Planning IVF? Here's why your treatment will be different from everyone else's

IVF doesn't begin with hormone injections or the first ultrasound. Experts say success depends on two things a treatment plan tailored to the cause of infertility and careful preparation even before the first clinic visit.Why IVF treatment differs for every coupleFor many couples, the decision to start IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) comes after months or even years of trying to conceive. It is often seen as the final step in the fertility journey, a treatment that follows a standard set of procedures before leading to pregnancy.But fertility specialists say this is one of the biggest myths surrounding IVF.In reality, no two IVF journeys are the same. The treatment does not begin with injections or the first ultrasound scan, nor does every patient receive the same medicines or follow the same protocol. IVF today is highly personalised, with every step from investigations and lifestyle changes to hormone stimulation and embryo transfer planned according to the couple's unique fertility profile.Whether infertility is caused by PCOS, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, low ovarian reserve, male infertility or remains unexplained, the treatment strategy changes accordingly. Even before treatment starts, doctors recommend improving overall health, completing essential tests and making lifestyle changes that can improve the chances of success. Experts say understanding both the diagnosis and the preparation required before IVF can help couples enter treatment with realistic expectations and the best possible chance of pregnancy.IVF IS A TOOLKIT, NOT A FIXED PROCEDUREAccording to Dr Gaurav Gujarathi, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Mangalore, IVF should be viewed as a collection of treatment options rather than a single standard procedure. Every patient responds differently to fertility medicines. Factors such as age, ovarian reserve, hormone levels, sperm health and previous medical history all influence the treatment plan.Instead of following one protocol for everyone, fertility specialists customise medicines, doses and timelines based on what is causing infertility."The diagnosis written in a medical file is only the starting point. The real focus is creating a treatment plan that matches the patient's biology," he explains.PCOS NEEDS CAREFUL MONITORINGWomen with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often produce many follicles during ovarian stimulation.Rather than trying to retrieve the highest possible number of eggs, doctors carefully regulate the ovarian response to reduce the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a potentially serious complication.The goal is controlled stimulation, not aggressive stimulation.LOW OVARIAN RESERVE REQUIRES A DIFFERENT STRATEGYWomen with diminished ovarian reserve have fewer eggs remaining.Here, increasing medicine doses does not necessarily improve results.Instead, doctors focus on obtaining the healthiest eggs possible. In some cases, more than one IVF cycle may be needed to collect enough embryos for future transfer.ENDOMETRIOSIS CAN AFFECT EGG QUALITYEndometriosis often affects both the quantity and quality of eggs.Women who have undergone surgery for endometriosis may have an even lower ovarian reserve, making treatment planning more challenging. Doctors carefully assess ovarian function before deciding the stimulation protocol.MALE INFERTILITY IS MORE COMPLEX THAN IT APPEARSA semen analysis provides important information about sperm count, movement and shape, but specialists say it doesn't reveal everything.The true test is how sperm behaves when it meets the egg in the IVF laboratory. Even men with poor semen parameters may achieve successful fertilisation using advanced techniques such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).SOMETIMES THE CAUSE REMAINS UNKNOWNIn some couples, all investigations appear normal, yet pregnancy does not occur.This is known as unexplained infertility. Even in these cases, doctors personalise IVF protocols using age, hormone levels, previous treatment history and embryo development to improve outcomes.IVF ACTUALLY BEGINS BEFORE THE FIRST SCANMany couples believe IVF starts on the day hormone injections begin. According to Dr Shilpi Sweta, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Bhopal, preparation actually begins weeks before the first scan. The period before treatment allows doctors to assess health, identify possible concerns and optimise the body for pregnancy.This preparation can influence how the ovaries respond to medicines and may improve treatment planning.WHY LIFESTYLE MATTERS BEFORE IVFExperts recommend making healthy lifestyle changes before starting treatment instead of waiting until the IVF cycle begins.Maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI), eating balanced meals rich in protein, getting enough sleep and staying physically active can all support reproductive health. Smoking affects fertility in both men and women, while excessive alcohol and caffeine intake should also be reduced before treatment starts.These changes are not meant to guarantee pregnancy, but they help create a healthier foundation for IVF.TESTS THAT HELP PERSONALISE TREATMENTBefore beginning IVF, fertility specialists usually recommend investigations for both partners.For women, these may include:AMH test to assess ovarian reserveBaseline ultrasoundThyroid function testsProlactin levelsBlood sugar evaluationInfection screeningAdditional investigations based on age and medical historyFor men, semen analysis is one of the most important tests before treatment planning begins.These investigations help doctors select the most appropriate treatment protocol instead of relying on a standard plan.NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS ALSO MATTERDoctors often advise women planning pregnancy to begin taking folic acid before conception.Vitamin D deficiency, thyroid disorders and uncontrolled diabetes may also be identified and corrected before IVF starts.Rather than taking supplements independently, experts recommend discussing them with a fertility specialist who can tailor advice according to individual needs.PREPARING EMOTIONALLY IS EQUALLY IMPORTANTIVF can be emotionally demanding.Stress, uncertainty and repeated clinic visits often make the treatment feel overwhelming.Doctors recommend discussing expectations with the fertility team, planning work schedules in advance, maintaining good sleep habits and identifying a strong support system before beginning treatment. Activities such as walking, yoga and meditation may also help reduce anxiety during the process.QUICK IVF PREPARATION CHECKLISTBefore your first IVF scan, experts recommend:Achieve a healthy BMIStop smoking and limit alcoholKeep caffeine within medical adviceEat balanced, protein-rich mealsBegin folic acid if advisedComplete AMH, hormone and ultrasound testsGet a semen analysis done earlyKeep previous medical reports readyDiscuss medicines and supplements with your doctorPrepare emotionally and write down questions for your fertility specialistIVF is far more than a laboratory procedure or a series of hormone injections. It is a personalised treatment that begins well before the first scan and is shaped by the underlying cause of infertility, the health of both partners and careful medical planning.Experts say there is no universal IVF protocol that works for everyone. The most successful cycles are those built around a thorough understanding of each couple's unique fertility challenges and supported by healthy lifestyle changes before treatment begins.For couples considering IVF, the message is clear: success is not simply about starting treatment quickly, but about starting it with the right diagnosis, the right preparation and a plan designed specifically for them.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Jul 29, 2026 07:30 IST