When More Than One IVF Cycle Is Required and What Preparation is Needed Before Treatment

Recently, many young women have been facing fertility issues and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In such cases, some women consider options like IVF. However, IVF is not a necessary solution for every woman. In some situations, health improvement is possible through a healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition, physical exercise, and stress reduction. Yoga can play an important role in this process.

During the HealthWealth Summit, dedicated to yoga and women's health, Yoga Acharya Ira Trivedi, founder of 'Yoga Love', shared her experience. She recounted practicing yoga regularly during pregnancy. According to her, yoga helped her manage both physical and mental difficulties. She emphasized that yoga is important for both women and men as it protects against numerous diseases.

With PCOS, hormonal imbalances lead to irregular menstruation and ovulation complications. Furthermore, prolonged psychological stress negatively affects overall health and reproductive function. In such conditions, yoga practice can be very beneficial as it promotes stress reduction and improves sleep quality. Yoga also helps increase insulin sensitivity and improve metabolic health, which is critically important for women suffering from PCOS. Since PCOS can cause infertility, managing PCOS through yoga can help address fertility-related problems. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that yoga is not a cure for PCOS or a guaranteed solution to infertility; medical examination and treatment should be sought if necessary.

Many women are afraid to exercise during pregnancy, believing it might harm the baby. However, during a normal pregnancy, light exercises can be performed under a doctor's guidance. Such activities help reduce fatigue, anxiety, and stress, while also improving body flexibility and sleep quality.

When a couple is unable to conceive after marriage for a long time, the family's attention often focuses on the woman. It is commonly assumed that the cause of infertility is female infertility. In most cases, the woman is first recommended to undergo examination and start treatment. However, in many cases, the problem of infertility lies not with the woman, but with the man, yet this fact remains unnoticed because men tend to avoid necessary tests.

When doctors ask a man to take a semen analysis, many begin to hesitate. Some men refuse to undergo examinations, while others, having received a referral to a hospital or IVF center, do not show up for several days. Delaying testing leads to treatment starting too late. Men begin to avoid visiting IVF centers, and sometimes they only come after persistent requests.

Doctors at IVF centers note that male infertility problems have significantly increased. Therefore, it is extremely important to undergo testing on schedule. Dr. Nidhi Sehrawat, a fertility expert at Krishta IVF, emphasizes that infertility cannot be viewed solely as a female problem; there are also causes related to men. According to WHO data, about one-third of all infertility cases are linked to male factors. In some cases, men have low sperm counts, which prevents conception, and a semen analysis is performed to detect this.

Dr. Aasta Gupta, a senior IVF expert at Delhi IVF Hospitals, explains that a woman may fail to conceive due to low sperm count, reduced motility, or abnormalities in sperm structure. Semen analysis is used to determine these parameters. Despite medical recommendations to take this test, men often avoid it or take it after a long time.

According to Dr. Priyanka Sharma, senior consultant at Kokoon Hospital, Chandigarh, if conception does not occur, an examination of both spouses should be conducted from the beginning. If the man delays the examination, identifying the problem and starting treatment can take a long time. Therefore, it is very important for men to undergo tests as soon as possible if referred by a doctor. Furthermore, the delay can lead to deterioration of the relationship in the couple.

Dr. Priyanka notes that the semen analysis is often perceived through the lens of shame or masculinity, which prompts men to avoid it. However, in reality, it is just as routine a medical check-up as any other, the purpose of which is to understand the cause of the problem and gain access to proper treatment. Therefore, it is necessary for men to also undergo their tests on time.

Couples are increasingly resorting to IVF to fulfill their dream of parenthood. According to a report by Evendus, approximately 320 thousand IVF cycles were conducted in the country by June 2024, but this figure could rise to 550 thousand by 2028. Furthermore, the increase in people seeking IVF is viewed as a sign of deteriorating overall health.

IVF centers in various hospitals note that fertility problems affect not only women but also men in significant numbers.

Dr. Mega Mittal, senior consultant at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Delhi, notes that in 2023, approximately 200–250 thousand IVF cycles were performed annually, and this figure could reach 500–600 thousand by 2030. The number of couples seeking treatment and the total number of IVF cycles are increasing over time.

Dr. Nidhi Sehrawat from Christa IVF reported a substantial rise in interest in IVF: consultations for IVF increased by 33.2% in 2025–2026, and the IVF cycles themselves increased by 58.6%. Additionally, the number of patients rose by 40.1%.

According to Dr. Nidhi, about 35 percent of women visiting her center for IVF suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and use IVF as a treatment method. She also emphasized that in about half of cases, there are fertility problems in men, including reduced sperm count and poor sperm quality.

Dr. Nidhi specified that reduced sperm count is called oligozoospermia, and this problem has become more common among men in recent years. Dr. Mega also observed that these two conditions are often found in couples undergoing IVF. She noted that fertility is impaired not only in women but also in men, affecting 20–30% of men. Major causes cited include poor nutrition, late marriage, age, and women's decision to postpone starting a family.

At Atlantis Healthcare, gynecologist Dr. Mannan Gupta explained that the growing demand for IVF is due to both lifestyle and medical reasons. These include later marriage and the decision to start a family at an older age. In women, egg cell quantity decreases with age, and many cannot conceive naturally due to PCOS. Similarly, in men, sperm count decreases with age.

A consultation with a doctor is necessary if pregnancy does not occur after attempts at natural conception for one year. Generally, women under 35 are recommended to undergo examination after one year of attempts, while women aged 35 and older should be examined after six months. It is also advised to consult a specialist if a woman has been diagnosed with PCOS, or if a man feels discomfort related to his health.