General Inquiries
IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is a fertility treatment where eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the body in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus with the hope of implantation and pregnancy.
IVF is suitable for individuals who have difficulty conceiving naturally due to various factors, including:
- Age-related infertility
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Male infertility
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Previous failed fertility treatments
The IVF process involves several steps:
- Hormone stimulation
- Egg retrieval
- Sperm collection
- Fertilization
- Embryo transfer
The success rate of IVF varies depending on several factors, including the patient's age, the cause of infertility, and the clinic's experience. However, the average success rates in India are comparable to those in other developed countries.
The cost of IVF in India can vary widely depending on the clinic, location, and the number of IVF cycles required. Additional costs may include medications, laboratory fees, and ancillary procedure
Before IVF
Before starting IVF, patients typically need to undergo a thorough evaluation, including:
- Medical history review
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound examination
- Semen analysis (for male partners)
The IVF process typically takes 2-3 weeks, including hormone stimulation, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and waiting for pregnancy results.
IVF carries some risks, including:
- Multiple pregnancies
- Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
- Sperm collection
- Miscarriage
- Preeclampsia
IVF involves some discomfort, particularly during egg retrieval. However, this procedure is usually performed under anaesthesia or sedation.
Most patients can continue working during IVF, but it's important to listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
During and After IVF
During the IVF cycle, patients may experience:
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Mood swings
- Physical discomfort from injections or medications
- Anxiety or Stress
Common side effects of IVF medications include:
- Hot flashes
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Vaginal bleeding
Pregnancy tests are typically performed 10-14 days after embryo transfer. If the test is positive, an ultrasound will be scheduled to confirm the pregnancy.
If IVF is unsuccessful, patients may choose to:
- Repeat the IVF cycle
- Try other fertility treatments
- Consider adoption
Yes, it is possible to have a normal pregnancy after IVF. However, there may be an increased risk of certain complications, such as preeclampsia and preterm birth.
Specific Concerns
IVF itself does not increase the risk of genetic abnormalities in the baby. However, genetic testing can be performed on embryos before transfer to identify and avoid embryos with genetic conditions.
There is an increased risk of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) after IVF, especially if multiple embryos are transferred. This risk can be reduced by transferring fewer embryos.
Yes, embryos can be frozen for future use. This is known as embryo cryopreservation. Frozen embryos can be thawed and transferred at a later time.
Yes, you can donate your eggs or sperm for IVF. This can be a rewarding way to help others who are struggling to conceive.
It is possible to travel abroad for IVF treatment. However, it's important to research the clinic and ensure that it meets international standards.