IVF can be the best treatment for many fertility problems and is probably the best-known – but it isn’t always the best choice for you.

In some cases, treatments such as medicines or surgery can help you get pregnant.

When is IVF the best choice?

If your fertility problems are due to these causes, then IVF is probably best for you.
•    Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
•    Low sperm count or poor sperm movement.
•    Unexplained infertility.

When is IVF unsuitable or unnecessary?

If you have been sterilised (your fallopian tubes cut) you may find that having surgery to re-connect the tubes might be an option. Some women have this procedure because they feel that they have completed their family. But things change and you may want another child, perhaps if you have a new partner. Ask your doctor to refer you for consultation with an obstetrician. Also, if your partner has had a vasectomy, surgery to reverse this may be possible.

If your fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, it may be possible to remove part of them with a surgical procedure.

If you have endometriosis, you may be offered drugs, a surgical procedure or laser treatment to help clear this up.

If you have fibroids, a simple surgical operation can remove them.

If you have hormonal imbalances, you may be offered hormone treatment. This will stimulate your ovaries to produce eggs. You may as an alternative be offered follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) injections, which you give yourself at home.

If the problem is with poor quality sperm, you may be offered Interuterine insemination (IUI) which is where a sample of sperm is taken, the most mobile sperm selected and the sample then introduced directly into your womb when you are ovulating.

Can I have it?

Access to IVF on the NHS varies across England. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that suitable couples receive up to three cycles of IVF on the NHS if the woman is between 23 and 39.

If you have a child or children from your current relationship or a previous relationship, you are not eligible for NHS treatment.

The rate at which primary care trusts (PCTs) across England are implementing the NICE guideline has varied. There continues to be wide variation in the number of IVF cycles funded, and the waiting time for treatment but PCTs across England are working to provide the same levels of service.

Your GP will be able to tell you more about the IVF options open to you.

Some women or couples opt for private IVF treatment. Cost of treatment varies from clinic to clinic, but one IVF cycle typically costs between £3,000 and £4,000.

How does it feel?

IVF will make big demands on your time, body and emotions. Clare Brown, chief executive of Infertility Network UK, which helps people living with fertility problems says: “IVF is such a long treatment, and it's often stressful. One cycle can go on for seven weeks, and you’ll be in and out of the fertility clinic.

“People can become depressed or anxious having IVF. Fertility problems can come to dominate your life with your partner, so it may be hard to ever switch off from the stress.” But help is out there, says Brown, and no one should be reluctant to ask for it.

“All fertility clinics are obliged to offer counselling for people having IVF. You shouldn’t be reluctant to say that you want to see the counsellor: you're not saying you can't cope. It’s just a chance to talk through your feelings.”

Additionally, Infertility Network UK and other organisations can provide valuable support during IVF treatment, including the chance to contact others having the same experience.