8 Questions You Need to Ask Before You Do IVF

If you’re going through IVF, or your doctor is talking about it, I want you to be prepared for your cycle. Too often, I see people come to me for a second opinion after they’ve already been through a cycle. They went with what their doctor said, didn’t ask questions, and didn’t have a sense of how they were doing throughout the process. I don’t want that to be your story.

Here are eight questions you need to ask before you do IVF. These are questions that will help you take charge of what feels like an uncontrollable situation.

1. What is my diagnosis, and why is IVF recommended for me?

Different conditions require different treatment approaches. For example, if you have blocked fallopian tubes or male factor infertility, that’s different from endometriosis, where inflammation may play a role. Patients with PCOS or low ovarian reserve should also get different medications.

Knowing your diagnosis and why IVF is recommended helps you frame the process correctly and set the right expectations. Even if your infertility is unexplained, understanding why this treatment is suggested is crucial.

2. What’s my expected success rate per cycle?

This depends on a lot of factors—age, egg count, and how many embryos you’ll get. Instead of focusing solely on pregnancy odds, I encourage you to ask: How many embryos might I get, and how many are likely genetically normal?

A single genetically normal embryo has about a 65% chance of success per transfer. Two transfers get you to about an 83% chance, and three transfers around 95%. Understanding this helps you plan for your family’s future realistically.

3. How many eggs or embryos do I need for my goal?

Think beyond the current cycle. How many kids do you want? This determines how many genetically normal embryos you should aim to have stored. Not every egg becomes a baby: about 75–80% of mature eggs fertilize, roughly 50% make it to the blastocyst stage, and genetic normalcy depends on age.

For each child you want, aim for 2–3 genetically normal embryos to give yourself an 80–90% chance of success.

4. What protocol are we going to use?

IVF medications fall into two categories: suppression (to control your ovaries) and stimulation (to produce eggs). Suppression prevents your brain from sending FSH and LH signals that interfere with controlled stimulation.

Protocols vary depending on your situation—age, ovarian reserve, endometriosis, or prior cycles. If a clinic uses the same protocol for everyone, that’s a red flag. Your doctor should personalize the approach to give you the best chance of success.

5. Should I do genetic testing of my embryos?

Genetic testing (PGT) involves sampling cells from the embryo to check for chromosomal abnormalities. Age increases the likelihood of abnormalities, but even younger patients may benefit from testing for family planning. When it comes to your future, data is power.

6. What are the costs and what’s included?

IVF is expensive, and costs can vary. Some clinics charge a package price, while others charge à la carte for monitoring, medications, embryo storage, and genetics. Transparency is key—make sure you understand exactly what’s included so you’re not surprised by extra fees.

7. What are the risks and potential complications?

IVF is generally safe, but there are risks: bleeding, infection, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or cycle cancellation. Sometimes, you may not end up with eggs or embryos. Knowing the risks ahead of time helps you plan emotionally, mentally, and financially.

8. Who am I going to see during the process, and how will results be communicated?

IVF requires frequent monitoring—blood work and ultrasounds every few days. Ask who you’ll see (doctor, nurse, ultrasonographer) and how you’ll get results. Clinics vary in their approach. At my clinic, I love seeing patients during monitoring and giving updates, but every clinic has a different setup. Know how yours works so you can feel supported and informed.