IVF FAQs: Your Questions About In Vitro Fertilization Answered
Common patient questions about IVF, ICSI, timelines, costs, and success factors, answered by Dr. Najeeb Layyous.
In short: Starting IVF raises many questions. On this page Dr. Najeeb Layyous answers those patients ask most often about the IVF process, the timetable, the procedures and what to expect along the way, starting with how to make an appointment.
Starting an IVF journey often brings up many questions. Below, Dr. Najeeb Layyous answers the most common questions patients ask about the IVF process, timelines, procedures, and what to expect along the way. If you have additional questions, our team is always happy to guide you personally.
1 - How do I make an appointment to start the IVF program? Is there a waiting list?
There is no waiting list. Simply call us at +9626565575 to schedule your visit.
2 - What is the best time to start the treatment program, and when should I schedule my first visit?
You can visit us at any time for a general evaluation, so we can discuss and choose a suitable program together. The best time to begin the ovulation induction program is on the second day of your menstrual cycle.
3 - Do we need to stay in Jordan for the whole program? When can we leave?
If your evaluation is completed beforehand and an injection plan has been prepared, you can return home in between visits. You will need to come back to check your response around Day 5 or 6 of your cycle, then plan for about 10 more days to complete egg retrieval and embryo transfer. In total, plan for around 20 days from the second day of your cycle.
4 - Does the procedure require general anesthesia and hospitalization?
Egg retrieval is typically done under general anesthesia, and in rare cases under local anesthesia. It is an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. Embryo transfer is usually done without anesthesia.
5 - After embryo transfer, do I need complete bed rest? What about intercourse?
Embryo transfer does not require you to stop your daily activities. We do recommend avoiding intercourse for at least one week after the procedure.
6 - Does the husband need to be present for the whole program?
The husband’s presence is generally needed for just one day — the day of egg retrieval, to provide a semen sample — unless he requires TESA or TESE under general anesthesia, in which case we ask him to arrive one day earlier.
7 - What does the procedure cost?
ICSI: 1800 JD (approx. 2535 US$), including assisted hatching. This does not include the cost of medication.
TESA: 450 JD (approx. 634 US$). TESE: 800 JD (approx. 1127 US$). Micro-TESE: 1100 JD (approx. 1550 US$).
Please note that prices may change over time — contact our clinic directly for the most current pricing.
8 - What can we do if we have extra embryos?
Extra embryos can be frozen for a future embryo transfer or treatment cycle.
9 - Is there a guarantee of success? What determines the chances of success?
No fertility treatment can guarantee a 100% outcome. Success depends on multiple factors — most importantly the woman’s age and ovarian reserve — as well as the quality and number of embryos and semen quality. Your doctor can discuss your individual situation with you in detail.
10 - Is it possible that the program gets cancelled?
Several factors may lead to cancelling a treatment cycle, including:
- No response to ovulation induction
- A weak ovarian response
- Poor egg quality leading to fertilization failure
- No embryo development after fertilization
- Signs of ovarian hyperstimulation
11 - Are there any side effects from ovulation induction medication?
Side effects are mainly related to ovarian hyperstimulation and may include:
- Abdominal bloating, heaviness, or pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort
If you experience shortness of breath or notice fluid build-up in the abdomen, please contact your doctor right away.
12 - Can other medications interfere with ovarian response?
Yes, some medications can interact with ovulation induction drugs. Always tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking.
13 - Is it true that intercourse must be avoided throughout the whole program?
No, this is not accurate — there is no direct relationship between intercourse and ovarian response during stimulation.
14 - Does a retroverted (tilted) uterus interfere with embryo implantation or pregnancy?
No, it does not. About 20% of women have a retroverted uterus and go on to have normal, healthy pregnancies.
15 - Does age affect the chances of success?
Yes, age is one of the most important factors in fertility treatment, as fertility naturally declines as a woman gets older.
16 - Can obesity interfere with pregnancy or contribute to infertility?
Yes. Obesity (BMI of 30 or more) can disturb ovulation, is linked with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), lowers the success of fertility treatment including IVF, and increases the risks of miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Losing even 5–10% of body weight can improve ovulation and pregnancy chances.
17 - Is there hope for women with premature ovarian failure?
Yes, there is hope. Premature ovarian insufficiency (the current name) means the ovaries stop working normally before 40. A small number of women (about 5–10%) still conceive naturally, and IVF with donor eggs, where permitted, gives very good pregnancy rates. Hormone replacement therapy is also important to protect your bones and heart. It is associated with high FSH and low estrogen levels, which limit the ovary’s ability to produce follicles. Research in this area continues to evolve.
18 - Can excessive weight loss cause missed periods (amenorrhea)?
Yes, this can happen in certain conditions, such as anorexia nervosa.
19 - Can intense exercise cause missed periods?
Sometimes — this depends on the type and intensity of exercise as well as individual factors.
20 - I was married 5 months ago and have been diagnosed with severe azoospermia. What can I do?
First, azoospermia should be confirmed on at least two semen samples, and blood tests (FSH, LH, testosterone) and genetic tests (karyotype and Y-chromosome microdeletions) are done to find the cause. Depending on the cause, sperm can be retrieved surgically — by needle aspiration in obstructive cases, or preferably by micro-TESE when sperm production is low — and used for ICSI. Stem-cell approaches remain experimental. If no sperm are found, we can discuss other options with you, such as donor sperm where permitted, or adoption.
21 - I was married 17 years ago and had two children early in my marriage, then used contraceptive pills for 5 years. Since stopping, I have not been able to conceive, and an HSG showed blocked tubes. What can I do?
Contraceptive pills do not block the tubes, and a blockage on HSG sometimes needs confirmation by laparoscopy. Depending on your age and ovarian reserve, the options are laparoscopy to open the tubes if the damage is mild, or — more often in women over 35 or with severe damage — going directly to IVF. If a tube is swollen with fluid (hydrosalpinx), it is usually removed or clipped before IVF because it lowers the chance of success.
22 - We have three daughters. Is there a method to help us have a baby boy, and could it harm the embryo?
ICSI combined with PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) allows the selection of the embryo’s sex prior to transfer. Today, a few cells are taken from the outer layer of the embryo at the blastocyst stage (day 5–6), which is considered safe for the embryo; the embryos are usually frozen while the results are awaited and transferred in a later cycle. Whether sex selection for non-medical reasons is allowed depends on local law. As with any treatment, please discuss the applicable regulations and details with your doctor.
23 - Does a testicular biopsy have any long-term effects on the testes?
In most men a testicular biopsy has no lasting effect. Possible effects include temporary pain, swelling or bruising and a temporary fall in testosterone; long-term damage is rare, especially when the procedure is done with the operating microscope (micro-TESE).
24 - Are there special nutrients that can increase estrogen levels and endometrial thickness?
There isn’t a specific nutrient known to do this, but there are medications available that can help support and increase endometrial thickness when needed.
Have more questions about your fertility journey? Contact Dr. Najeeb Layyous’ clinic to schedule a consultation and get personalized guidance for your situation.
Dr. Najeeb Layyous, F.R.C.O.G
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist
The finest doctor in Jordan — may God bless him and his whole medical team. A doctor in every sense of the word. I advise anyone planning a pregnancy to visit Dr. Najeeb Layyous. His manner is wonderful, always smiling, with the highest ethics; he gives every patient her due, and the patient’s comfort matters most to him. We had been to many doctors and none understood and treated my case except him. Special thanks to him and the whole team, and to Dina in particular — a lovely person. I recommend anyone considering IVF or pregnancy to visit his clinic.