If you're trying to conceive and things aren’t going as planned, you may have found yourself asking:
“Is IVF the right next step for me?”

It’s not an easy question — and it’s okay if you don’t have a clear answer yet. IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is a powerful tool in modern medicine, but it's also emotionally, physically, and financially demanding. This post walks you through the key factors to help you decide whether IVF is the right path for you right now.

What Is IVF?

IVF is a fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm in a lab, and then transferred back into the uterus as embryos. It can help people who are facing a wide range of fertility challenges — but it’s not always the first step in treatment.

👉 Related: What Is IVF?
👉 Related: The IVF Timeline: Step-by-Step Guide

Who Might Consider IVF?

You might consider IVF if you:

• Have been trying to conceive for 12 months (under 35) or 6 months (35+)

• Have been diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or PCOS

• Have male factor infertility (low sperm count or motility)

• Have tried IUI or timed intercourse without success

• Are over 35 and want to maximise your chances quickly

• Are in a same-sex couple or single and using donor sperm

• Want to preserve fertility through egg freezing

• Are ready to move beyond unexplained infertility

Questions to Ask Before Starting IVF

Ask yourself the following:

1. Have I had a full fertility work-up?

Before IVF, you should have completed basic testing:

• Hormone blood tests (e.g. AMH, FSH, LH, prolactin)

• Ultrasound scan for ovarian reserve

• Semen analysis

• Tubal patency test (e.g. HSG)

👉 Related: Fertility Tests: What to Expect and What They Mean

2. Have I explored other treatments first?

Depending on your situation, your doctor may suggest trying:

• Lifestyle changes (nutrition, stress management)

• Ovulation induction with timed intercourse

• IUI (intrauterine insemination)

These are often less invasive and more affordable.

3. Am I emotionally prepared?

IVF is physically demanding — with daily injections, multiple scans, hormone surges, and intense waiting. It’s also emotionally loaded, and success isn’t guaranteed.

Things to think about:

• How do I cope with stress and uncertainty?

• What support system do I have?

• Am I willing to try more than one round if needed?

👉 Related: IVF and Mental Health: How to Cope

4. Can I afford IVF (or access it through the NHS)?

In the UK:

• Some people qualify for NHS-funded IVF (criteria varies by region)

• Private IVF costs typically range from £5,000–£8,000 per cycle, not including meds, scans, or frozen transfers

👉 Related: How Much Does IVF Really Cost?
👉 Related: NHS or Private IVF? The Pros and Cons of Each Path

5. Do I understand my personal success chances?

Success rates vary based on:

• Age

• Ovarian reserve

• Cause of infertility

• Embryo quality

For example:

• Under 35: ~32–35% success per cycle

• Age 38–40: ~20–23%

• Age 43+: under 5% without donor eggs

👉 Related: IVF Success Rates by Age

When IVF Might Not Be the Right Step — Yet

You may choose to wait or explore other paths if:

• You're early in your trying-to-conceive journey

• You haven’t had a full diagnosis

• You need more time emotionally or financially

• You're unsure about the invasiveness or ethics

• You’re considering donor conception or surrogacy first

It’s okay to pause. IVF isn’t the only path to parenthood — and readiness matters.

It’s Not Just About “Yes or No”

Sometimes the better question is:
“Is IVF right for me right now?”

You can say:

• “Not yet”

• “Yes, let’s explore it”

• “I’m gathering information”

• “I need to speak to a specialist first”

Whatever your answer is today, it’s valid. And it’s allowed to change.