IVF Requirements: What You Need to Know Before Starting Fertility Treatment

Understanding when, how, and why to take the first step – medically sound, personally supported

Deciding to visit a fertility clinic can feel overwhelming. Many couples hesitate out of uncertainty, fear, or simply not knowing when IVF becomes an option—or what the prerequisites are. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential medical, legal, emotional, and financial requirements for in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and how Kinderwunschzentrum Dresden supports you on every step of your fertility journey.

When Should You Consider Visiting a Fertility Clinic?

Timing matters—but clarity matters more

Medically, the recommendation is clear: if pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex, both partners should undergo fertility testing. For women over 38, a check-up is advised after just 6 months.

You may want to seek help earlier if:

• You experience irregular menstrual cycles or absent ovulation
• You’ve had multiple miscarriages
• You have known conditions like endometriosis or PCOS
• A semen analysis shows abnormal results
• You are considering donor sperm or single motherhood
• You’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed by an unfulfilled wish for a child

What Are the Basic Requirements for IVF?

Not every couple is immediately eligible for assisted reproduction

To proceed with IVF, certain medical, legal, emotional, and financial conditions need to be met. Here’s what matters:

🩺 Medical Requirements

• A diagnosed fertility issue (female, male, or combined)
• A realistic chance of success based on medical findings
• For cost coverage by German statutory health insurance: female under 40, male under 50

👥 Relationship Requirements

• A stable, committed relationship
• For cost coverage by German statutory health insurance : legally married heterosexual couple
• Single women and LGBTQ+ couples may need to pursue private treatment options

🧠 Emotional and Psychological Readiness

• Both partners should be emotionally stable and informed
• Willingness to work with a medical team
• Optional but helpful: counseling with a fertility psychologist

💳 Financial Considerations

• Understanding and acceptance of the treatment costs
• German statutory health insurance: a pre-approved treatment plan and insurance authorization
• Private health insurance: coverage varies by reimbursement plan

IVF Cost Coverage: Public vs. Private

German statutory health insurance

Public health insurance providers cover up to 50% of IVF or ICSI costs or up to 3 cycles, if the following conditions are met:

• Both partners are insured with public insurance
• The couple is legally married
• The woman is aged 25–40, the man 25–50
• A diagnosed fertility issue is confirmed
• A formal treatment plan is submitted and approved

Some insurance providers offer extended coverage or subsidies—it’s worth comparing providers.

Private Insurance

Private coverage depends on your specific contract. Many providers cover all or most IVF costs if medical necessity is confirmed.

IVF: What Does the Process Look Like?

From first consultation to the beginning of treatment

Many couples wonder: “What will happen, and when?” Here’s a exemplary timeline:

1. Initial Consultation
   • Joint interview with both partners
   • Review of medical history, expectations, and questions
2. Fertility Testing (Diagnostics)
   • Hormone bloodwork, cycle tracking
   • Two semen analyses
   • Ultrasound exams, genetic screening if needed
3. Indication and Recommendation
   • Assessment of whether IVF is medically indicated and promising
4. Financial Planning
   • Cost breakdown and insurance application
5. Beginning Treatment
   • IVF, ICSI, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or other techniques based on diagnosis

Does Age Affect IVF Eligibility?

Yes—both biologically and for insurance reasons.

Age Limits for German statutory health insurance:

• Women: 25–40
• Men: 25–50

Biological Reality

• Fertility in women declines noticeably after age 35
• Male fertility also decreases with age (sperm quality, DNA fragmentation)

🔎 Early assessment is recommended—even if you’re not ready to start treatment immediately.

When Is IVF the Right Step?

There is no “perfect” moment—but there are clear medical indicators:

• More than 12 months trying to conceive without success
• Female age over 35
• Underlying reproductive conditions (e.g. PCOS, endometriosis)
• Male factor infertility (e.g. poor semen quality)

What About Non-Traditional Families?

Fertility care should be inclusive

At Kinderwunschzentrum Dresden, we also support:

• Single women and lesbian couples seeking family building via donor sperm
• Oncofertility patients: fertility preservation before chemotherapy
• Later motherhood: IVF after age 40 with full medical counseling

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

When should I go to a fertility clinic?

If no pregnancy has occurred after 6–12 months of trying, or if you have known reproductive issues. For women over 38, sooner is better.

What are the basic requirements for IVF?

A confirmed fertility issue, medical feasibility, and—for coverage by German statutory health insurance —a legally married heterosexual couple under a certain age.

Does insurance pay for IVF?

It depends. German public insurance covers up to 50% of three IVF/ICSI cycles if certain conditions are met. Private insurance may offer full or partial coverage. In addition you may also be eligible for state support in Saxony.

Is IVF only for married, heterosexual couples?

No, we at Kinderwunschzentrum Dresden welcome unmarried, LGBTQ+, and single parents-to-be.

When is IVF medically recommended?

When natural conception is unlikely or impossible—due to blocked fallopian tubes, poor semen quality, or hormonal imbalance.

Still wondering if IVF is right for you—or how to start the process?

We’re here to help—with compassion, medical clarity, and a personalized path to parenthood.

👉 Book your first consultation online via secure video—confidential and convenient through Doctolib.