What is IVF?

Treatment Details

IVF treatment is required in cases where the patients have primary infertility, that is, the inability to conceive naturally or secondary infertility, that is, the inability to have children after conceiving naturally in the past. It can be due to underlying conditions in either the female or male partner, or both. Some conditions for which IVF is recommended are as follows:

• Damage or blockage in the fallopian tube
  Fallopian tube is the location where fertilisation takes place in the female anatomy. A damage or blockage here would mean that the mature egg isn’t able to follow the course of journey through the fallopian tube and of the fertilised product, embryo, into the uterus.
• Ovulation disorders
  Ovulation is the phenomenon when a mature egg exits the ovary, ready to be fertilised by a sperm. Disorders related to ovulation would mean the absence of an egg during the fertile period hence, no embryo is formed naturally. This is a reason for infertility.
• Endometriosis
  Endometriosis is the condition in which endometrium – the tissue lining the uterus – grows outside it. This has been found in 10-15% women in the reproductive age and impacts various fertility parameters such as less number of viable eggs (low ovarian reserve), poor quality of eggs and embryo, as well as hindrance to implantation.
• Uterine fibroids
  These are non-cancerous tumours that grow in the uterus of females of childbearing age. They can be found be in varied sizes and in different parts of the uterus. Higher levels of hormones oestrogen and progesterone can cause these growths. They increase the risk of pregnancy loss, and are a contributor to infertility in women.
• Poor Egg Quality
  Poor egg quality can be a result of a low ovarian reserve. After fertilisation at the fallopian tube, the embryo moves downwards and implants itself on the wall of the uterus. When the egg of poor quality – genetically and otherwise – implantation fails to take place since the quality of embryo is also compromised. This embryo with chromosomal abnormalities is discarded by the body and may lead to a miscarriage. Poor egg quality is a leading cause of infertility in females over 35 years of age.
• Reduced fertility in females over the age of 40
  The reproductive window in females spans the duration of menarche (the start of menstruation) to menopause (the cessation of menses). As one ages, and especially after the age of 35, fertility significantly decreases. This is because the quality and quantity of the eggs contained in the ovaries decreases. Once age 40 is hit, ovarian reserve is significantly reduced, and the chances of miscarriage shoot up. Since IVF treatment ensures that only the genetically healthy embryos are used, health risks due to pregnancy at an advanced maternal age can be averted.
• Impaired sperm production or function
  Sperm is the male gamete and a compromise in its quality and/or decrease in its quantity is a cause of infertility in men. If the number of sperms is less or their functionality is not optimal, fertilisation cannot take place and hence, being a reason for infertility in men.
• Inability of sperm to survive in cervical mucus
  Cervix is the tunnel-like part of the female genitalia that connects the vagina and the uterus. If cervical mucus is abnormal, it can provide hindrance to the motility of sperms or even cause their destruction. Thus, fertilisation would not occur, and would point toward infertility.
• Genetic diseases
  In case either or both partners have genetic diseases that may be inherited by their offspring, an IVF cycle can put checks in place to ensure that a genetically robust embryo is implanted. This can be done by tests such as preimplantation genetic testing and the more advance non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing that looks into the chromosomal content of the embryo. Thereafter, only embryos that do not have any abnormal genetic content is implanted hence, avoid passing on inherited disorders to the child.
• Unexplained infertility
  In certain cases, the exact cause of infertility is not easily ascertained. Such cases can be treated with IVF technique as a deep dive is done into the patients’ health, any existent conditions are treated, and then the rest of the procedure follows.

IVF Process – Step by Step

Understanding the IVF procedure step-by-step is essential to aligning expectations to that of the success of the technique.

• Consult
  The first step is to consult with a fertility/IVF specialist in order to discuss medical history. IVF does not guarantee 100% success and hence, it is imperative that risks and side effects of the procedure are understood.
• Blood Tests and Scans
  This is followed by blood tests and scans where various parameters such as hormone levels are checked in females as well as ultrasound is performed to ascertain ovarian reserve. These are also performed to check for any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or hypertension in the partners.
• Follow-up Consultation
  After the results are out, a follow-up consultation is done with the specialist at Indira IVF. The treatment plan is discussed, consent is taken from the patient, more screening tests are done, and the patient is prescribed medication and injections for the subsequent steps.
• Semen analysis
  Semen analysis is performed on the male partner’s semen sample to check sperm count, morphology and mobility.
• Stimulate Ovaries
  After baseline scan, hormonal injection is administered to stimulate ovaries to develop multiple eggs.
• Monitoring
  Regular monitoring is performed through scans and blood tests to observe response to drugs.
• Trigger Injection
  Once hormone levels are at optimal levels, a trigger injection is administered to trigger eggs to mature.
• Egg Collection
  Egg collection or ovum pickup is performed to collect eggs via a needle passed through the vagina; the patient is sedated for this procedure. A semen sample collection is done on the day ovum pickup is performed.
• Embryo Development
  Eggs and sperms are placed in an incubator to fertilise. Subsequent embryo development is monitored by embryologists at Indira IVF.
• Embryos are Transferred
  The best embryos are transferred into the uterus.

We understand your dreams of expanding your family and that undergoing infertility treatment may seem like a taxing processes. At Sunrise IVF, our excellent doctors are equipped to help you every step of the way, and to ensure that you have seamless stepping stones onto parenthood.

• You will be putting your trust in the able hands of our doctors who have notched one of the highest IVF success rates in India, with 1,000+ successful IVF pregnancies.
• You will be in the care of highly specialized doctors trained in using the best-in-class technology to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.
• You will be able to attain your parental aspirations sooner as it is our endeavor to ensure that you are able to conceive with the least possible number of IVF cycles.
• Your case is unique and we have solutions specific to your needs – this includes utilizing donor eggs and/or sperms. We’ve got your back.

Do

• Prioritise your health. Before you can work towards having a healthy baby, it is essential that you are fit first – both physically and mentally.
• Manage stress and address any challenges you may have by seeking support.
• Keep yourself physically active by exercising moderately.
  Sleep 8 hours every night.
• Keep your nutrition in check – a balanced diet is key and so is keeping track of your vitamins.
• Give heed to your IVF specialist’s advice.
• Take it one step at a time and be positive.

Don’ts

• Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
• Decrease caffeine intake.

IVF Cost

IVF cost in India can vary depending on the clinic. In most cases, the IVF treatment cost ranges between INR 50,000 to 2 lakh.

At Sunrise IVF, the base price for the treatment remains the same however, a variable cost may be associated with IVF procedure due to medication used. The total IVF treatment cost can also depend on any additional surgical procedures that need to be performed.

• What is IVF?
  IVF or in vitro fertilisation is a procedure in assisted reproductive technology. Eggs and sperms are fertilised in a laboratory and the developed embryo is implanted in the uterus for a pregnancy.
• Is IVF painful?
  For most patients, IVF is not painful. However, due to consumption of medication and administration of hormonal injections, some patients may experience slight side effects. This may include cramps and bloating. Interventional processes such as ovum pick up and embryo transfer are performed with the help of anaesthesia so that there is no pain.
• What tests need to be performed?
  Blood tests to check for a number of parameters are performed in both partners. These include:
  Female
  Haemoglobin
  Blood glucose
  Thyroid (T3, T4, TSH)
  Male
  Blood glucose
  Thyroid (T3, T4, TSH)
  Additionally, ultrasonography is performed on the female partner to check the ovaries and the egg reserve. The male partner’s semen is assessed to check for sperm genetics, morphology and mobility.
• Can IVF be performed multiple times?
  A few parameters need to be factored in to determine this including age of female partner, existing health conditions, outcome in previous IVF cycles, and even the financial implications that this may have. It is suggested that IVF be performed 3-4 times, given aforementioned circumstances are in check.
• What is the suggested gap between two unsuccessful cycles?
  If a patient has to undergo a new round of ovarian stimulation, a gap of a minimum of two months is suggested. In case the patient utilises frozen eggs/embryos preserved from a previous cycle, a gap of one month is fine.
• How long does the treatment take?
  The duration from the first consultation to the administration of drugs can take a duration of a week to 10 days. Thereafter, the medication continues for two weeks till ovum pickup is performed. Embryos are allowed to develop till the blastocyst stage. It is then implanted in the uterus.
• Does IVF lead to genetically defective babies?
  While there is no statistically significant evidence for the same, associated procedures such as preimplantation genetic testing ensure that only the genetically robust embryos are used for implantation.
• Does IVF treatment lead to twin or more pregnancies?
  In some IVF cycles, more than one embryo may be transferred inside the uterus to increase the chances of a pregnancy. If multiple embryos get implanted and develop, this leads to a multifetal pregnancy. However, research has found that when three embryos are transferred, a single child is born 75% of the time whereas incidences of twin and triplet births is 20% and 5% respectively.