Is IVF for Me?

If you're here, you're probably wondering if IVF is your next step. It seems like everyone’s doing it, especially celebrities, and maybe you know a few people who’ve had IVF babies.

It’s easy to think of it as a miracle solution when trying naturally hasn’t worked. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s simple or that it always works.

IVF can be amazing in the right situations, but for many people, it’s an emotional rollercoaster with a big price tag. A lot of people jump into it thinking it’ll fix everything, but there’s a lot worth understanding first.

IVF Success Rates Aren’t as High as You’d Think

Success really depends on age. And the truth? It's not a sure thing even for younger folks. IVF chances of success are no better than a coin toss.

• Under 35: About 45–55% chance of success after one full round (retrieval + transfer)

• Ages 35–37: Drops to 35–40%

• Ages 38–40: Around 25–30%

• Over 40: Can be under 10%

Most people need more than one round. And by "round" we don’t mean one appointment, it’s a months-long process that includes meds, injections, retrieval, and transfer. The emotional and financial side adds up fast.

Who Is IVF Actually Best For?

IVF was originally designed for people with very clear medical barriers to getting pregnant.

It’s usually most helpful for:

• People with blocked or missing fallopian tubes

• Severe male factor infertility

• Same-sex couples or single parents using donors

• People preserving fertility before cancer treatment

Trying for a while without success isn’t always a reason to jump into IVF. There could be other things going on and some of them are treatable or fixable without going straight to IVF. IVF doesn’t solve all fertility problems.

When IVF Might Not Help

Just like natural conception, IVF still depends on good-quality eggs, sperm, and a healthy uterus. If any of those are off, it might not be the magic solution people hope for.

IVF might not work well if:

• Your ovarian reserve is very low

• You have unmanaged endometriosis or uterine issues

• You’ve had repeated failed transfers

• You haven’t addressed things like thyroid issues, insulin resistance, or high inflammation

IVF doesn’t bypass biology, it just gives more control. If there’s an issue that’s not being looked at, IVF won’t fix it.

IVF Costs in Toronto, Canada

In Ontario, there’s one government-funded IVF cycle per person under 43, but it doesn’t cover everything. And waitlists can be at least a year long.

Here’s a rough breakdown of what you might pay out-of-pocket:

Cost	Estimated Cost (CAD)	Is it covered?
Fertility testing	$300–$800	Most tests are covered under OHIP. AMH (for ovarian reserve) and advanced genetic testing are not.
IVF cycle (retrieval + lab)	$10,000–$12,000	The government covers one cycle per lifetime, but wait times might be months or years long depending on the clinic.
Medications	$3,000–$5,000	Majority covered by private or group insurance
Embryo freezing + storage	~$1,000/year	Not covered
Embryo transfer	~$1,000 (if done later)	Not covered

What to Do Before IVF

It’s totally valid to want answers quickly. But IVF isn’t always the first step. Here’s everything to rule out in the right order:

1. Are you timing sex during your fertile window?

2. Is your lifestyle supporting your fertility: sleep, stress, nutrients, movement?

3. Have you ruled out hormonal or thyroid issues?

4. Do you have sufficient ovarian reserve?

5. Have you tried less invasive options, like ovulation meds or IUI?

Sometimes addressing just one of these can make all the difference. IVF is a big step, and it’s worth making sure it’s the right one.

Need Help Figuring It Out?

The Lume app, available on iOS and Android, is here to guide you. You can take a readiness assessment to get a clear picture of where you stand, listen to Fertility 101 audio courses, and even tap into daily affirmations that help you feel a little less alone. Fertility can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it blind.