Test Tube Baby: Treatment Procedure, Cost & Success Rate

How to Prepare for the Test Tube Baby Process?

Undergoing a test tube baby procedure or IVF is a huge, life-altering decision. Any woman who decides to go for this procedure needs to be prepared for it by all means. Preparing properly for a test tube baby procedure can ensure better treatment results and higher chances of pregnancy. Fertility specialists give specific instructions based on the patient’s health and lifestyle. Some standard preparation guidelines include:

• Get all diagnostic tests done: Several tests, like hormonal assessments and ultrasounds, are essential before IVF. These tests help identify any issues that might lower the success of IVF.
• Follow medication and supplement instructions to a T: Specialists may give medicines to regulate the menstrual cycle and stimulate the ovaries. Patients might also need to take dietary supplements.
• Make lifestyle changes: Being healthy before the procedure is vital. Patients should maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and eat well. It’s important to avoid harmful habits like drinking alcohol and smoking.
• Ensure financial preparedness:  IVF can be expensive, so patients must plan and have the funds ready before starting treatment.
• Seek emotional support: IVF can bring emotional challenges. Talking to a partner, close friends, or family beforehand can provide support. Since not all IVF attempts result in pregnancy, patients must also be prepared to handle any disappointments.

What To Expect After Test Tube Baby?

After the last stage of the test tube baby process, i.e. embryo transfer, it’s normal for women to experience mild symptoms as the body gets used to the procedure. These symptoms can be different for each person, and it’s important to remember that having them doesn’t guarantee pregnancy, as they can also be indicative of other things.

The most common symptom that most women experience is cramping. It’s generally mild and manageable. In addition, bloating may also occur. This happens because of the way the reproductive organs are handled during the embryo transfer. It usually goes away after a while. Another symptom could be breast tenderness, which is when the breasts feel sensitive and sore. This is because of the higher levels of estrogen in the body during this time. Some people might experience spotting, which is light vaginal bleeding. This can occur because of the embryo attaching to the uterus lining. If the patient has heavy bleeding or severe pain, it’s important to inform the healthcare provider. Constipation is also a common complaint after the procedure. It might happen because of hormonal changes or the progesterone supplements they take, which can affect their bowel movements. Doctors suggest consuming high-fiber food to maintain their overall health. In addition, maintaining adequate hydration by drinking water and healthy fluids is also very important.

Following the egg retrieval procedure, most people can go back to their normal activities. But if the patient had received anesthesia, they may be asked to refrain from driving for a few hours. It is best to get an attendant along. 

Test Tube Baby Cost In India

In India, the cost of a test tube baby procedure can vary from Rs.1,00,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 for each cycle. However, this is just an estimated cost for one cycle of IVF. The actual cost may differ depending on various factors. These factors include the fees charged by the fertility specialist for consultations, the specialist’s experience and skills, the specific hospital or fertility center chosen for the treatment, the expenses for diagnostic tests during the treatment, the reason for infertility, charges for follow-up appointments, and the number of IVF cycles needed to achieve pregnancy.

All of these factors contribute to the overall cost of IVF treatment. To have a clear idea of the expenses, individuals or couples considering IVF should inquire about the specific costs of their chosen healthcare facility.

How Long Does IVF (Test Tube Baby) Treatment Take?

The test tube baby process or IVF treatment typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks to complete. However,  the duration can vary depending on individual circumstances. This treatment is performed in various stages, and the duration of each stage differs. Let us look at the duration of each stage:

• Ovarian Stimulation: This phase lasts about 8 to 12 days, during which the woman takes fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
• Egg Retrieval: The actual egg retrieval procedure takes around 20-30 minutes and is usually done under sedation or light anesthesia. Recovery time is a few hours.
• Fertilization: After egg retrieval, fertilization occurs in the laboratory. The embryos are monitored for about 3 to 5 days to observe their development.
• Embryo Transfer: The embryo transfer procedure is a quick and painless process, lasting about 10-15 minutes. Following the transfer, the woman rests for a short period before going home.
• Pregnancy Test: Approximately 10 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine if the IVF treatment was successful.

It’s important to note that the timeline may vary depending on individual factors, such as the woman’s response to medications and the clinic’s specific protocols. Additionally, some couples may require more than one IVF cycle to achieve a successful pregnancy. Overall, the entire IVF journey involves several stages and requires careful coordination between the fertility clinic and the couple undergoing treatment. Patients are often provided with detailed instructions and support throughout the process to optimize their chances of success.

Is Test Tube Baby (IVF) Treatment Process Covered Under Insurance?

In India, most insurance providers only cover treatments that are considered medically necessary. Test tube baby or In vitro fertilization (IVF), among other fertility treatments, is not considered medically necessary, so it’s not typically covered by health insurance or mediclaim policies. Therefore, individuals and couples planning to go for this treatment have to be prepared to bear the treatment expense on their own.

But fortunately,  some insurance companies have started offering coverage for certain parts of IVF, including the cost of one IVF cycle, medical tests, hormone injections, and more. The coverage, however, differs depending on the insurer, so it’s essential to check the details beforehand. 

If patients can’t get insurance coverage for IVF, there are other ways to manage the expenses, like getting a medical loan, choosing No Cost EMI or finance schemes, or applying for a personal loan. At Pristyn Care, we offer comprehensive IVF treatment packages at affordable rates, making fertility treatments accessible to more people. We also provide No Cost EMI options for easy monthly payments. To schedule an appointment with our fertility specialists near you, reach out to our team right away.

Benefits of Test Tube Baby (IVF) Treatment

Test Tube Baby treatment is undoubtedly one of the most effective fertility treatments available today, and rightfully so. It becomes a godsend for patients who are unable to conceive naturally. IVF significantly increases the chances of pregnancy success and is associated with minimal complications. Here are some benefits of test tube baby or IVF treatment: 

• Test tube baby procedure or IVF comes to the rescue when other fertility treatments have not been successful. It provides hope and a viable solution for couples who have been struggling to conceive.
• Test Tube Baby or IVF enhances the chances of conceiving a healthy baby. The procedure allows for careful selection and screening of embryos before implantation, reducing the risk of genetic disorders and increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
• Test tube baby treatment significantly improves the odds of conception compared to natural conception or other fertility treatments. It offers a greater chance for couples to fulfill their dreams of having a child.
• Test tube baby treatment opens up opportunities for single women and same-sex couples to experience the joy of parenthood through the use of donated eggs or sperm. It provides an inclusive approach to building families.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes after Test Tube Baby Procedure

Following the test tube baby procedure or IVF, it is important for patients to take care of diet, and lifestyle habits. Eating a balanced and healthy diet helps keep the body healthy and boosts the pace of recovery. Here are some dietary recommendations for patients who’ve undergone test tube baby procedure:

• Hydration is key: Drinking plenty of water is essential to keep the body hydrated, aiding in various bodily functions and overall well-being.
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet: The women undergoing IVF must include a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods in their diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods provide vital vitamins and minerals that aid in the recovery process after IVF treatment. The diet should include sources of omega-3 fatty acids as they support reproductive health which helps improve the chances of pregnancy. In addition, folic acid and iron are also important for ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Some good sources include, leafy vegetables, cereals, beans, etc.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption: Caffeine and alcohol are known to impact the chances of successful conception after a test tube baby procedure. Therefore, the patients must limit their consumption, or consume them in limit.
• Avoid Processed Foods: Women who have undergone test tube baby procedure must limit their consumption of processed and unhealthy foods. These foods contain unhealthy fats, and are often high on additives that can negatively affect their health. The focus should be on consuming a healthy and wholesome diet.
• Take health supplements as recommended: If the doctor has suggested any prenatal vitamins or supplements, the patients must take them as prescribed. The purpose of these supplements is to fulfill the nutritional needs of the patient and help them remain healthy.

In addition to dietary modifications, certain lifestyle changes are also linked to increasing the efficacy of the procedure, including:

• Maintain a healthy body weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight is essential for ensuring the success of the test tube baby procedure. Therefore, women who’ve undergone this procedure must maintain a healthy body weight.
• Include exercise in the routine: Making exercising a habit is key for maintaining a healthy body weight, and ensuring overall well-being. However, heavy workouts must be avoided.
• Take complete rest: Patients must take complete rest after the procedure, and sleep well as it is essential for the body’s speedy recovery.
• Adhere to the doctor’s advice:  It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions diligently after the procedure. In addition, it is important to go for all follow-up appointments scheduled by the doctor.
• Avoid smoking: Patients are advised to quit smoking completely after their test tube baby procedure. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke must also be avoided as they can be a risk to the mother’s and the baby’s health.
• Don’t stress: Stress can adversely affect the outcomes of the procedure. Therefore, patients must remain calm and keep stress at bay after the procedure. Meditation and gentle exercise, along with other stress-management techniques can help patients remain calm and composed during and after the process.