By the team at the Fertility and Pregnancy clinic Plan Your Baby.

Infertility is a complex and emotionally overwhelming issue for many couples, which not only challenges the dream of having a child but also forces individuals to consider various medical interventions and procedures. 

In-vitro fertilization, or IVF, has become a well-known term and more often than not, a first line of action. However, it is crucial to understand that while IVF has been a game-changer for many, it is not a magical wand, it is not a stroll in the park, and most importantly, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. 

Understanding Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. It is a widespread and increasingly common problem, affecting up to almost 18% of couples globally. 

Infertility may have many causes:

• Ovulatory issues
• Male factor (sperm count and function)
• Reproductive anatomy issues (uterine abnormalities, fibroids, polyps, lack of tubes)
• Medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes
• Diminished ovarian reserve and egg quality
• Unexplained causes

For many couples, just knowing the origin of their fertility struggle can be an immense relief. However, the path from diagnosis to treatment is not always straightforward, and the best treatment plan can vary widely from one couple to another.

Demystifying IVF

IVF is a procedure where eggs are removed from a woman’s ovaries, following a hormonal treatment, and fertilized outside her body using sperm in a lab. The fertilized egg, or “the embryo”, is then transferred to the uterus. This technique has helped millions of couples worldwide to realize their dreams of parenthood.

However, IVF is not a standalone treatment for infertility. And while it should technically be used after simpler treatments have failed to work, many clinics offer it as a first option. But the process is complex, costly, and not without risk or emotional toll. What makes us different here at Plan your baby, is that while we are IVF experts and we do recommend and suggest IVF where it is absolutely needed, we do it on a case by case situation, offering patients a customized approach, tailored specifically to their real needs.

The UK medical system tries to offer everyone a chance to parenthood. Yet accessibility criteria for NHS covered fertility treatments are restrictive, which results in only 24% of all IVF cycles in England being covered by insurance. For the rest, it’s private insurance, employer benefits, or the dreaded “out of pocket”.

Plan Your Baby has emerged as a fresh of breath air in the past months, offering people who don’t fit the NHS box a chance to parenthood. We dig deep into your medical history and we analyze and treat the 13 most common causes of infertility.

We then create a reproductive treatment plan tailored to your needs, focusing on the holistic aspect of care, and favoring “small steps” first. 

With us, IVF is the last resort, not the first option! And yet, we beat the odds, and 4 out of 5 patients have succesful pregnancy outcomes with us. How is that possible?

Who IVF is Suited For

IVF is usually most effective to treat fallopian tubes issues, endometriosis, difficult PCOS cases or male factor. 

Thanks to preimplantation genetic testing, IVF also allows couples to screen embryos for various genetic conditions before implantation, thus reducing the risk of passing on genetic disorders. For these individuals, the controlled nature of IVF treatment can be empowering and life-changing.

Who IVF is Not Suited For

While IVF has helped countless individuals, it is important to recognize that there are situations where it may not be the best path forward:

The frustration of being unable to conceive without an identifiable cause is real. Without a clear diagnosis, IVF’s success rates are sometimes no better than waiting for a spontaneous pregnancy. In these cases, exploring less invasive treatments first may yield better results. 

• Diminished Ovarian Reserve

For women with a low egg count or poor egg quality, IVF may be a less effective option, because IVF is a game of numbers and relies not only on the quality but also on the quantity of eggs retrieved. 

There are medical conditions that could be exacerbated by IVF treatment, such as certain types of cancer, severe endometriosis, or reproductive anatomy disorders. In these instances, other forms of fertility treatment or even surrogacy or adoption might be more appropriate.

Why Plan Your Baby?

While IVF represents a significant leap forward in fertility treatment, it is not the singular answer. Each case of infertility is unique, and the best course of action should always be based on a thorough evaluation, clear communication with healthcare professionals, and informed decision-making. It is essential for a patient to take the time to consider all options, including the potential emotional, physical, and financial costs associated with IVF. By understanding when IVF is not the best solution, couples can explore alternative paths that may give them a better chance at achieving their goal of starting a family.

At Plan Your Baby we take time to talk to you. Our experts are here for you 24/7, you are being monitored remotely, with testing performed close to you, without the need to travel for hours in order to have a scan or a lab test. 

We’re looking at the bigger picture, we patiently and knowingly guide you through your infertility journey and, where possible, we provide you with the simpler, less expensive, less invasive option. 

Check our “Am I fertile”- to diagnose and “Assistance to conception”– to treat packages, and give us a call! 

Let us be part of your journey and your plan of having a baby!