WHAT IS IVF?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a technique designed to assist individuals with fertility challenges or those unable to conceive naturally. During IVF, eggs are harvested from a woman's ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman's uterus to establish a pregnancy. This method is one of the most commonly utilized assisted reproductive technologies, enabling many people globally to become parents.

When Might IVF Be Advised?

IVF is suggested in various situations based on specific fertility challenges. Here are some common instances:

If fallopian tubes are obstructed or damaged, sperm may not reach the egg, or a fertilized egg may not make it to the uterus for implantation.
When a woman has irregular or no ovulation, IVF can help by retrieving and fertilizing eggs outside her body.
This condition involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, potentially disrupting the function of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
Non-cancerous growths in the uterus can alter its shape, affecting fertility. IVF can circumvent these issues by directly implanting embryos into the uterus.
Problems such as low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal sperm can be managed through IVF by using the highest quality sperm.
Couples with a risk of passing on genetic disorders might use IVF with pre-implantation genetic testing to ensure the health of embryos.
When no specific cause for infertility is found after thorough testing, IVF can enhance fertilization and implantation.
IVF can also be recommended for advanced maternal age, poor egg quality, or when sperm cannot survive in cervical mucus.

How IVF Operates

IVF treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment of the couple's fertility. Based on the results, a doctor creates a tailored treatment plan. Here’s an overview of the process:

Consultation with Doctor

The doctor will discuss your concerns, conception history, and medical background, then suggest necessary tests.

INFERTILITY TESTS

Based on the initial consultation, the doctor may recommend several tests, including:

Blood tests
Male fertility testing, including semen analysis
Ultrasound Scan
Screening for infectious diseases
Evaluation of the uterus

TREATMENT PLAN

After analyzing test results, the doctor will recommend a suitable treatment plan and discuss the key steps. An in-house counselor will explain the treatment costs.

Infertility Assessment

Before starting the treatment, the nature and severity of infertility are evaluated through three steps:

IVF Procedure

Once the assessment confirms the patient is suitable, the IVF procedure begins:

Checking for Pregnancy

Around 10-14 days after timed intercourse, a pregnancy test is performed to confirm if implantation occurred and pregnancy has begun. If positive, prenatal care starts to monitor the pregnancy.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Ovarian Stimulation

Fertility drugs are administered to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs over a span of 8-14 days, with frequent monitoring through blood tests and ultrasound scans.

Egg Retrieval

Around 36 hours after the trigger injection, mature eggs are harvested using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration technique.

Sperm Collection

The male partner provides a semen sample, which is then processed to extract high-quality sperm. If necessary, methods like TESE or PESA may be utilized.

Fertilization

The collected eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting, either through conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Embryo Cultivation

Embryos are grown for 3 to 5 days, during which time embryologists carefully monitor their development to select the healthiest ones.

Should You Consider IVF?

Before opting for IVF, it is essential to consult with a fertility specialist and complete the necessary tests to accurately diagnose your specific infertility concerns.

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FAQ’s

IVF success rates vary based on factors like age, underlying infertility issues, and the clinic's experience, generally falling between 30-50%.
A complete IVF cycle usually takes 4-6 weeks, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer.
In India, the cost for one IVF cycle typically ranges from INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,50,000, depending on factors such as the clinic, location, and any additional treatments or medications.
IVF can carry risks like multiple pregnancies, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and other procedural complications. It's important to discuss these risks with your fertility specialist.
Children conceived through IVF are generally as healthy as those conceived naturally, showing no significant differences in development or health.
IVF is often recommended for issues like blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation problems, endometriosis, male infertility, genetic concerns, and unexplained infertility. A fertility specialist can help determine if IVF is the right option for you.
While there's no strict age cutoff, the success rate of IVF declines with age, especially after 35. Clinics may have their own age-related guidelines, so consulting with a specialist is essential.
IVF significantly improves the chances of conception but doesn't guarantee a pregnancy. Success depends on various individual factors and health conditions.
The number of IVF cycles required can vary. Some individuals succeed on their first try, while others may need multiple cycles. On average, 2-3 cycles are often needed to achieve a successful pregnancy.
IVF involves some discomfort, such as injections for stimulating the ovaries and the egg retrieval process, which is done under anesthesia. However, most patients find the procedures manageable with appropriate medical care.