FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

A person's reproductive potential is largely determined by genetics, as the number of eggs is set at five months of fetal life. It is primarily linked to a woman's age, which is a better predictor of egg quality, rather than lab results. General health, such as diet and exercise, is not likely to substantially affect reproductive potential, although a diet high in antioxidants may be an exception.

A woman's reproductive potential declines with age and never gets better. The decline begins around age 35 and accelerates through the 30s and 40s. This is due to a decrease in both the number and quality of eggs. For women over 35, there are lower pregnancy rates and higher rates of miscarriage. Miscarriage rates for women over 40 are 50% and increase with each year. Male fertility also declines with age, particularly after 40, with decreases in sperm motility, count, and shape by 50%.

To naturally increase fertility, you can make several lifestyle changes:

  • Eat antioxidant-rich foods: Consuming colored vegetables and fruits like berries, oranges, and tomatoes can help prevent damage to eggs and sperm.
  • Consume healthy fats: Healthy unsaturated fats found in salmon, avocado, and nuts can promote regular ovulation.
  • Ensure adequate vitamin intake: Taking 400 milligrams of folic acid daily is recommended before and during pregnancy. Good sources include green vegetables, meat, and dairy products.
  • Manage carbohydrate intake: For those with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), reducing carbohydrates can help with weight loss, insulin levels, and menstrual cycle regulation.
  • Focus on protein: Including plant-based proteins like beans and lentils, and fish, which is a good source of Omega-3, can assist fertility.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a major cause of infertility in both men and women. A weight loss of at least 5% for those who are overweight is suggested to improve chances of conception.
  • Practice yoga: Yoga can help release stress, balance hormones, and improve energy flow, which may increase fertility.

There are several reasons one might choose to preserve their fertility:

  • Future Family Planning: If you plan to have a family in the future but the timing isn't right, egg freezing can reduce the risk of future fertility issues.
  • Educational Goals: It allows individuals to pursue demanding educational and advanced degrees without the immediate pressure of starting a family.
  • Career Development: Egg freezing provides an option to delay conception while focusing on establishing a business or career.
  • Relationship Maturity: It can relieve the pressure of declining fertility on a relationship, allowing it to develop at its own pace.
  • Medical Treatments: For those facing medical treatments like cancer therapy that can impact fertility, freezing eggs beforehand can preserve the option to have children later.
  • Personal Control: It offers a sense of control over future reproductive options for women who may be anxious about their biological clock but are not yet certain about having children.

For the 10% to 15% of infertile men who have no sperm in their ejaculate (a condition called azoospermia), sperm can sometimes be retrieved through special surgical techniques. This is possible for men whose condition is due to a blockage in the reproductive tract or for some with sperm production problems. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often necessary to achieve pregnancy in these cases.