World IVF Day 2026: Not every couple with infertility needs IVF, says specialist
New Delhi: World IVF Day, observed every year on July 25, marks the remarkable progress made in assisted reproductive technology, offering hope to millions of couples struggling with infertility. Even so, fertility specialists say IVF is not the first or only treatment for every couple facing difficulty in conceiving.
According to Dr Shalini Chawla Khanna, Associate Director – PCOS/PCOD, Low AMH, Advanced Hysteroscopy, Infertility & IVF, Max Hospital, Panchsheel Park, identifying the underlying cause of infertility through timely evaluation is essential before deciding on the most suitable treatment, as many couples are able to conceive without undergoing IVF.
Timely fertility assessment can make a difference
Infertility is becoming increasingly common due to several factors, including delayed parenthood, reduced ovarian reserve, declining sperm counts, obesity, stressful lifestyles and environmental pollutants.
“Nearly one in six couples experience difficulty conceiving. Seeking timely medical advice and undergoing a comprehensive fertility evaluation helps identify the underlying cause and ensures that the most appropriate treatment is offered,” Dr Khanna explained.
She said the choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the woman’s age, duration of infertility, ovarian reserve, semen parametres, the underlying diagnosis and any previous treatments.
IVF is not the answer for every couple
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding fertility treatment is that IVF becomes necessary as soon as a couple experiences infertility.
“It is important to remember that not every couple with infertility needs IVF. Many couples conceive with lifestyle modifications, ovulation induction, timed intercourse, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or corrective surgery when indicated,” the fertility specialist stated.
She explained that doctors recommend treatment based on individual medical needs rather than following a single approach for everyone.
When is IVF usually recommended?
According to Dr Khanna, IVF is generally advised for couples who are unlikely to conceive naturally or through simpler fertility treatments.
These situations include
- Blocked or severely damaged fallopian tubes
- Severe male factor infertility, including very low or absent sperm count, often requiring ICSI
- Moderate to severe endometriosis
- Unexplained infertility after prolonged attempts or unsuccessful IUI cycles
- Advanced maternal age or diminished ovarian reserve
- Ovulatory disorders, including PCOS, that have not responded to treatment
- Couples at risk of passing on inherited genetic disorders through pregnancy, where preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be beneficial
- Fertility preservation before chemotherapy or other treatments that may affect fertility
- Situations requiring donor eggs, donor sperm or gestational surrogacy
Do not delay seeking medical advice
The expert advised couples to consult a fertility specialist if pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse when the woman is younger than 35 years. If the woman is 35 years or older, evaluation should ideally begin after six months.
She added that women with irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis, recurrent miscarriages, previous pelvic infections or surgery, as well as couples with abnormal semen parameters, should seek medical advice earlier.
Advances have improved IVF success, but age still matters
Dr Khanna explained that advances such as blastocyst culture, vitrification, time-lapse embryo monitoring, AI-assisted embryo selection, laser-assisted hatching and preimplantation genetic testing have made IVF safer, more precise and more successful than ever before.
However, she cautioned that technology cannot completely overcome the effects of age on fertility.
“While IVF has transformed countless lives, one fact remains unchanged – the biological clock continues to tick. A woman’s ovarian reserve and egg quality decline with age, while the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriage increases. IVF cannot completely reverse the effects of age,” Dr Khanna stated.
Early planning offers best chance
“The best gift you can give yourself and your future child is timely planning. Plan your family early, seek fertility advice without delay, and remember that early action offers the greatest opportunity for safe motherhood and a healthy baby,” the fertility expert emphasised.
She said that seeking timely guidance allows couples to understand their fertility status and explore the most appropriate treatment options before age-related changes begin to affect the chances of conception.