Do IVF Babies Have Fertility Problems?

It’s a question many people quietly carry—especially if you were born via IVF, or are considering it to grow your family: Do IVF babies have fertility issues when they grow up?

With IVF now over 40 years old, we're finally seeing more data about the long-term health and fertility of those conceived through assisted reproduction. And while some people worry about potential impacts, the research so far is largely reassuring.

Here’s what we know—and what still needs more study.

First, A Quick IVF Recap

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and transferring the embryo into the uterus. Since the first IVF baby was born in 1978, over 12 million people worldwide have been conceived through IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

That’s a large enough group to begin studying outcomes across childhood, adolescence, and now even into adulthood.

So, Do IVF Babies Have Fertility Issues?

The short answer is: most people born through IVF have normal fertility. But, like most fertility questions, the full picture is a bit more nuanced.

What the Research Shows

• Fertility outcomes for IVF-conceived individuals are generally comparable to naturally conceived peers.

• Some early studies showed a slightly higher risk of low birth weight or early delivery, which may have mild downstream effects on reproductive development—but these risks have decreased as IVF techniques improved.

• A few studies suggest a slightly increased risk of certain hormonal or reproductive differences, particularly in people born via ICSI (a form of IVF used for male factor infertility)—but more data is needed to confirm this and its relevance to fertility.

Importantly, many of the health or fertility concerns people assume are “IVF-related” are more likely tied to the reasons their parents needed IVF in the first place—like PCOS, endometriosis, or male factor infertility, which can have genetic components.

Nature, Nurture—and Medical Advances

Today’s IVF looks very different from what it did 20+ years ago. Lab conditions, culture media, freezing techniques, and embryo selection have all evolved significantly.

So while it’s important to study long-term health outcomes, many concerns reflect older protocols, not the technologies most people use today.

What If You Were Born Through IVF?

If you’re thinking about your own fertility and were conceived through IVF, here’s what to know:

• You’re not “automatically” at risk of fertility issues.

• But if your parents had a known genetic or medical condition, it may be helpful to do a fertility check-up earlier—just to get a clear picture.

• Fertility is shaped by a mix of genetics, environment, and lifestyle—IVF is just one small part of your story.

Final Thoughts

Being born via IVF doesn’t mean you’ll face fertility issues—but it does mean you’re part of a powerful story of science, persistence, and possibility. And if you're considering IVF for your own family? Take heart—your child’s future can be just as bright.

👉 Inside our Fertility 101 course, we unpack generational fertility, early testing options, and what to consider when fertility conditions run in families.

You deserve clear answers and trusted support—and we’re here for all of it.

FAQ

Can IVF affect my child’s future fertility?
Current research shows no major fertility problems in people conceived via IVF.

Should people born via IVF get fertility testing earlier?
Not necessarily—but if there’s a family history of fertility issues, early insight can be helpful.

Is there a difference between IVF and ICSI outcomes?
Some studies suggest minor hormonal or sperm differences in males conceived via ICSI, but more research is needed.

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