IVF Procedure in India has one of the highest success rates in the world, crossing 60% in most cases. The procedure has gained momentum amongst medical travelers due to India’s advanced healthcare industry. The presence of renowned hospitals and fertility clinics, highly experienced IVF specialists, affordable treatment rates, and accessible ancillary services has made India a reputable medical destination.

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IVF Treatment In India

IVF, known as In-vitro fertilization, is an assisted reproductive technology aimed at aiding couples in becoming parents. This intricate treatment involves procedures to address fertility issues and genetic concerns and facilitate conception.

In IVF, eggs and sperm are collected from the partners or donors and fertilized in a laboratory setting. A complete IVF cycle typically spans about three to four weeks, though the duration can be extended if complications necessitate additional procedures.

There are several reasons behind a couple undergoing IVF procedures in India. The complications can range from azoospermia or tubal ligation to uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or the possibility of passing on genetic disorders.

The most common reasons couples opt for IVF treatment are:

• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Cervix cysts
• Poor ovarian reserve (POR)
• Polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOD)

IVF Process Step By Step

The IVF procedure in India consists of six steps – preparation, ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo development, and embryo transfer. One cycle of IVF takes around three to four weeks to complete.

1. Preparation

The first step in the IVF process is preparation. In this step, your IVF specialist will discuss your health history. You and your partner will undergo a physical examination, which will involve specific fertility tests like semen analysis, transvaginal ultrasound (TVS), anti-müllerian hormone test (AMH), luteinizing hormone test (LH), etc.

Based on the findings of these tests, a proper treatment plan will be charted out for you.

2. Ovary Stimulation

Your IVF cycle is started by ovarian stimulation. During your menstrual cycle, your ovary produces only one egg per cycle. However, during ovary stimulation, you are given hormonal injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs during your menstrual cycle. These injections, 10-12 in number, are given on the first or second day of your period.

The duration of these injections is generally not fixed. Your ovary size must be 18-20 mm for the specialists to harvest the eggs. So, depending upon the time your ovaries take to reach that size, the duration of the injections is set. It is generally between 10-15 days. Multiple eggs are required in the procedure because some eggs won’t fertilize or develop normally after fertilization.

3. Egg Retrieval

This step of the IVF procedure in India is done 36 hours after the final injection. During egg retrieval, you will be given sedatives and pain medication so that you feel no discomfort during the procedure. Transvaginal ultrasound aspiration is the usual retrieval method. An abdominal ultrasound guides the needle if your ovaries aren’t accessible through a transvaginal ultrasound.

A thin needle connected with a catheter under ultrasound guidance is inserted through your vagina into the follicles to harvest the eggs. The needle is connected to a suction device, which pulls the eggs and fluid out of each follicle, one at a time. The same procedure is followed for the other ovary as well. Multiple eggs can be harvested within 20-30 minutes. Once the retrieval is completed, mature eggs are placed in a nutritive liquid (culture medium) and incubated. 

In cases where a woman cannot produce viable eggs or chooses not to, donated eggs can be utilized.

At the same time, sperm sample is collected from the male partner. The sample can be collected via masturbation or testicular aspiration. In the latter one, a needle is used to extract sperm directly from the testis. The sperm are then separated from the semen fluid in the lab.

Donor sperm can also be used if the male partner cannot produce viable sperm.

4. Fertilization

Once the eggs and sperm are collected, the eggs are fertilized with sperm and incubated overnight. Typically, the sperm penetrates and fertilizes an egg within a few hours following insemination. If the likelihood of fertilization is deemed low by the doctor, a method known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) might be employed. In ICSI, a single healthy sperm is injected directly into each mature egg.

After five to six days, the embryo undergoes a process known as “hatching,” where it separates from its encompassing membrane, the zona pellucida. This enables the embryo to implant into the uterine lining successfully. Assisted hatching involves a procedure where a small hole is created in the zona pellucida right before the embryo’s transfer.

This technique aims to facilitate the hatching process of the embryo and enhance its chances of successful implantation. Additionally, assisted hatching proves beneficial for eggs or embryos previously cryopreserved, as it can address any potential zona pellucida hardening. The IVF specialists suggest the process if the woman is older or previous IVF cycles have failed.

5. Embryo Development

After fertilization, we wait 3-5 days for the embryos to develop and become blastocysts. The day-five embryo is called a blastocyst. The laboratory personnel consistently monitor the embryo’s development to ensure its healthy growth. Typically, within approximately five days, a normal embryo displays active division of multiple cells.

This is one of the most critical steps in IVF procedures in India. At this stage, couples at a heightened risk of transmitting a hereditary genetic disorder to their offspring might contemplate undergoing preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). This procedure is commonly performed between 3 to 5 days post-fertilization. Skilled laboratory scientists extract one or more cells from each embryo and subject the material to genetic screening for targeted genetic disorders.

6. Embryo transfer

Once the healthy blastocysts are selected, they are transferred into the uterus using a long, thin, and flexible tube. Embryo transfer is a non-invasive ultrasound-guided procedure that takes 10-20 minutes to complete. 

The procedure is performed within the doctor’s office while the woman awakens. Using a slender tube called a catheter, the doctor introduces the embryos through the woman’s vagina, passing through the cervix, and into the uterus. If an embryo successfully adheres to and implants in the uterine lining, it can develop into a pregnancy.

Multiple embryos may be introduced into the uterus simultaneously, potentially leading to the conception of twins, triplets, or more. Determining the precise number of embryos to transfer is a nuanced decision influenced by various factors, particularly the woman’s age.

Unused embryos have the option of being cryopreserved for future implantation or donation at a later time.

Medications Required In IVF Procedure

Some specific medications and hormones are given to the client during the IVF procedure. These medications and hormones help the body prepare for the procedure. The medications and hormones are:

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): These hormones stimulate your ovaries, promoting the production of eggs. You could receive one hormone or a combination of both as part of your treatment. This process typically spans between 10-15 days.

• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): hCG is generally administered as a single injection to prompt the final maturation of your eggs and initiate the ovulation process.

• Leuprolide Acetate: This is a form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist administered through injection. It can help control the stimulation process or be a trigger shot.

• Progesterone: After the eggs are retrieved, synthetic progesterone (e.g., Crinone, Progesterone in oil) is often given to support the uterine lining and create an environment conducive to embryo implantation.

• Estradiol: This estrogen hormone (e.g., Estrace) may be administered to help build and maintain the uterine lining in preparation for embryo implantation.

• Medications to Prepare the Uterine Lining: Some clinics may also use sildenafil (Viagra) or aspirin to promote blood flow to the uterine lining, potentially improving implantation.

• Sedatives: To avoid discomfort, mild sedatives, and medications are given to the female partner during procedures like embryo transfer and egg retrieval.

Tests Done Before IVF Procedure In India

Before proceeding with IVF treatment, there are many tests that a couple has to undergo. These tests determine the underlying condition that the couple is facing, which helps the IVF specialists in creating a suitable treatment plan. These tests include:

• Pelvic examination: A pelvic examination assesses the health of the reproductive organs, typically lasting a few minutes. During the procedure, your healthcare provider examines your vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum, and pelvis for abnormal developments. A Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer, is often conducted simultaneously with a pelvic examination.

• Pap test: A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a medical procedure designed to screen for cervical cancer in women. This involves the collection of cells from the cervix, which is the lower, slender portion of the uterus located at the upper part of the vagina.

• Mammogram: A mammogram is a radiographic image of your breasts using X-rays. It serves two primary purposes: breast cancer screening and diagnostic investigation, which involves examining symptoms or abnormalities identified through other imaging tests.

• Semen analysis: A semen analysis, also known as a sperm count, assesses the volume and quality of semen and sperm. This test determines whether issues with semen or sperm contribute to infertility. Additionally, it can be utilized to ascertain the success of a vasectomy procedure.

• Screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs): Various tests detect sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS, Syphilis, Hepatitis B & C, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, etc. The tests include blood tests, swab tests, pap smear, etc.

• Ovarian reserve testing: To assess the quantity and quality of your eggs, your doctor may conduct tests on the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen), and anti-mullerian hormone in your blood within the initial days of your menstrual cycle.

• Hysteroscopy is a medical procedure that involves using a thin, lighted instrument called a hysteroscope to examine the inside of the uterus (womb) and the cervix. This procedure allows healthcare professionals to diagnose and sometimes treat various uterine conditions and abnormalities.

Procedures Done During IVF Treatment In India

Some tests and procedures are done during the IVF procedure in India. These procedures are meant to dish out faulty embryos and smoothen the overall experience of the couple. These procedures include:

• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): It is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure used in fertility treatments, particularly in cases of male infertility. During ICSI, a single sperm is selected and directly injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization. This technique is often employed when traditional methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF) might not be practical due to issues with sperm quality, motility, or quantity.

• Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): Post fertilization, around 5-6 days later, a few cells are removed from each embryo. These cells are then analyzed to determine if the embryos carry certain genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities that could lead to genetic disorders or miscarriages. Based on the PGD analysis results, only embryos free from the targeted genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities are selected for transfer into the uterus. This step in IVF procedure in India increases the chances of a successful pregnancy, resulting in a healthy baby.

Cost Of IVF Procedure In India

The cost of IVF procedure in India depends on many factors, such as using a donor egg or sperm, undergoing preimplantation genetic diagnosis, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, etc. The IVF procedure cost in India ranges between $3000 – $3500.

With a donor egg, an extra $800 – $1000 will be added, while with a donor sperm, an extra $500 will be added.

Depending on other factors, the cost sits between $3000 to $5000.

Top IVF Procedure Centers In India

India is home to one of the finest fertility centers in the world. These centers, housing the best IVF specialists, are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to provide you with world-class treatment. GoMedii has compiled a list of top hospitals and clinics for IVF procedure in India for your convenience.

1. NOVA IVF Fertility Clinic, Kolkata
2. Fortis La Femme, Delhi
3. Baby Science Fertility Clinic, Delhi
4. ART Fertility Clinic, Gurugram, Haryana
5. Apollo Fertility Center, Chennai
6. Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore
7. Gleneagles Global Hospital, Hyderabad
8. Lilavati Hospital and Research Center, Mumbai
9. Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi
10. Cloud Nine Hospital, Delhi

Choose GoMedii For The Best And Affordable IVF Procedure In India

If you are looking for the best and most affordable IVF procedure in India, you are at the right place and time! Trust GoMedii with your treatment; we assure you of a top-notch, hassle-free process.

We have tie-ups with one of India’s most reputed hospitals to get you the best treatment at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to avail of our packages, you can contact us on our “Website” and WhatsApp (+91 9654030724) or call us at 9599004811). Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.

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