IVF Disqualification: Who Can't Get IVF and Why

When you're trying to conceive, IVF feels like the last hope—but it's not an option for everyone. IVF disqualification, the set of medical, physical, or legal reasons that make in vitro fertilization unsafe or impossible, isn't talked about enough. Many assume if you can afford it and want it, you can get it. But the truth is, clinics turn away patients every day—not because they’re not trying hard enough, but because the risks outweigh the chances of success.

One major reason for IVF disqualification is uncontrolled chronic illness. If you have severe, unmanaged diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid disorders, your body can't safely carry a pregnancy. IVF puts extra stress on your system, and clinics won’t risk your life—or the baby’s. Then there’s uterine abnormalities, like severe fibroids or a malformed uterus, which make implantation unlikely or dangerous. Even if eggs and sperm are perfect, the environment matters. And if you’ve had multiple failed IVF cycles with your own eggs, doctors may recommend donor eggs instead of repeating the same process.

Age plays a role, but it’s not just about being "too old." It’s about egg quality. Women over 45 rarely succeed with their own eggs, and clinics often require donor eggs at that stage. Men aren’t off the hook either. Severe sperm abnormalities, genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis without preimplantation testing, or certain cancers undergoing treatment can block IVF eligibility. Lifestyle factors matter too—smoking, heavy alcohol use, or being severely underweight or obese can disqualify you. Some clinics require weight loss or quitting smoking before starting treatment. It’s not about judgment; it’s about survival rates.

Legal and ethical rules also apply. Single men or same-sex male couples may face restrictions depending on the clinic’s policies or local laws. Surrogacy laws vary by state in India, and some clinics won’t proceed without legal clarity. Even mental health is considered. If someone is in active crisis with severe depression or anxiety, clinics may delay treatment until stability is achieved. This isn’t about denying hope—it’s about ensuring you’re in the best possible position to carry a pregnancy and raise a child.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of reasons you might be turned away. It’s a clear look at the real-world barriers people face—whether it’s cost, medical history, or biological limits. You’ll see how IVF disqualification connects to things like insurance coverage, genetic testing, and even the rising use of donor gametes. Some posts explain what alternatives exist when IVF isn’t an option. Others break down what clinics actually look for in medical records before approving treatment. This isn’t about fear. It’s about facts. And if you’re wondering whether IVF is right for you, these are the answers you need before you walk into a clinic.