12 Questions Every IVF Patient Should Ask Their Doctor

What is my ovarian reserve and what does it mean for my chances?

AMH and AFC together tell your doctor how many eggs you're likely to produce. Low reserve doesn't mean zero chance.

Which IVF protocol will you use and why?

There are several protocols. The right one depends on your age, AMH, AFC, BMI, and previous cycle history.

What is the realistic success rate for someone with my profile?

Ask for live birth rate, not just clinical pregnancy rate. The two can differ significantly.

How many embryos will you transfer?

Most international guidelines recommend single embryo transfer (SET) in most cases to reduce twin risk.

Will my embryos be tested (PGT-A) before transfer?

Preimplantation genetic testing can identify chromosomally normal embryos, especially relevant for women over 37.

What medications will I take and what are the side effects?

Ovarian stimulation injections, antagonists, progesterone support — your doctor should walk through each one.

What does a freeze-all strategy mean for me?

Freezing all embryos for later transfer can improve outcomes for high responders and during certain protocols.

What happens if I don't respond to stimulation?

Protocol adjustment, dose increase, or cycle cancellation — know the contingency plan in advance.

How many monitoring appointments will I need?

Typical IVF cycles require 3–5 monitoring visits. This affects work and travel planning.

What is your clinic's OHSS rate and how do you manage it?

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a serious risk. Ask how the clinic monitors and prevents it.

What support is available if this cycle fails?

Emotional support, counselling referrals, and a plan for the next cycle are all important.

What is your cumulative live birth rate over 3 cycles for my age group?

This is often more meaningful than a single-cycle success rate.