21 test).
• Ultrasound: follicle tracking to see if eggs are released.
• Checking menstrual history (regular periods usually mean ovulation).

1. Ovarian reserve (egg count)

• Blood test: AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
• Ultrasound: Antral Follicle Count (AFC)

1. Fallopian tubes & uterus

• HSG (Hysterosalpingography): X-ray dye test to see if tubes are open.
• Sonohysterography or saline infusion sonography.
• Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy (if needed).

1. Hormonal profile

• TSH (thyroid), Prolactin, FSH/LH, Insulin, androgens (if PCOS suspected).

Tests for the man:

1. Semen analysis
• Checks sperm count, movement (motility), and shape (morphology).
2. Hormone tests (if sperm counts are low) – testosterone, FSH, LH.
3. Genetic tests (in very low counts or azoospermia).

How do you know for sure?

• Infertility is usually diagnosed if a couple has been trying for 12 months (or 6 months if woman ≥35 years) without success.
• After doing these tests, doctors can usually find the cause (e.g., low egg count, blocked tubes, low sperm count).
• Sometimes, even after all tests are normal, the cause remains unknown → called Unexplained Infertility (about 10–20% of cases).

👉 Simple takeaway:

• Tests check egg health, ovulation, uterus/tubes, and sperm quality.
• With these, doctors can identify the cause in most couples and plan treatment.

IVF is not always the first step, and many couples conceive with simpler treatments once the root cause is clear. Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow before considering IVF:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

• Meet a fertility specialist (Reproductive Medicine / IVF doctor).
• They will take a detailed medical history (periods, pregnancies, surgeries, infections, lifestyle, family history).
• Both partners should attend the first consultation.

Step 2: Basic Tests

For the woman

1. Ovulation check
• Day-21 progesterone blood test or ultrasound follicle tracking.

1. Ovarian reserve (egg count)

• AMH blood test, Antral Follicle Count (ultrasound).

1. Uterus & fallopian tubes

• HSG (X-ray dye test) or Sonohysterogram to check if tubes are open.

1. Hormonal profile

• TSH (thyroid), prolactin, FSH, LH, and insulin/androgens if PCOS suspected.

For the man

1. Semen analysis (at least 2 samples, 2–3 weeks apart).
2. If abnormal → hormone profile, ultrasound, or genetic tests if needed.

           Step 3: Doctor reviews results & plans treatment

• If small issues (irregular ovulation, mild sperm problem, thyroid/PCOS, endometriosis) → simpler treatments like medicines or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) may work before IVF.
• If serious issues (blocked tubes, very low sperm count, poor egg reserve, repeated failed treatments) → IVF may be advised sooner.

Simple takeaway:

👉 Don’t jump straight to IVF.
Start with: Semen test + Hormone & ultrasound check + Tube test.
These basics often reveal the cause and guide the right treatment.

Body weight plays a big role in reproductive health for both women and men.

How Weight Affects Fertility

In Women

• Overweight / Obese (BMI >25–30):
• Higher risk of irregular periods & anovulation (not releasing eggs regularly).
• Common in women with PCOS, making conception harder.
• Increased risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
• IVF success rates may be lower.
• Underweight (BMI <18.5):
• Can lead to irregular or absent periods.
• Body may stop ovulating if there isn’t enough body fat to support normal hormone balance.
• Higher risk of early miscarriage and low-birth-weight babies.

In Men

• Overweight / Obese:
• Linked to lower testosterone, poor sperm count and motility.
• Can also cause erectile dysfunction.
• Underweight:
• May reduce sperm production due to poor nutrition and hormone imbalance.

Why This Happens

• Fat tissue is hormonally active — it affects estrogen, testosterone, and insulin.
• Too much or too little fat disrupts the delicate hormonal balance needed for egg and sperm production.

Simple Takeaway:

• Being very overweight or very underweight can reduce fertility in both men and women.
• Healthy BMI (19–24) gives the best chance for natural conception and IVF success.
• Even a 5–10% weight loss in overweight women with PCOS can restore ovulation and improve pregnancy chances.

Sometimes infertility has a genetic basis, but not always.

Is Infertility Genetic?

            In Women

• Chromosomal problems: e.g., Turner syndrome (missing X chromosome) → no/low egg reserve.
• Fragile X premutation (FMR1 gene) → can cause premature ovarian insufficiency (early menopause).
• Endometriosis and PCOS: not purely genetic, but there is often a family tendency.

In Men

• Y-chromosome microdeletions → cause very low or absent sperm production.
• Klinefelter syndrome (XXY) → poor or no sperm production.
• Cystic fibrosis gene mutations (CFTR gene) → can cause absence of the vas deferens (sperm cannot exit).

Key Point

• Not all infertility is genetic.
• Many causes are acquired (blocked tubes from infection, low sperm from lifestyle, thyroid/diabetes, age-related egg decline).
• But when infertility is severe, early, or unexplained, doctors may recommend genetic testing.

Simple takeaway:

Infertility is not always inherited.
👉 Some people are born with genetic conditions that affect eggs or sperm.
👉 Others develop infertility due to lifestyle, age, or medical issues.
👉 Genetic counseling/testing is useful if infertility is severe, early, or runs in the family.

That’s one of the most common questions couples ask. The honest answer is: there are no magic natural remedies that guarantee pregnancy, but certain lifestyle changes and supplements can support reproductive health and improve chances.

Lifestyle Remedies That Help Fertility

1. Maintain healthy weight (BMI 19–24) → improves ovulation & sperm quality.
2. Balanced diet → rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats.
3. Exercise moderately → helps PCOS and improves hormones; avoid extreme workouts.
4. Quit smoking & alcohol → both reduce egg/sperm quality.
5. Reduce stress → yoga, meditation, or counseling can support emotional well-being.

Supplements with Some Evidence

For Women

• Folic acid (400–800 mcg/day) → essential for preventing birth defects, recommended for all trying to conceive.
• Vitamin D → low levels are linked to reduced fertility.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) → may improve egg quality, especially in older women (limited but growing evidence).
• Inositol (Myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol) → useful in women with PCOS to improve ovulation.

For Men

• Zinc & Selenium → support sperm count and motility.
• Vitamin C & E → antioxidants that may protect sperm DNA.
• L-carnitine → may improve sperm motility.
• CoQ10 → shown in some studies to improve sperm quality.

Important

• Supplements can support fertility, but they cannot replace medical treatment if there are blocked tubes, very low sperm counts, or severe hormonal issues.
• Always consult a fertility specialist before starting new supplements, especially if you are already on medications.

Main Steps of an IVF Cycle

1. Ovarian stimulation (10–12 days)

• Daily hormone injections to make the ovaries produce multiple eggs (instead of just 1).
• Regular ultrasounds & blood tests to monitor growth.

2. Egg retrieval (OPU – Ovum Pick-Up)

• A short day-care procedure (15–20 minutes) under light anesthesia.
• Eggs are collected from the ovaries with a thin needle.

3. Sperm collection & fertilization

• Partner provides a semen sample (or frozen donor sperm is used).
• Eggs and sperm are combined in the lab → either natural fertilization or ICSI (injecting one sperm into one egg).

4. Embryo culture (3–5 days)

• Fertilized eggs grow into embryos.
• Embryologists monitor and select the healthiest ones.

5. Embryo transfer (ET)

• A selected embryo is placed into the uterus using a thin catheter (painless, no anesthesia needed).
• Extra good-quality embryos can be frozen for future use.

6. Luteal support & Pregnancy test

• Hormone (progesterone) support is given.
• A blood test (beta-hCG) is done about 12–14 days after transfer to confirm pregnancy.

How Long Does It Take?

• One full IVF cycle usually takes 4–6 weeks from start of stimulation to pregnancy test.
• If frozen embryo transfer (FET) is planned instead of fresh transfer, the timeline may be slightly longer.

Simple takeaway:

IVF involves stimulating eggs, retrieving them, fertilizing in lab, and transferring embryos back.
👉 The whole process takes about one to one and a half months.

Ovarian stimulation is the first major step of IVF, and patients often worry about the injections. Let me break it down in a clear, structured way:

Drugs Used in Ovarian Stimulation (IVF)

1. Gonadotropins (FSH / FSH + LH injections)

• Examples: Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur, HMG
• Purpose: Stimulate the ovaries to make multiple eggs instead of just one.

2. GnRH Antagonists or Agonists

• Examples: Cetrotide, Orgalutran (antagonists); Lupron (agonist)
• Purpose: Prevent premature ovulation (so eggs are not released before retrieval).

3. Trigger Shot (hCG or GnRH agonist)

• Examples: Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Lupron trigger
• Purpose: Mature the eggs and prepare them for retrieval.

4. Progesterone (after egg retrieval / embryo transfer)

• Examples: Gufigest gel,, Cyclogest, Gestone,  susten injections, or oral forms
• Purpose: Support the uterine lining and help embryos implant.

Possible Side Effects

From stimulation drugs (FSH/LH):

• Bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings
• Headache, injection site pain
• Rarely: Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) → enlarged ovaries, fluid retention, shortness of breath (clinics monitor closely to avoid this).

From antagonists/agonists:

• Mild skin reactions at injection site
• Headache or hot flashes (rare, short-lived).

From trigger shot:

• Mild abdominal discomfort, bloating
• Very rarely, OHSS (if ovaries over-respond).

From progesterone:

• Breast soreness, fatigue, mild cramps
• Vaginal discharge (if using gel/suppository)
• Mood changes

            Simple Takeaway:

• IVF drugs are hormones that stimulate the ovaries, prevent early egg release, and support implantation.
• Side effects are usually mild and temporary (bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness).
• Serious risks (like OHSS) are rare, and doctors monitor patients closely with scans and blood tests to keep it safe.

Egg Retrieval in IVF: What to Expect

1. Preparation

• Timing: Scheduled 34–36 hours after the trigger injection (which matures the eggs).
• Fasting: Usually asked not to eat or drink for 6–8 hours before the procedure.

2. The Procedure

• Anesthesia: Done under mild sedation or short general anesthesia (you won’t feel pain).
• Method:
• A thin ultrasound-guided needle is inserted through the vaginal wall into each ovary.
• Fluid is gently aspirated from the follicles.
• The embryologist checks the fluid under a microscope to collect the eggs.
• Duration: Usually 15–30 minutes.

3. After the Procedure

• Recovery: Rest in the clinic for 1–2 hours until the sedation wears off.
• Symptoms: Mild bloating, cramping, or spotting for a day or two is common.
• Restrictions: Can usually return to normal activities the next day, but avoid heavy exercise.
• Pain: Generally mild; painkillers may be prescribed if needed.

4. Risks (rare, but important to know)

• Infection (very rare, antibiotics may be given).
• Bleeding or injury to nearby organs (extremely rare).
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) symptoms if ovaries are over-stimulated.

5. What Happens to the Eggs?

• Eggs are taken to the IVF lab immediately.
• They are fertilized with sperm the same day (via IVF or ICSI).
• You’ll be told how many eggs were retrieved and how many are mature.

✅ Simple Takeaway:
Egg retrieval is a short, safe, and painless procedure under anesthesia. You may feel bloated or crampy afterward, but serious complications are rare.

Preparing for Embryo Transfer (ET)

✅ Dos

1. Follow your medications exactly
• Take progesterone, estrogen, or other prescribed drugs on time.
• These hormones prepare your uterus for implantation.

1. Arrive with a comfortably full bladder (if instructed)

• A full bladder helps the doctor see the uterus better during ultrasound-guided ET.

1. Eat a light meal before

• No need to fast; a light meal keeps you comfortable.

1. Stay relaxed

• Stress doesn’t directly affect success rates, but calmness helps you feel better.
• Gentle walks, meditation, or deep breathing may help.

1. Wear comfortable clothing

• Easy-to-remove, loose-fitting clothes make the process smoother.

🚫 Don’ts

1. Don’t skip medicines
• Missing progesterone/estrogen can reduce chances of implantation.

1. Avoid perfumes, strong deodorants, or lotions

• Embryology labs are sensitive; avoid chemicals on the day of ET.

1. No alcohol, smoking, or recreational drugs

• These reduce implantation and pregnancy success.

1. Avoid excessive caffeine

• Limit to ≤1 cup of coffee/tea per day.

1. Don’t overthink bed rest

• Evidence shows normal light activity is safe. Strict bed rest is not required and may even be counterproductive.

💡 After the Transfer

• Resume normal daily activities (gentle movements are fine).
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or high-heat activities (saunas, hot yoga).
• Continue progesterone and other medications as advised.
• Wait for the pregnancy blood test (beta-hCG) — usually after 10–12 days.

✅ Simple Takeaway:
On embryo transfer day, focus on taking medicines on time, keeping calm, and avoiding extremes. Light activity afterward is safe — you don’t need strict bed rest.

Embryo selection is one of the most important parts of IVF, because choosing the healthiest embryo gives the highest chance of a successful pregnancy. Let me explain how it’s done, and where Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) fits in.

How the Best Embryo is Selected

Embryologists use several methods:

1. Morphological Grading (Appearance Under Microscope)

• Day 3 embryos (cleavage stage): Count of cells, how even they look, presence of fragments.

• Day 5/6 embryos (blastocysts): Graded on:
• Expansion (how well the fluid-filled cavity forms)
• Quality of inner cell mass (the part that becomes the baby)
• Quality of trophectoderm (outer cells that form the placenta).

Higher grade usually = better implantation potential.

2. Time-lapse Imaging (EmbryoScope)

• Special incubators take continuous pictures of embryos.
• Allows analysis of growth patterns and timing, which predicts which embryos are most viable.

3. Metabolic/AI-based Selection (Emerging Tools)

• Some labs use artificial intelligence or embryo “culture media analysis” to predict viability — still developing, but promising.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

• PGT is an additional tool to help select embryos with the correct number of chromosomes (euploid embryos), which are more likely to implant and lead to a healthy baby.
• Types of PGT:

1. PGT-A (for Aneuploidy):

• Screens embryos for missing/extra chromosomes.
• Reduces miscarriage risk and increases chances of live birth per transfer.
• Especially useful if:
• Maternal age > 35
• History of recurrent miscarriage
• Multiple failed IVF attempts

2. PGT-M (for Monogenic Diseases):

• Tests embryos for single-gene disorders (like thalassemia, cystic fibrosis) if parents are carriers.

      3. PGT-SR (for Structural Rearrangements):

• Used if one parent has chromosomal translocations or inversions.

Does our IVF Centre Offer PGT?

• Yes, our center does offer PGT, and it requires specialized labs.
• Embryo biopsy is done at the blastocyst stage (Day 5/6), and cells are tested in a genetics lab.
• The embryo is usually frozen while awaiting results, then the best genetically normal embryo is chosen for transfer.

In summary: The best embryo is selected first by microscopic grading, sometimes enhanced by time-lapse AI, and, if needed, by PGT to ensure genetic normalcy.

PGT isn’t required for everyone, but in certain cases (like recurrent miscarriage, failed IVF, or known genetic risks), it can make a big difference

Having recurrent miscarriages is heartbreaking, but it does not mean you cannot get pregnant or have a baby. Many women with repeated losses go on to deliver healthy babies once the cause is understood and managed.

What Recurrent Miscarriage Means

Defined as 2 or more pregnancy losses (some guidelines use 3).

It shows that you can conceive, but something is interfering with the pregnancy continuing.

Common Causes of Recurrent Miscarriage

1. Genetic factors

Chromosomal problems in the embryo (often random, especially as age increases).

In some couples, one partner may carry a balanced translocation.

2. Uterine factors

Fibroids, septum, adhesions, or polyps that disturb implantation.

3. Hormonal & metabolic factors

Thyroid disorders, PCOS, uncontrolled diabetes, high prolactin.

Luteal phase defect (progesterone insufficiency).

4. Immune & clotting disorders

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), thrombophilias.

5. Endometriosis & inflammation

May affect implantation environment.

6. Lifestyle & age

Smoking, alcohol, obesity, advanced maternal age.

The Hopeful Side

Most couples (60–70%) with recurrent miscarriage eventually have a live birth, often naturally.

With proper evaluation and targeted treatment (like aspirin/heparin for APS, progesterone support, IVF with genetic testing, or surgery for uterine anomalies), the chances improve further.

            What You Can Do Next

1. Complete evaluation (both partners):

• Genetic tests (karyotyping).
• Hormonal panel (thyroid, prolactin, glucose).
• Uterine imaging (hysteroscopy/sonohysterography).
• Immune & clotting tests (APS, thrombophilia).

2. Treatment depends on findings:

• Progesterone or hCG support.
• Aspirin/heparin if clotting issue.
• IVF with PGT (genetic screening of embryos) if repeated chromosomal issues.
• Surgery if uterine abnormality.

3. Supportive care:

Close monitoring in early pregnancy, emotional and psychological support.

So, to answer you clearly: Recurrent miscarriages do not mean the end of your journey to parenthood. They mean more investigations are needed, and with the right support, your chances are still strong. 💕

IVF is a very effective treatment, but like any medical procedure it does carry risks. Most women go through IVF safely, but it’s good to know the possible short-term and long-term effects so you feel prepared.

Short-Term Risks of IVF

1. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

• Caused by strong response to fertility injections.
• Symptoms: bloating, nausea, fluid buildup, enlarged ovaries.
• Severe cases are rare today because modern protocols (like “antagonist cycles” and GnRH agonist triggers) have made OHSS much less common.

2. Procedure-related risks

• Egg retrieval is a minor surgery under anesthesia.
• Rare risks: bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs.

3. Multiple Pregnancy

• If more than one embryo is transferred, risk of twins or higher.

• Increases pregnancy risks (preterm birth, high BP, gestational diabetes).
• That’s why many centres recommend single embryo transfer.

4. Emotional & Physical Stress

• Hormone injections can cause mood swings, headaches, bloating.

The process itself is emotionally demanding.

Long-Term Risks of IVF & Medications

• Cancer risk: Large studies show no increased overall risk of breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer from IVF drugs. Only women with underlying conditions (like BRCA mutations or strong family history) may have higher risks anyway, unrelated to IVF.
• Egg reserve: The medicines don’t use up your eggs faster than natural aging. IVF only recruits the eggs your body would have lost in that cycle.
• Hormonal effects: No proven long-term health problems from fertility medications.

Children born from IVF: Decades of research show they are generally as healthy as naturally conceived children, though some studies show slightly higher risks of preterm birth and low birthweight—likely due to parental factors and infertility itself, not IVF alone.

Bottom Line

• Most side effects are short-term and manageable.
• Serious or long-term health risks are very rare.
• The main challenge for many women is the emotional rollercoaster and physical discomfort, not lasting health damage.

Yes, endometriosis can make it harder to conceive, but it doesn’t mean you can’t become pregnant. Many women with endometriosis do go on to have their babies naturally or with treatment. Let me explain how endometriosis affects fertility, and what that might mean for you at 31.

How Endometriosis Affects Fertility

Endometriosis means tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus (ovaries, tubes, pelvis). This can affect fertility in several ways:

1. Egg Quality & Ovarian Reserve

• Endometriomas (“chocolate cysts”) in ovaries may reduce the number of healthy eggs.
• Chronic inflammation can sometimes affect egg quality.

2. Fallopian Tubes

• Scar tissue (adhesions) may block or reduce the ability of tubes to pick up the egg.

3. Embryo Implantation

• The endometrial environment can be less receptive due to inflammation, making it harder for embryos to attach.

4. Pelvic Environment

• Ongoing inflammation alters hormones and immune responses, which can make conception less likely.

What This Means at Age 31

• You’re still at a good reproductive age—egg quality is generally much better at 31 than later.
• If your tubes are open and partner’s sperm is normal, natural pregnancy is possible.
• But, if you’ve been trying >6–12 months without success, endometriosis may be contributing.

Options to Improve Your Chances

1. Fertility Evaluation

• Ovarian reserve tests (AMH, AFC scan).
• Tube testing (HSG/HyCoSy).
• Semen analysis of partner.

2. Treatment Pathways

• Mild endometriosis: Timed intercourse, sometimes medications.
• Moderate–severe: IUI (intrauterine insemination) may help, but IVF is usually more effective.
• IVF bypasses tubes and endometriosis-related adhesions, giving embryos the best chance to implant.

3. Surgical Considerations

• Laparoscopy to remove endometriosis/adhesions can improve fertility in some cases.
• But repeated ovarian surgeries may lower egg reserve, so decisions should be careful.

The hopeful part: At 31, many women with endometriosis do achieve pregnancy, often with IVF if natural conception doesn’t happen.

I hear the deep wish in your words ❤️—wanting your baby. Let me explain clearly what IVF centres mean when they talk about “success rate”, because it can sometimes sound confusing or even misleading.

What “Success Rate” Means in IVF

When an IVF centre says “success rate,” they usually mean the percentage of IVF cycles that result in a live birth (a baby born). But this can be expressed in different ways, so it’s important to know what they’re measuring:

1. Biochemical Pregnancy Rate

– Positive blood test (β-hCG) after embryo transfer.

– Early marker, but some pregnancies may stop developing.

2. Clinical Pregnancy Rate

– Pregnancy confirmed on ultrasound (gestational sac, heartbeat).

– A stronger indicator than just a positive test.

3. Ongoing Pregnancy Rate

– Pregnancy beyond 12 weeks.

– More reassuring, but still not equal to bringing the baby home.

4. Live Birth Rate (LBR) ⭐

– Baby born alive (most important and realistic measure).

– Usually expressed as:

• Per embryo transfer (chances once embryos are put back).
• Per egg retrieval cycle (includes all embryos from that attempt).
• Cumulative live birth rate (if you use all embryos from one retrieval).

What Matters Most for You

When you look at an IVF centre’s “success rate,” ask them:

✅ Do you mean pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy, or live birth?

✅ Is the rate shown per transfer, per retrieval, or cumulative?

✅ What are the rates for women in my age group?

Because the only true success is you taking your baby home.💕