How Many Times a Person Can Undergo IVF Procedure?

UPDATED ON 8 MAY. 2023

IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology that helps couples struggling with infertility conceive.

However, many couples who opt for IVF may wonder how many times they can undergo the procedure. 

In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect the maximum number of IVF cycles that are recommended, the risks and benefits of multiple IVF cycles, and alternative options available.

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Recommended Maximum Number of IVF Cycles

There are no universal guidelines on the maximum number of IVF cycles that a person can undergo. However, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that women under 35 years old should attempt up to six cycles of IVF before moving to alternative options.

Women between 35 and 37 years should attempt up to five cycles, women 38-40 years should attempt up to four cycles, and women older than 40 years should consider using donor eggs after two or three unsuccessful cycles.

International Society for Fertility Preservation (ISFP) recommends that women under 35 years old can try up to four cycles, while women over 40 years should consider other options after one or two cycles.

Factors that Affect the Maximum Number of IVF Cycles

The maximum number of IVF cycles recommended for a person depends on various factors such as age, fertility issues, health status, financial resources, and emotional well-being.

The more factors that apply, the more likely a person will have a limited number of IVF cycles.

Age :
Age is a significant factor in determining the success rate of IVF, as fertility declines with age. Women who are older than 40 years may have a lower chance of having a successful pregnancy, which limits the number of IVF cycles they can undergo.

Fertility Issues :
Fertility issues such as low sperm count, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or tubal blockages can reduce the chances of having a successful IVF cycle. Therefore, people with these fertility issues may have a limited number of IVF cycles.

Health Status :
People with certain health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer may have a limited number of IVF cycles as IVF can worsen their health condition.

Financial Resources :
IVF can be expensive, and not all couples can afford to undergo multiple IVF cycles. Therefore, financial resources are an important factor that affects the maximum number of IVF cycles a person can undergo.

Emotional Well-being :
IVF can be emotionally taxing, and not all people can handle the stress and anxiety associated with it. Therefore, emotional well-being is another factor that affects the maximum number of IVF cycles a person can undergo.

Risks and Benefits of Multiple IVF Cycles

Multiple IVF cycles can increase the chances of having a successful pregnancy. However, it also comes with certain physical, emotional, and psychological risks.

Physical risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, ectopic pregnancy, and multiple pregnancies. Emotional and psychological risks include stress, anxiety, depression, and social stigma.

The benefits of multiple IVF cycles are that they increase the chances of having a healthy baby and fulfilling the dream of starting a family.

Alternatives to Multiple IVF Cycles

Adoption, surrogacy, and using donor eggs or sperm are alternative options available for couples who cannot undergo multiple IVF cycles due to various reasons.

Adoption is a legal process where couples can adopt a child and raise them as their own. Surrogacy involves hiring a surrogate mother who carries the embryo to term. Using donor eggs or sperm can also be an option for couples who cannot conceive naturally.

Importance of IVF for Couples Struggling with Infertility

IVF is a boon for couples struggling with infertility, which can be caused by various factors such as age, genetic issues, lifestyle choices, medical conditions, or environmental factors.

IVF has helped millions of couples around the world overcome infertility and have a healthy baby.

Therefore, it is essential to understand the factors that affect the maximum number of IVF cycles that a person can undergo.

Takeaway

IVF is a scientific and medically sound procedure that has helped many couples overcome infertility. However, the maximum number of IVF cycles a person can undergo depends on several factors.

It is essential to understand the risks and benefits of multiple IVF cycles and alternative options available.

Dr Jay Mehta, a well-known scholar, and IVF & fertility specialist in Mumbai, can help guide you through this process. If you have any questions or concerns, get in touch with Dr Jay Mehta today.

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