In vitro fertilization (IVF) can be an important treatment option for individuals and couples experiencing fertility challenges.
At Longevity Fertility Centre, we provide individualized fertility care for patients preparing for IVF, undergoing treatment, or reviewing next steps after a previous IVF cycle.
In-person and online appointments are available in Calgary and Edmonton.
Understanding IVF
IVF is a fertility treatment in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos may then be transferred to the uterus or frozen for future use.
IVF may be considered for many different fertility situations, including:
- Low AMH or diminished ovarian reserve
- Endometriosis
- PCOS or ovulation concerns
- Fallopian tube problems
- Male factor infertility
- Unexplained infertility
- Previous unsuccessful fertility treatment
- Age-related fertility concerns
- Other reproductive conditions
Every IVF cycle is different, and treatment is individualized by the fertility clinic according to reproductive history, ovarian reserve, age, previous treatment, and other fertility factors.
Preparing for IVF
Before beginning IVF, it can be helpful to understand the complete fertility picture.
Depending on your situation, this may include reviewing:
- AMH
- Antral follicle count
- FSH and estradiol
- Menstrual and ovulation history
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Fallopian tube history
- Previous fertility treatment
- Semen analysis
- Other medical or reproductive conditions
Patients who have already completed one or more IVF cycles may also benefit from reviewing their previous ovarian response, egg retrieval results, fertilization, embryo development, and transfer history.
The IVF Process
An IVF cycle generally involves several stages.
Ovarian Stimulation
Fertility medications are used to encourage multiple follicles to develop.
Ultrasound and blood testing are used to monitor the ovaries and determine how the patient is responding to treatment.
Egg Retrieval
Once the follicles are ready, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and taken to the embryology laboratory.
Fertilization and Embryo Development
The eggs are fertilized with sperm and monitored as embryos develop.
Depending on the treatment plan, embryos may be transferred, frozen, or undergo additional testing.
Embryo Transfer
One embryo may be transferred into the uterus during a fresh or frozen embryo transfer cycle.
Pregnancy testing is then performed according to the fertility clinic’s schedule.
IVF and Low AMH
Patients with low AMH or diminished ovarian reserve are often concerned about how they may respond to ovarian stimulation.
AMH and antral follicle count can help estimate the number of follicles that may respond during IVF, but they do not determine whether pregnancy is possible.
Important factors include:
- Age
- AMH
- Antral follicle count
- Previous ovarian response
- Number of eggs previously retrieved
- Embryo development
- Overall reproductive history
A low AMH result should therefore be considered as one part of the fertility picture rather than as a prediction of IVF success by itself.
IVF and PCOS
Patients with PCOS may respond strongly to ovarian stimulation because they can have a higher number of available follicles.
Careful monitoring and individualized medication dosing are important throughout the stimulation cycle.
The IVF plan may also take into account:
- Ovulation history
- Follicle count
- AMH
- Metabolic health
- Previous response to fertility medication
- Other fertility factors
Not every patient with PCOS requires IVF, but it may be appropriate when other fertility treatments have not been successful or additional fertility factors are present.
IVF and Endometriosis
Endometriosis can affect fertility in different ways.
IVF may be considered depending on:
- Age
- Ovarian reserve
- Endometriomas
- Previous ovarian surgery
- Fallopian tube health
- Duration of infertility
- Previous fertility treatment
An endometrioma does not automatically need to be removed before IVF. Decisions about surgery should be individualized with a gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist, particularly when ovarian reserve is already reduced.
Male Fertility and IVF
Male fertility is also an important part of IVF treatment.
Semen analysis may evaluate:
- Sperm concentration
- Motility
- Morphology
- Other sperm characteristics
Depending on the results, conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be considered by the fertility clinic.
The fertility picture should therefore include both partners whenever possible.
After an Unsuccessful IVF Cycle
An unsuccessful IVF cycle can have many possible explanations and does not necessarily mean that future treatment will also be unsuccessful.
Before another cycle, it may be useful to review:
- Ovarian response
- Number of eggs retrieved
- Egg maturity
- Fertilization
- Embryo development
- Embryo quality
- Genetic testing results, when available
- Endometrial findings
- Embryo transfer history
- Male fertility factors
This information can help provide a clearer picture when discussing future treatment options with your fertility specialist.
A Personalized Fertility Plan
No two IVF patients have exactly the same fertility history.
A younger patient with PCOS may require a very different approach from someone with low AMH, endometriosis, previous ovarian surgery, or several unsuccessful IVF cycles.
For this reason, we consider:
- Age
- Ovarian reserve
- Menstrual and reproductive history
- Previous fertility treatment
- Ultrasound findings
- Previous IVF response
- Embryo development
- Male fertility factors
- Current reproductive goals
The goal is to understand the individual fertility picture rather than focusing on a single diagnosis or laboratory result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does low AMH mean IVF will not work?
No. Low AMH may predict a lower ovarian response and fewer eggs retrieved, but it does not by itself determine whether pregnancy can occur.
Does everyone with infertility need IVF?
No. Depending on the situation, patients may conceive naturally or use other fertility treatments before IVF is considered.
Does PCOS mean I need IVF?
Not necessarily. Many patients with PCOS can conceive naturally or with ovulation-induction treatment. IVF may be considered when other treatments are unsuccessful or when additional fertility factors are present.
Do I need surgery for endometriosis before IVF?
Not always. The decision depends on symptoms, ovarian reserve, endometrioma characteristics, previous surgery, and the overall fertility plan.
How many eggs are needed for IVF?
There is no single ideal number for every patient. The number of eggs retrieved can vary considerably according to age, ovarian reserve, and response to stimulation.
What should I review after an unsuccessful IVF cycle?
It can be helpful to review ovarian response, egg maturity, fertilization, embryo development, embryo transfer history, and any other fertility factors that may influence future treatment.
IVF Fertility Care in Calgary and Edmonton
If you are preparing for IVF, currently undergoing fertility treatment, or reviewing your options after a previous IVF cycle, we can review your fertility history, laboratory results, previous treatment, and reproductive goals.
In-person and online appointments are available in Calgary and Edmonton.