Dr. Sudharani Bairraju Podcast

In this informative video, Dr. Sudharani Bairraju, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Infertility (IVF) Specialist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, explains why personalised fertility treatment is important and how treatment decisions should be based on the individual needs of each couple.

Fertility treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors such as age, reproductive history, ovarian reserve, ovulation, sperm health, medical conditions, previous treatments, lifestyle and the couple's fertility goals can influence the treatment strategy.

What Does Personalised Fertility Treatment Mean?

Personalised fertility treatment means understanding the specific factors affecting a couple's ability to conceive before deciding on a treatment pathway.

Instead of immediately recommending a particular treatment, the fertility specialist evaluates the couple's medical and reproductive history and uses appropriate investigations to understand their individual situation.

The goal is to select an approach that is appropriate for the couple rather than simply following the same treatment protocol for everyone.

Why Is Personalisation Important?
1. Every Couple Has a Different Fertility Profile

Fertility can be affected by many different factors.

For example, one couple may have an ovulation-related problem, while another may have a sperm-related issue. Some couples may have problems involving the fallopian tubes, uterus or endometriosis, while others may have unexplained infertility.

Because the underlying causes can differ, the treatment approach may also need to differ.

2. Age Can Influence Treatment Decisions

A woman's age is an important consideration when planning fertility treatment because fertility, particularly egg quantity and quality, changes with age.

The specialist may therefore consider age alongside ovarian reserve, previous fertility history and other factors when discussing treatment options.

3. Understanding Ovarian Reserve

Tests that assess ovarian reserve can provide information about the remaining egg supply and may help the doctor plan treatment.

However, ovarian reserve is only one part of the fertility assessment and should not be interpreted in isolation.

A personalised treatment plan considers ovarian reserve together with age, menstrual history, previous treatment response and the overall clinical picture.

4. Male Fertility Matters Too

Fertility is a couple's journey, and male factors contribute to a significant proportion of infertility cases.

A personalised evaluation may therefore include assessment of sperm count, movement and morphology, along with the man's medical and reproductive history.

Depending on the findings, the treatment approach may be different.

5. Previous Treatment History Matters

If a couple has already undergone fertility treatment, the previous response can provide valuable information.

For example, the doctor may consider:

How the ovaries responded to previous stimulation
Number and quality of eggs retrieved
Fertilisation results
Embryo development
Previous embryo transfers
Previous pregnancy outcomes
Any complications encountered

This information can help the specialist make more informed decisions about the next step.

Personalised Treatment Does Not Always Mean IVF

One of the most important things couples should understand is that consulting a fertility specialist does not automatically mean undergoing IVF.

Depending on the cause and individual circumstances, treatment may include:

Fertility and lifestyle counselling
Timing intercourse around ovulation
Treatment for ovulation disorders
Medication when appropriate
Surgical treatment for certain conditions
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
IVF or ICSI when indicated
Fertility preservation in selected situations

The appropriate option depends on the individual assessment.

The Role of Laparoscopic Surgery

For some women, conditions such as endometriosis, certain ovarian problems, fibroids or other pelvic conditions may affect fertility.

In selected cases, minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery may be considered as part of fertility management.

Whether surgery is appropriate depends on the specific condition, symptoms, fertility goals and overall clinical situation.

Personalised Care Can Help Avoid Unnecessary Treatment

More treatment is not always better treatment.

A careful evaluation can help doctors determine whether a couple needs medication, a procedure, assisted reproductive treatment, surgery, or simply additional time and guidance.

The aim is to choose an approach that is medically appropriate and aligned with the couple's circumstances and goals.

Fertility Treatment Is Also About the Couple's Goals

A good fertility consultation should involve more than test results.