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Unexplained infertility is where couples who have been having regular unprotected sex for more than 12 months have been unable to conceive, with no apparent reasons, and a doctor cannot detect a cause.

Diagnosed infertility is where there is a fertility barrier that has been identified – like a low sperm count. Primary infertility is when a couple has difficulty conceiving their first child, and secondary infertility is when a couple has difficulties after a first successful pregnancy. 20% of couples who struggle to conceive are diagnosed with unexplained infertility.

If a heterosexual couple cannot conceive after a year of unprotected sex every 2 or 3 days, this can be a sign. However, for women over 35, this is reduced to 6 months.

To test male fertility, several tests can be performed: hormonal testing, ultrasound, testicular biopsy, genetic testing, and a semen analysis.

To test female fertility, some of the possible tests are ovarian reserve testing (to see how many eggs are left), a pelvic ultrasound, laparoscopy to check the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes), ovulation testing to check the hormone levels and a hysterosalpingography which is an x-ray to check for blockages.

Male fertility begins to decline between the ages of 40 and 45; however, for women, fertility begins to decline from the age of 30 onwards.

The IVF process takes between 2-4 weeks to prepare for, up to 10 days of fertility shots, and then the egg retrieval is performed two days later.

For many people, the idea of a daily injection isn’t pleasant, but it is part of the process. The injection is now designed to be as pain-free as possible. However, as with all injections, there may be some tenderness.

Most women have hundreds of eggs and only release one per menstrual cycle. Which means many eggs will go through the process of cell death. The IVF process means that the natural cell death process is overridden, and some of the eggs that would have gone unused will grow. Up to 20 eggs can be stimulated and grown. In short, the IVF process doesn’t use up all of the woman’s eggs.

Most women have hundreds of eggs and only release one per menstrual cycle. Which means many eggs will go through the process of cell death. The IVF process means that the natural cell death process is overridden, and some of the eggs that would have gone unused will grow. Up to 20 eggs can be stimulated and grown. In short, the IVF process doesn’t use up all of the woman’s eggs.

Egg retrieval is not painful and is done under anesthesia. While it is not full surgical anesthesia, and you do not need a breathing tube, you will not have any pain during retrieval.

Many people with ovaries undergo multiple egg retrieval procedures, and there are no long-term complications or damage to the ovaries.

After egg retrieval, there may be some light cramping and spotting. It is often described as less than a regular period.

No, there are usually eggs from larger follicles. Many women have follicles of different sizes after ovulation induction; some will contain immature eggs, some post-mature eggs, and some no eggs at all.

Most women only feel the speculum and nothing further.

After embryo transfer, it is a good idea to relax and take it easy for the remainder of the day. And, if there is any risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, you will be advised to reduce activities for a few days following embryo transfer.

Any embryos that didn’t get transferred can be frozen if that is what you want. You can discuss these options during your appointments.

When transferring multiple embryos, the potential for twins or other multiples is possible. It used to be common practice to transfer multiples when the testing to see if an embryo was viable was less advanced than it is now. Not every IVF pregnancy will be a multiple.

Just like when you are trying naturally, it is a good idea to wait around two weeks before you do any pregnancy tests. Your body needs to produce enough of the hCG pregnancy hormone for it to be detected in a regular pregnancy test.

Women who are older and in the decline of fertility may make more attempts to produce healthy eggs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and wellness and remaining stress-free is important to support your IVF success rate.

If the IVF cycle fails, it is a good idea to wait until your next period. Waiting at least six weeks is a good plan.

IVF procedures are minimally invasive, but you might find that you are more comfortable taking a few days to rest. It is important that you don’t overexert yourself, but for most people, returning to work the next day is fine after an egg retrieval. After an embryo transfer, it is often recommended that you have a restful few days.

While these are some of the most commonly asked questions about IVF, no matter what questions you still have, it is important that you ask them – there is no question too big or too small when it comes to starting your IVF journey.