FAQs
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE OF IVF TREATMENT?
In a nutshell, IVF is the process of fertilization which is done by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. To achieve this one needs to take a series of injections to optimize the number of eggs. The eggs are extracted via a daycare procedure. The resulting embryos are frozen in the lab. This, in turn, reduces the number of egg pickup cycles. 3-4 cycles of frozen embryo transfer can be done in 1 optimal pickup hence it reduces the overall cost to the patient. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus. From start to finish this process takes around 6 to 8 weeks. This completes one cycle of IVF.
WHAT CAUSES INFERTILITY?
About one-third of infertility cases can be attributed to male factors, and about one-third of factors affect women. For the remaining one-third of infertile couples, infertility is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or, in about 10 percent of cases, it is unexplained.
ARE THERE OPTIONS FOR PRESERVING FERTILITY IN WOMEN WHO HAVE BEEN NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER?
Yes! New technology lets us remove and freeze eggs, fertilized eggs (embryos), or ovarian tissue before treating your cancer. This way, you may be able to have children after your treatment. This process is called cryopreservation or freezing.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANCED MALE INFERTILITY PROCEDURES?
It has been observed that around 10% to 15% of infertile men have no sperm when they ejaculate. This is called azoospermia. 40 % of the cases are due to a blockage (obstruction) in the reproductive tract. Problems with sperm production account for the rest. A man with obstruction may be able to have his sperm retrieved with special surgical techniques. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often needed to achieve pregnancy for these cases. Sperm retrieval may also be possible for men who have problems with sperm production.
WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE OF IVF?
It depends on the age of the woman, cause of infertility, years of infertility, egg reserve in the female partner and semen sample and the embryo quality. Evidence-based medicine says that clinical pregnancy rates are higher in a younger woman.
Woman under 35 years of age have about 32 - 45 % chance of a successful pregnancy with her first IVF treatment, women over 39 may need a greater number of cycles.
WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT FOR IVF?
The success rate of IVF is better, if it is performed at a younger age. In women, the decline in fertility begins at around 35 and accelerates through the 30s and 40s. This
means that by the early 40s it is much more difficult to conceive and by 45 there is a much-reduced chance of treatment succeeding. This is due to the decline in both the number and quality of eggs in the ovaries over time. Although men’s fertility remains more stable, it also declines over time, with declining testosterone levels fewer sperms are produced. Similarly, to women, men’s sperm acquires mutations over time meaning that sperm gradually declines in both quality and quantity.
WHAT HAPPENS IN AN IUI PROCEDURE?
Undergoing an intrauterine insemination cycle often includes taking medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. Through a simple technique, processed sperm is directly injected into the uterus at the time of ovulation.
IUI is an ideal treatment option in patients with erectile dysfunction, problems with ejaculation, or mild sperm abnormalities. For couples who have completed medicated cycles with timed intercourse without success, or have unexplained infertility
SURROGACY AND IVF?
Indian surrogacy laws make it illegal for foreign intended parents to complete a surrogacy in India. Also, commercial surrogacy is illegal. It only allows altruistic surrogacy for the needy, infertile Indian couples. For that, it requires intended parents to be married for five years and have a doctor's certificate saying that they are infertile.
IVF WITH DONOR EGGS?
Egg donation is when a woman (donor) gives her eggs to another woman (recipient) to allow the recipient to have a baby. To donate eggs, the donor must be given medications that will cause her to develop multiple eggs over a single cycle. The eggs are then removed from the donor by placing a needle that is attached to an ultrasound probe through the vaginal tissues. The eggs are then gently aspirated (suctioned) from the ovaries. Once the eggs are removed, they are evaluated by an embryologist. Then sperm from the male partner or a sperm bank is placed around or injected into each egg. This process is called in vitro fertilization (IVF).
HOW MUCH AN IVF CYCLE COST?
In India, IVF treatment is extremely affordable compared to what people would pay in other countries.
The cycle cost includes sonography, egg collection, embryology and embryo transfer. However, because treatment is generally tailored to your individual circumstances, the costs for blood tests, medication and additional techniques will vary from patient to patient.
At the Centre, state-of-the-art technology is available, which costs much more in advanced countries like the US, UK, etc.
We also have experienced IVF specialists on par with the other countries.
The staff has good communication skills and can interact with the patients in English well. In other countries like Thailand and Mexico, it has been observed that language is a big barrier.