Women with 1 or 2 blocked Fallopian tubes should undergo IVF (in vitro fertilization) as it is very unlikely for them to conceive naturally. IVF bypasses the Fallopian tubes and the egg is fertilised with the husband's sperm in the fertility centre. The embryo is then carefully placed into the uterine cavity.
For men with very poor sperm quality/quantity, IVF would also be a good option as natural conception would be difficult in this group of patients.
Women are usually recommended to try IVF if they have failed several cycles (usually 3) of SOIUI (superovulation intrauterine insemination) as the success rate of 3 SOIUI equals the success rate of 1 IVF cycle. Sometimes, women may not want to wait until they have tried 3 cycles of SOIUI before turning to IVF as they may not have the luxury of time on their hands. This usually applies to women who are 40 years and above.
Finally, couples who have been unsuccessful with other fertility treatments (oral ovulation medication, SOIUI) may decide to undergo IVF as their last resort even though the Fallopian tubes are not blocked and the sperm is of reasonably good quality.
