IVF, or in-vitro fertilization (इन विट्रो फ़र्टिलाइज़ेशन in Hindi), is the most common artificial reproductive procedure. As the name suggests, IVF is a reproductive technique where the fertilization of the female egg by the male sperm takes place in a glass dish or tube, and not inside a woman’s body. IVF is a series of complex procedures that help couples bear a child who cannot conceive one naturally. Since its introduction, more than 8 million IVF babies have been born all around the world. In non-medical terminology, IVF baby is also known as a test-tube baby – a term that was used decades ago to refer to a fertilization procedure in a tube.
Lupron Down-Regulation, or Long Lupron Protocol
Antagonist Protocol or Short Protocol
The Flare Protocol or Microdose Lupron Co-Flare Protocol
Mini IVF or Micro IVF Protocol
Estrogen Priming Protocol
Before proceeding with IVF treatment, it is important to determine where exactly the problem lies. Both the male and female partners need to undergo certain tests so that the infertility specialist can evaluate and determine the best treatment forward. In males, the IVF doctor would conduct a general physical exam of his overall health and then examine the genitals. Specific tests in the case of men before IVF may include:
Semen analysis – The IVF doctor may ask the men for sperm and semen samples. The semen is generally collected in the lab in a clean container by masturbating. The semen specimen is sent to the lab for analysis.
Hormone testing – A man might also be asked for a blood test through which the doctor may evaluate the level of testosterone and other males hormones in his body.
Imaging tests – In certain cases, the male is suggested to undergo imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI of his genitals to confirm if there is a presence of any abnormalities.
Vasography – This imaging test is done to check for any damage or blockage in the vas deferens, which is a long tube in males that connects the pelvic cavity to the epididymis. The vas deferens are responsible for transporting mature sperm to the urethra.
Testicular biopsy – A testicular biopsy is recommended to identify any abnormalities in the male reproductive system that might contribute to infertility.
Genetic testing – This test determines whether there’s a genetic defect that might contribute to infertility-related problems in a male.
IVF is an advanced reproductive technique and when done under the guidance and assistance of expert infertility specialists, the chances of any serious complications are very, very rare. However, there is a possibility that a patient might suffer from the following complications during and after IVF treatment.
When you and your partner fail to conceive even after trying unprotected sex for one year, you should consider seeing an infertility specialist. You may try on your own for as long as you want, but getting medical help without delay is the best decision. If you have irregular periods, ovulation troubles, or your partner has a problem ejaculating, you should seek guidance from an IVF expert. If you have a heavy thyroid, it can whack your pregnancy outcome. In that case, too, you may need to check with an IVF specialist.
Cost of IVF in major cities of India
The below-mentioned table on the cost of IVF in some of the major Indian cities can help you get an estimate of IVF cost in India. It is to be noted that the average cost of one cycle of IVF treatment (in USD) may range from 1,364.65 – 6,823,23.
City | Average cost of one cycle of IVF treatment (in INR) |
Delhi | 1,25,000 – 1,50,000 |
Bangalore | 1,40,000 – 1,80,000 |
Hyderabad | 1,40,000 – 1,80,000 |
Chennai | 1,40,000 – 1,80,000 |
Mumbai | 1,40,000 – 1,80,000 |
Pune | 1,40,000 – 1,80,000 |
Cities Where We Treat Ivf
Is IVF painful?
IVF is not painful or discomforting. However, to many, the process might be tiring. Most patients do not feel any pain during any stage of the treatment. Some women, however, feel that the egg retrieval stage is a little painful. On the other hand, there are women who experience cramps and bloating during the ovarian stimulation phase – the beginning of the IVF cycle.
Where will the eggs/ sperm be stored?
There are specialized IVF labs (also known as embryology and andrology labs) where the eggs or the sperm are stored. The eggs and sperm are stored in liquid nitrogen in these labs so that the quality does not degrade. The specialized labs are designed in such a manner that the specimen does not lower the success rate of the process.
Will the treatment outcome be different if I use donor eggs or sperm?
No, using donor eggs or donor sperm will not bring any change in the outcome of the IVF treatment. The IVF specialist and the team along with lab assistant will freeze and thaw the specimen well so that it can be used whenever needed for a successful outcome.
Why do I need to have an ample amount of eggs during IVF treatment?
It is important to have a good amount of eggs while undergoing IVF treatment as there is no assurance to the human reproductive process. Some eggs might be immature, some eggs might not fertilize well normally. Most eggs do not lead to live births. So, in most cases, people require to undergo more than one IVF cycle. Hence, having a good egg reserve is important in the case of IVF.
In 1986, the first test-tube baby in India was born to Mrs. Mani Chawda, a twenty-four-year-old housewife at KEM Hospital Bombay.
According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the India IVF Services Market garnered $478.2 million in 2018 and is expected to reach $1.45 billion by 2026.
According to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction, infertility currently affects about 10 to 14 percent of the Indian population.
According to WHO, more than 5 million children are born worldwide from ART interventions such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Estimates suggest that between 48 million couples and 186 million individuals live with infertility globally.
IVF is a very critical journey. You cannot step into just any clinic and undergo the treatment. You need to do some groundwork, find out the best doctor, and make sure you are in the right hands. To get started, you can do the following:
Find out the doctor’s education and professional background, his/ her specialization, expertise, the number of IVF treatments they have offered, basically whatever you can to ensure that you are at the right place.