Q: How many times can a couple try IVF treatment?

There's no limit to it. In Israel, where Dr. Jayesh Patel has got training, people continue their efforts even for 30 IVF cycles. In Gujarat, the highest record of number of IVF attempts to get successful pregnancy is 22. With every failure, the success rate of subsequent cycle decreases to some extent but cumulative success rate improves with more number of cycles. In first 3 cycles, success rate remains usually unchanged i.e. nearly 60-70% - for each cycle, if all factors are favorable. So cumulative success rate of 3 cycles will be up to >80 to 90%. Simplifying it – if 100 patients undergo IVF treatment, 60 will get pregnancy in first attempt, 20-25 will get pregnancy in third attempt and about 8-10 will be lucky in third attempt. So after 3 attempts only 10-12% will need additional efforts.

Q: Does age influence the chance of pregnancy?

Women's age is the most significant variable affecting the IVF process.

For women below 35, the chance of pregnancy is greater.

After the age of 35, the ovarian reserve (number of good quality eggs) of the woman decreases rapidly. So doctors check your ovarian reserve by sonography and by AMH test. Not only the numbers, but egg quality also decreases after age of 35. So pregnancy should be planned before 35. If AMH test is below 0.5, usually egg donation is advised. If AMH test is between 0.5 to 1.1, treatment to improve AMH may be needed followed by IVF. Even multiple cycles of ovarian stimulation and ovum pick up may be needed to get good number of quality oocytes. If AMH is >1.1 ART with self-eggs will give good results

Q: Is there a higher risk of miscarriage in IVF treatment?

After IVF treatment, the risk of miscarriage is a little higher. This risk is not linked to the treatment itself, but to the ability of the patient to become pregnant. Poor embryo quality, poor endometrium, etc. may be the possible reasons. Many medicines are given to prevent abortions up to 12 weeks because majority of abortions take place before 12 weeks.

Q: Should patients follow a diet before IVF treatment?

There are not enough studies on this topic, but some research has shown that prior to their cycles, a significant number of successful treatments were those of patients who followed a diet based on vegetables, organic fish oil, etc.

Q: Should patients lose weight before IVF treatment?

There is no evidence that weight loss can increase the chances of pregnancy, except in case of polycystic ovaries (PCO). Overweight ladies, however, may have extended treatment periods and increased possibility of miscarriage. In PCO even 10% weight loss will improve metabolic processes and improve chances of pregnancy