In Vitro Fertilisation
What is IVF?
IVF is a treatment where the egg and sperm are united outside the body, in a specialised lab. The eggs are collected, fertilised to form embryos, and a healthy embryo is then placed into the uterus — offering the highest success rates for many causes of infertility.
When is it done?
IVF is recommended when simpler treatments haven’t worked, or from the outset for conditions like blocked fallopian tubes, severe male-factor infertility, endometriosis, low egg reserve, or unexplained infertility after years of trying.
How is it done?
IVF follows a few clear stages. Hormone injections stimulate the ovaries to grow multiple eggs, tracked with ultrasound scans. The eggs are then collected under short sedation, fertilised with sperm in the lab (by IVF or ICSI), and grown into embryos over a few days. A healthy embryo is then transferred into the uterus, with any extras frozen for future use.
Is it an OPD-based procedure?
Mostly, yes. The scans, injections, and embryo transfer are all outpatient. Only the egg retrieval involves brief sedation as a short day-care procedure — you go home the same day, with no overnight stay needed.
How long does one IVF cycle take?
A single cycle typically spans about 2–3 weeks from the start of stimulation to embryo transfer, followed by a pregnancy test around two weeks later.
For whom is IVF suitable?
IVF helps couples with blocked tubes, severe male infertility, endometriosis, ovulation or egg-reserve issues, repeated IUI failures, or unexplained infertility. It’s also used with frozen eggs, donor programmes, and genetic testing of embryos.
Have any questions?
FAQs
Is IVF painful?
Largely comfortable. The injections cause minor pricks and egg retrieval is done under sedation – mild bloating or cramps afterwards settle quickly.
How many scans are needed during IVF?
Several – usually 4–6 follicular scans during stimulation to track egg growth and time retrieval precisely, plus monitoring before transfer.
How many embryos are transferred?
Usually one healthy embryo, to ensure a safe pregnancy. Transferring more raises the risk of twins, which we discuss with you individually.
What are the success rates of IVF?
Success depends mainly on age and the cause — often 40–50% per cycle in younger women. We give you an honest, personalised estimate.
Do frozen embryos work as well as fresh?
Yes. Frozen embryo transfers now match — and sometimes exceed — fresh-cycle success, while allowing your body time to recover.
Does IVF increase health risks for the baby?
IVF babies are as healthy as naturally conceived ones. Embryo testing (PGT) can further lower the risk of certain genetic conditions.
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