Who should try IVF?

The dream of building a family doesn’t always unfold as planned. This National Infertility Awareness Week, we are sharing some common questions from those navigating infertility and explore the reasons people turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a path to parenthood.

IVF is more than a medical procedure. For millions, it represents hope, resilience, and a proactive step toward building a future they’ve long envisioned. At Sunfish, we work with individuals and families every day who are exploring IVF because they hope it may open the door to parenthood.

Why Should I Choose IVF?

IVF often becomes part of the conversation when:

• Other options haven’t worked. Many people try timed intercourse, ovulation medications, or intrauterine insemination (IUI) before IVF is considered. For some, IVF becomes the best or only option to conceive.
  
• There’s a known medical barrier. IVF can overcome physiological issues like blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility (like very low sperm counts), diminished ovarian reserves, or age-related fertility concerns.
  
• Family-building requires medical help. LGBTQ+ couples, single parents by choice, and those working with egg or sperm donors or gestational carriers often rely on IVF to grow their families.
  
• Preserving fertility is a goal. IVF can be used to freeze embryos or eggs for future use—especially valuable for those facing medical treatments like chemotherapy, or who aren’t ready to start a family yet but want to keep future options open.
  
• Genetic conditions are a concern. IVF offers the ability to screen embryos for certain conditions through genetic testing.

These reasons aren’t always discussed openly—which is why this awareness month is so vital. Infertility isn’t rare. And choosing IVF is often a deeply considered decision made after months or years of emotional and physical effort.

Beyond Medicine: The Emotional Landscape

Choosing IVF often comes after a long journey. It’s not just a clinical decision—it’s one made with hope, courage, and sometimes grief.

“There’s a moment where people go from hoping it will happen on its own to actively pursuing treatment. That moment is powerful,” says Angela Rastegar, Founder and CEO of Sunfish. “IVF can feel like taking control of something that’s been out of your hands for too long.”

That sense of agency can be healing. But the road isn’t easy. IVF cycles can be physically demanding and emotionally taxing. And while science continues to advance, there are no guarantees. That’s why surrounding yourself with support—emotional, financial, and medical—is key.

What Makes IVF Different from Other Treatments?

IVF can offer advantages that other treatments can’t. It allows for more insight into embryo development. It creates opportunities to use donor eggs, sperm, or embryos. It enables family-building for people with medical conditions or those in non-traditional family structures.

It also allows people to make choices that align with their life’s goals and values—whether that’s preserving embryos for future use, avoiding heritable diseases, or expanding their families on their own terms.

Still, it’s not for everyone. IVF can be expensive, especially for those without insurance coverage. That’s why understanding and planning for the costs is a critical part of the process.

“At Sunfish, we help people build customized financial paths through fertility treatment,” Rastegar says. “Whether it’s your first IVF cycle or you’ve tried before, you deserve transparency, support, and a plan that aligns with your life.”

The Path Forward: All Inclusive Bundles with Protection

During National Infertility Awareness Week, we’re reminded that no one should have to face infertility alone—or feel like they have to give up because of financial constraints or emotional overwhelm.

At Sunfish, we created the IVF Success Program to provide resources and support to people throughout their IVF journeys, taking the stress of financial unknowns out of the process. We offer financing options and fixed pricing that includes your full cycle and medications—and we handle the payments to your clinic. We even offer a partial money-back guarantee for qualified patients. 

IVF is just one of many tools in the growing field of reproductive medicine. For some, it’s the answer they’ve been waiting for. For others, it’s part of a longer, evolving journey.

If you’re considering IVF, know this: your reasons are valid. Your hopes matter. And there is a growing community—including clinics, counselors, and companies like Sunfish—here to support you every step of the way.

Photo credit: thoughtcatalog.com