Many couples have difficulty conceiving a child for various reasons and resort to assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilisation. This treatment has been effective for many couples and has given them the capacity to expand their family as they wish. However, once a couple has undergone IVF treatment, the likelihood of conceiving naturally is still questioned. In this article, we will review some of the published research and expert opinion on whether natural conception is possible after IVF treatment.

What is IVF?

IVF, also known as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), is a treatment in which an embryo is created by fertilisation in the laboratory and then implanted in the uterus. IVF can improve a couple’s chances of conceiving a child due to genetic reasons, ovulation problems, insufficient sperm in men or a number of other conditions that prevent couples from conceiving naturally.

Is a natural pregnancy possible after IVF?

The possibility of a normal pregnancy after IVF depends on the couple’s underlying cause of infertility, the woman’s age and general health.

In most cases, it is possible for couples who successfully undergo IVF treatment to conceive naturally after treatment. Some of the infertility problems of some of the couples who turn to IVF options are caused by men, and in this case, the woman’s ability to conceive naturally after IVF treatment is usually not affected.

Apart from this, there are many anecdotal stories that indicate that many couples have experienced a normal pregnancy after their first IVF attempt. However, these experiences do not provide enough scientific evidence to generalise.

A study published in 2015 looked at the likelihood of natural pregnancy after IVF treatment. The study of 2,134 women noted that it usually takes one or more years to achieve a natural pregnancy after IVF treatment. Among women who had undergone IVF treatment, 17 per cent conceived naturally within the next six-month period, and this proportion increased the longer the waiting period.

Expert Opinions

Fertility and IVF specialists state that there are many factors that can affect the potential for natural pregnancy following IVF treatment. Factors such as the underlying cause of infertility, personal health and lifestyle before and after IVF treatment can affect the likelihood of natural pregnancy.

As a result, there is a possibility that a couple may conceive naturally after IVF treatment. However, this probability varies greatly depending on the couple’s specific situation and the type of infertility they are experiencing. Experts recommend that couples planning to conceive naturally after IVF treatment should carefully consider their health and lifestyle changes after treatment and consult with a specialist doctor.