When we started, we assumed IVF was for one specific kind of person. We wondered if we “qualified.” Turns out, IVF is for a lot of different people, for a lot of different reasons. Here are some of the kinds of people we’ve come across. Maybe you’ll see yourself in here too.
People who’ve been trying to conceive
The most common one. After a while of trying with no pregnancy, a lot of people get told they’re dealing with infertility. And hearing the word infertility can be heavy and set off a whole bunch of alarm bells. But it just means that it hasn’t happened on its own in the time you’d expect. It’s common. And IVF usually comes up after simpler things haven’t worked.
People with a specific medical reason
Sometimes there’s a known medical reason someone is having a hard time getting pregnant.
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, so the egg and sperm can’t meet.
- Endometriosis, when uterine-type tissue grows outside the uterus, which can cause scarring and block the fallopian tubes.
- PCOS, a hormonal condition that can keep ovulation from happening regularly.
- Sperm issues, like low count or movement.
- Even “unexplained” — everything looks fine, but pregnancy still isn’t happening. It’s frustrating and disheartening, and more common than you’d think. The first person we talked to about IVF was a friend who shared her story of “unexplained” infertility.
Same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ families
IVF is a common way LGBTQ+ families get built. Two women might use one partner’s eggs with donor sperm, or do reciprocal IVF where one carries the other’s egg. Two men typically work with an egg donor and a surrogate.
Single people, by choice
Plenty of people do this on their own, with a donor. They want to be single parents. IVF isn’t just for couples.
People who use a donor or carrier
Some paths use an egg, sperm, or embryo from someone else, or someone else to carry the pregnancy. It comes up for lots of the people already on this list, and it’s a normal, established route. It’s a big topic with its own costs and considerations, so we cover how it works separately.
People with a genetic condition to consider
Some carry a gene they worry about passing on. Rather than leaving it up to chance, people choose IVF specifically because with IVF, embryos can be tested before a transfer.
People freezing for later
Not everyone is trying to get pregnant right away. Some are freezing eggs or embryos for later. That’s us! More about that later.
So, is IVF for you?
Maybe. Maybe not. The only ones who can really say what’s right for your situation and your body are you and a doctor who’s looked at your history. We hope our site helps guide you along the way.
Learn More
Sources
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ReproductiveFacts.org), “Defining Infertility”
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “Treating Infertility”
- Mayo Clinic, “Infertility: Symptoms & Causes”
- RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, “Family Building Options”
Note: This is just a general picture, not advice about your specific situation. Please consult a doctor or fertility specialist to discuss your own care.