20 Things That Slow Down IVF (And How to Avoid Them)

IVF is emotionally difficult enough without unnecessary delays — yet many patients experience avoidable setbacks that extend treatment by weeks or even months. This guide outlines 20 common things that slow down IVF and exactly how to avoid them to keep your treatment moving as quickly and smoothly as possible. 1. Slow Response Times from Clinics Some clinics take several days to reply to emails. This delays: treatment planning medication approval scheduling scans consent form checks How to avoid: Choose a clinic with same-day response policies or call directly. 2. Missing Test Results Clinics cannot progress until they have: AMH infectious disease screening semen analysis ultrasound results How to avoid: Send all results yourself in a single organised email. 3. Outdated Blood Tests Most tests expire after: 3–6 months (HIV, Hep B, Hep C) 12–24 months (AMH) 6 months (semen analysis) How to avoid: Check test expiry dates and schedule refreshes early. 4. Delayed Medication Prescriptions Medication logistics are one of the biggest slowdowns. How to avoid: Order medication immediately once the plan is confirmed. 5. Limited Lab Capacity Some clinics have small embryology teams, causing: delays in egg collections delays in transfers forced freeze-all cycles How to avoid: Choose a clinic with multiple embryologists. 6. Late Cycle Notifications If you notify your clinic late about Day 1