Step 1: Lifestyle and timing
60-second summary
For many couples, the first step is healthy weight, stopping tobacco and alcohol, folic acid, and regular intercourse every 2–3 days.
The treatment ladder
Lifestyle
Healthy weight, no tobacco or alcohol, good sleep.
Treat the cause
Thyroid, prolactin, TB, polyps, varicocele, etc.
Ovulation tablets
Letrozole or clomiphene with scans.
IUI
Washed sperm placed in the womb.
IVF / ICSI
Fertilisation in the lab.
Donor, surrogacy or adoption
Options when others are not possible.
Most couples start at the simplest suitable step. Your doctor may skip steps if needed.
Source: KedVia original diagram · KedVia medical illustration team