What is IVF and How is it Done?

IVF Explained: Process, Success Rates & Cost in India

When natural methods of conception do not work, doctors often recommend in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to help individuals and couples start a family. Here, the eggs are taken from a woman's ovaries, fertilised in a lab using sperm, and subsequently transferred into the uterus. Many people in India have found success with IVF. 

Understanding the IVF Process

A complete IVF cycle takes up to 4 to 6 weeks and involves several stages. Fertility specialists carefully manage each step to maximise the chances of a successful pregnancy.

1.Ovarian Stimulation

The IVF process begins with controlled ovarian stimulation. Doctors prescribe hormonal medications, such as gonadotropins, to the woman to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple follicles. IVF aims to retrieve multiple eggs to improve fertilisation chances, but in a natural cycle, the body releases one egg.

Doctors closely monitor follicular development using transvaginal ultrasound scans and blood tests to assess hormone levels, particularly estradiol.

2.Monitoring and Egg Retrieval

A human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger injection is administered to mature the eggs once the follicles have reached the desired size. Egg retrieval, or oocyte aspiration, takes place approximately 34 to 36 hours later.

A surgeon performs this minor surgical procedure under light sedation or anaesthesia. They enter a thin needle through the vaginal wall using ultrasound and gently aspirate the eggs from the ovarian follicles.

3.Sperm Collection and Fertilisation

On the same day as the egg is collected, a semen sample is also taken from the male partner or a sperm donor. Doctors separate healthy sperm from the sample.

Fertilisation can occur in 2 ways:

• Conventional IVF: The sperm is added to the eggs in a culture dish.
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg. Doctors often use ICSI in cases of male infertility.

4.Embryo Development

Embryos are cultured in an incubator for several days, typically 3 to 5 days, after fertilisation. During this period, embryologists monitor the embryos for cell division and quality.

Doctors select the most viable embryos for transfer. In some cases, doctors recommend preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to check for chromosomal abnormalities.

5.Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer is a simple and painless procedure. It involves selecting 1 or 2 embryos to transfer into the woman’s uterine cavity using a thin catheter. This step does not usually require anaesthesia.

Doctors decide the number of embryos they will transfer based on age, embryo quality, and previous treatment history. One can choose to preserve and freeze the remaining good-quality embryos for future use.

6.Pregnancy Test

Doctors conduct a beta-hCG blood test to confirm pregnancy 14 days after the embryo transfer. A positive result indicates that the embryo has implanted in the uterine lining.

A couple of weeks after a positive pregnancy test, the doctor schedules an early ultrasound scan to confirm the location and number of gestational sacs and detect the fetal heartbeat.

Is IVF Safe?

IVF is a well-established and generally safe procedure. However, some women may experience:

• Mild discomfort after egg retrieval.
• Mood swings or bloating during ovarian stimulation.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in rare cases.
• On transfer of more than 1 embryo, there is a higher chance of multiple pregnancies.

Success Rates and Factors

The success of IVF depends on various factors. Age is the most significant. Women under 35 generally have higher success rates, often ranging between 35% and 40% per cycle.

Other factors include embryo quality, uterine health, and the clinic’s experience. Lifestyle elements such as a healthy diet, exercise, avoiding smoking, and managing stress also support better outcomes.

Cost and Accessibility of IVF

In India, the cost of one IVF cycle ranges between Rs. 1.2 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh, depending on the city, clinic, and individual medical needs. If someone needs additional services such as ICSI, donor eggs/sperm, or embryo freezing, costs may increase.

Many clinics offer financial counselling and payment options to make the treatment more affordable for patients.

IVF has transformed how doctors address fertility challenges. Though it may involve a physical and emotional journey, it has helped countless individuals and couples across India. With medical advancements and growing accessibility, IVF continues to offer a beacon of hope where nature needs a little help.

Also Read:

→ How Much Does IVF Cost

→ What are the Key Factors that Determine the Cost of IVF

→ Which Insurance Covers IVF in India

→ How to Prepare a Body for IVF

→ Will I Feel Pregnant After IVF