Your fertility journey, step by step
A fertility journey at EVE Women and Fertility Clinic in Bangalore usually moves through four stages: understanding why conception is taking time, trying the simplest options that can work, moving to IUI or IVF if needed, and following up with care and clarity. No two paths are the same, and you can stop or pause at any point. This page explains the stages, so that you know what to expect and what to ask.
Stage 1 · Understand why
You and your partner meet Dr. Swati for a long first consultation. She asks about your cycles, past pregnancies, medical and surgical history, medicines and lifestyle. She asks the same of your partner. You are examined, and tests are planned for the right days of your cycle. Typical tests are a pelvic ultrasound with an antral follicle count, an AMH blood test, thyroid and prolactin tests, a tubal check such as an HSG, and a semen analysis for your partner. See Fertility evaluation for details.
About one in three couples with infertility have a cause mainly in the woman, one in three mainly in the man, and the rest have causes in both or none found. That is why both partners are evaluated together.
Stage 2 · Treat what can be treated
Many findings can be addressed directly. An underactive thyroid can be corrected. Irregular ovulation can be treated with ovulation-inducing medicine. Lifestyle factors, such as weight, smoking, alcohol and sleep, can be improved for both partners. Sometimes a uterine polyp or fibroid needs removal. Alongside this, you may use natural conception support with follicular monitoring, which means ultrasound scans that tell you when ovulation is close, so timing is right.
Stage 3 · IUI or IVF, and how to decide
Both are used only when they fit. The table below shows the usual reasons.
| Situation | Usually starts with |
|---|---|
| Unexplained infertility, young, open tubes | Timed attempts with monitoring, then IUI |
| Mild male factor, open tubes | IUI |
| Irregular ovulation, open tubes | Ovulation induction, then IUI if needed |
| Blocked or damaged tubes | IVF |
| Severe male factor | IVF with ICSI, with TESA or PESA if no sperm in semen |
| Endometriosis with reduced reserve | IVF, earlier |
| Age 38 or more, or low ovarian reserve | Discussion of earlier IVF, as time matters |
| Repeated IUI without pregnancy | Review, then IVF |
In IUI, prepared sperm are placed in the uterus around ovulation. In IVF, eggs are collected, fertilised in a laboratory (sometimes with ICSI, where one sperm is injected into one egg), cultured for several days, and an embryo is transferred to the uterus. Read the IUI and IVF pages for steps and risks.
Stage 4 · After the cycle
If a pregnancy test is positive, an early scan confirms where the pregnancy is and that it is growing. If it is negative, Dr. Swati reviews what happened, and the options for the next step. Both outcomes are discussed with care. Some couples choose to pause. That is also a valid choice, and we support it.
At a glance
- When to start
after 12 months of trying, or 6 months if the woman is 35 or older, or sooner with a known problem
- Stage 1
a full evaluation of both partners
- Stage 2
treating what can be treated, and timed attempts with monitoring
- Stage 3
IUI or IVF, if the evaluation or time points that way
- Stage 4
early pregnancy care, or a calm review if the cycle does not work
- Time
the evaluation takes one to two cycles
- Rules
IUI and IVF follow the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021, including written consent
What helps you cope
- Come to visits together when you can.
- Write down your questions between visits, and bring them.
- Decide in advance what you are comfortable with: how many cycles, what kinds of treatment, and what budget.
- Protect sleep, meals and some quiet time.
- Tell us if the process is affecting your mood or relationship. We can talk, and point you to counselling support.
Who can have ART in India
Under the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021, IUI and IVF are offered to married couples with an infertility diagnosis where the woman is 21 to 50 years old and the man is 21 to 55, and to widowed or divorced women aged 21 to 50. Written consent is required, and sex selection is prohibited. If you have questions about eligibility, ask at your consultation.
FAQs
Should I try IUI or IVF first?
It depends on your diagnosis, age and how long you have tried. IUI suits some couples with open tubes and mild problems. IVF suits blocked tubes, severe male factor, endometriosis or limited time. Dr. Swati recommends the starting point after your evaluation, and explains why.
How many IUI cycles are reasonable before moving to IVF?
Most guidelines support a limited number of IUI cycles, then a review. The number depends on your age, your tests, and your response to treatment. Dr. Swati explains your plan in advance so you know when the next review is.
How long does a fertility evaluation take?
Usually one to two menstrual cycles, because some tests are timed to specific cycle days. Your first consultation is the longest visit. You may need two or three short visits for scans, blood tests and the tubal check.
Is infertility always the woman's problem?
No. A male factor is the main or a contributing cause in about half of couples. That is why a semen analysis is one of the first tests, and why both partners are seen together.
Can stress cause infertility?
Everyday stress is unlikely to be the sole cause of infertility, but fertility treatment itself can be stressful. Sleep, meals, movement and honest conversations help. If low mood or anxiety are affecting you, tell us and we can suggest counselling.
How do I know if I should stop treatment?
That is a personal decision. We can review your results and your options at any point. Some couples pause, some change plans, and some stop. Dr. Swati supports each choice without pressure.
Sources
- ESHRE Guideline on Unexplained Infertility (2023)
- NICE Guideline CG156, Fertility problems: assessment and treatment
- ASRM Practice Committee, Definition of infertility (2023)
- ART (Regulation) Act, 2021