The right pathway begins with the right diagnosis.

IUI may be considered for unexplained infertility, ovulation problems, mild male-factor infertility, cervical factors or when donor sperm is clinically and legally appropriate. At least one fallopian tube generally needs to be open, and the overall decision also depends on age, ovarian reserve and treatment history.

Possibly, when the reduction is mild and enough progressively motile sperm remain after laboratory preparation. Markedly low count or motility, very poor morphology or repeated unsuccessful IUI may make IVF with ICSI more appropriate. A semen report should be interpreted by a fertility specialist rather than by one number alone.

There is no single cut-off that guarantees success. Clinics consider the total motile sperm count before and especially after washing, along with motility, morphology and the female partner’s factors. Lower numbers generally reduce the chance of success and may change the recommended pathway.

Many couples reassess after about three well-timed cycles, although fewer or more may be reasonable depending on age, ovarian reserve, diagnosis, sperm factors and previous treatment. Continuing repeatedly without reviewing the chance of success can waste valuable time.

IVF may be considered with blocked or severely damaged tubes, significant male-factor infertility, reduced ovarian reserve, moderate-to-severe endometriosis, advanced reproductive age, genetic indications or unsuccessful simpler treatment. It is not automatically the first treatment for every couple.

In conventional IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together for fertilisation. With ICSI, an embryologist injects one selected sperm into an egg. ICSI is commonly considered for significant sperm problems, previous fertilisation failure or certain laboratory indications; it is not necessarily required for every IVF cycle.

No. AMH mainly helps estimate ovarian reserve and likely response to stimulation; it does not by itself measure egg quality or predict natural pregnancy. Age, ultrasound follicle count, cycle pattern, tubes, semen factors and how long you have been trying must be considered together.

Often, yes. When irregular or absent ovulation is the main problem and other fertility factors are reassuring, monitored ovulation induction may be an appropriate first step. The medicine, dose and monitoring plan should be individualised to reduce risks such as multiple pregnancy or excessive ovarian response.

Yes. Evaluating both partners early avoids unnecessary delay and treatment. The initial assessment may include menstrual and ovulation history, ovarian reserve or ultrasound when appropriate, tubal assessment and semen analysis.

The answer depends on whether one or both tubes are affected, where the blockage is, whether hydrosalpinx is present, age and other fertility factors. Bilateral significant tubal blockage commonly leads to IVF consideration, while selected findings may need confirmation or surgical discussion first.

Frozen transfer may be planned after embryos were cryopreserved, when a fresh transfer is medically deferred, after genetic testing, or during a later attempt. Preparation may follow a natural or medicated cycle depending on ovulation, uterine lining and the clinical plan.

No fertility treatment can guarantee pregnancy or live birth. Chances vary with age, egg and sperm factors, embryo development, uterine health, diagnosis and previous treatment. A responsible consultation should discuss realistic personalised expectations rather than only headline success rates.

Typically after 12 months of trying when the woman is under 35, after 6 months when she is 35 or older, and sooner with irregular periods, pelvic pain, known endometriosis, previous pelvic surgery, recurrent pregnancy loss, sexual difficulties or known male-factor concerns.

The diagnosis, alternatives, expected benefit, limitations, risks and likely outcome should be explained before you decide. Not every fertility or gynaecological concern requires a procedure.

Ask why the treatment is being recommended, what alternatives exist, expected success for your situation, medicines and monitoring required, risks, total cost, cancellation criteria, embryo or sample storage, recovery and what happens if the first attempt is unsuccessful.