When a couple has been trying to conceive without success, fertility treatments often feel like the light at the end of the tunnel.
In Nigeria today, more women and families are turning to options like IVF or IUI with the hope of finally holding a baby in their arms.
But here’s the truth: while these treatments have helped many, they don’t always work for everyone.
Success depends on several factors such as age, health, and the cause of infertility.
Knowing this from the start can save women and their partners from unrealistic expectations and prepare them for both the possibilities and the challenges ahead.
Keep reading to find out more!
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) Success
IVF is one of the most well-known fertility treatments. It has given hope to many couples, but it’s not always a “one-try-and-done” solution. Here’s what you should know:
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Women under 35 generally have the highest success rates.
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Between the ages of 35 and 37, the rates drop noticeably.
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At 40 and above, the chances are much lower because egg quality reduces with age.
b. It may take more than one attempt:
c. Egg and sperm quality matter:
d. Womb (uterus) health is key:
e. Clinic quality matters:
d. Lifestyle and health factors count too:
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Smoking, excess alcohol, being overweight or underweight, and unmanaged health conditions can reduce IVF success.
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Managing stress and keeping healthy habits before and during treatment can improve results.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) Success
For many couples in Nigeria, IUI is the first treatment doctors suggest because it’s less stressful and more affordable compared to IVF. It’s not as complicated, but it also doesn’t give as high a success rate.
Here’s what you need to know:
a. It’s a simpler process than IVF:
b. Success rates are modest per cycle:
c. You may need to try more than once:
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Under 35: better chances (about 15–20% per cycle).
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35–40: lower chances (about 10%).
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Over 40: very low, around 5%.
e. When IUI works best:
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Women with ovulation problems (like PCOS).
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Men with slightly low sperm count or motility.
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Couples with unexplained infertility.
d. When it may not work well:
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Women with blocked fallopian tubes.
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Severe male factor infertility (very low sperm count).
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Women above 38 who may have lower egg quality.
e. Lifestyle and health still count:
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Just like IVF, things like being overweight, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or not managing health conditions properly can reduce the success of IUI.
How to Improve Success Rates
No fertility treatment can promise 100% success, but there are practical things you can do to improve your chances.
1. Take care of your health
Eating balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and proteins, while keeping a healthy weight, helps the body prepare for pregnancy. Being either too slim or too big can affect both egg and sperm quality.
2. Manage stress
Many women and couples face family pressure and financial stress while trying to conceive. While stress alone doesn’t completely block pregnancy, it can affect hormones and overall well-being.
Finding ways to relax, whether through prayer, talking to someone you trust, or simple activities like light exercise, can make a difference.
3. Treat health issues early
Women should check for fibroids, infections, or hormone problems before starting treatment, and men should not ignore conditions like low sperm count or untreated infections.
4. Choose the right clinic
Success rates can differ depending on the doctor’s experience and the quality of the lab. Focusing only on cost can be risky; sometimes a slightly more expensive clinic offers better results and saves you stress in the long run.
5. Lifestyle matters
Cutting down on alcohol, avoiding smoking, and staying away from untested herbal mixtures can protect fertility. Moderate exercise is good for the body, but overexercising can work against you.
6. Be patient and realistic
Fertility treatments don’t always work on the first try. Some couples succeed on the second or third attempt, and others may need to try a different treatment plan.
Summary
Fertility treatments can be a long and emotional journey, filled with both hope and uncertainty.
What matters most is finding the right support, staying informed, and knowing that every couple’s path is unique. For some, success comes quickly, while for others it takes more time and patience.
I’d love to hear from you what your thoughts or experiences with fertility treatments are.
Do you know someone going through this journey, or have you faced it yourself?
Your perspective could help encourage another woman or couple reading this.
Researched by Victoria Odueso
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