IVF/Infertility Treatment in India

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), is a widely used assisted reproductive technology designed to help individuals and couples facing infertility challenges. It involves a series of medical procedures to facilitate conception and pregnancy.

IVF is primarily indicated for various infertility issues, including:-

• Female factors : Problems with the fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, or conditions like endometriosis.
• Male factors : Low sperm count or poor sperm motility, often addressed through techniques like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
• Unexplained infertility : Cases where no specific cause can be identified after thorough investigation.
• Advanced material age : Women over 40 may be recommended for IVF as a primary treatment option.

IVF Treatment Stages :

• Ovarian Stimulation : Hormonal medications such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single egg that typically develops each month. This phase usually lasts about 10 days and involves monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds to assess follicular growth.
• Egg Retrieval : Once the eggs are mature, a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration is performed. This involves using an ultrasound-guided needle to collect eggs from the ovaries while the patient is under sedation. The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
• Sperm Collection : On the same day as egg retrieval, a sperm sample is collected from the male partner or a donor. If necessary, sperm can also be retrieved directly from the testicles using surgical methods.
• Fertilization : The retrieved eggs are then fertilized with the sperm in a laboratory setting. This can occur naturally or via ICSI if there are concerns about sperm quality.
• Embryo Culture : Fertilized eggs develop into embryos over several days in a controlled environment. Typically, embryos are monitored for about five days until they reach the blastocyst stage, which indicates readiness for transfer.
• Embryo Transfer : One or more embryos are transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter. This step is generally quick and does not require sedation. After transfer, patients may resume normal activities but are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for a short period.
• Pregnancy Test : Approximately two weeks after embryo transfer, a blood test is conducted to determine if implantation has occurred and if pregnancy has been achieved.