IVF Criteria: Who Qualifies and What Really Matters

When people talk about IVF criteria, the medical and legal standards that determine who can access in vitro fertilization treatment. Also known as fertility treatment eligibility, it’s not just about wanting a baby—it’s about whether your body, health, and situation match what clinics in India actually require to proceed. Many assume IVF is open to anyone who can pay, but that’s not true. Clinics follow strict guidelines based on age, medical history, and even legal rules set by the Indian Council of Medical Research.

IVF age limits, the maximum age at which a woman can undergo IVF treatment in India, typically capped at 50 for the patient and 55 for the male partner. Most clinics won’t start treatment if the woman is over 45 because egg quality drops sharply after 40. Even if you’re healthy, your chances of success drop below 5% after 45. For men, sperm quality matters too—low count or poor motility can delay or block treatment unless donor sperm is used. Then there’s IVF cost in India, the out-of-pocket expense for a single IVF cycle, ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh depending on the city and clinic. Insurance rarely covers it, so most people pay directly. That’s why clinics check your financial readiness before approving treatment—you can’t start if you can’t finish.

Underlying conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid issues, or severe obesity can disqualify you until they’re managed. If you’ve had multiple failed cycles or repeated miscarriages, clinics may ask for extra testing before approving another round. And yes, legal paperwork matters—married couples need proof of marriage, and single women or same-sex couples face different rules depending on the state. It’s not just medical—it’s bureaucratic too.

What you won’t find in brochures? The real IVF criteria aren’t written in stone. Some clinics bend rules for patients with strong emotional stories or financial means. But most stick to the guidelines because they’re protecting both you and themselves. The goal isn’t to say no—it’s to say not yet, or try this first. That’s why the posts below cover everything from how to qualify for IVF without lying to your doctor, to what happens if you’re told you’re not a candidate, and why some women over 40 still get pregnant with IVF despite the odds.