What is IVF?

IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a type of ART that involves the use of sperm and eggs to fertilize them outside of the body. It is a difficult procedure that involves removing eggs from the ovaries and mixing them in a lab. The fertilized eggs, which are now called embryos, are then implanted in the uterus a few days later. Once the embryo has made it into the uterus, pregnancy can occur. IVF in India is the most successful type of ART. It can be done with the couple's own sperm and eggs, or with a known or unknown donor's eggs, sperm or embryos. In some cases, a gestational carrier may be used. The success of IVF in India depends on a number of factors, such as your age and the root cause of your infertility. It can also be expensive, intrusive, and take a long time to complete. IVF can sometimes lead to multiple pregnancies if multiple embryos are placed in the uterus.

Why IVF is done?

People choose IVF in India for various reasons. Some people choose IVF because of an infertility problem or because one of the couple has an existing medical condition. Others choose IVF because other fertility treatments have not worked for them, or because they are at an advanced age of motherhood. IVF can be used as an extra reproductive option for a same-sex couple or if one of the partners wants to become parents. It can be used if the partner has a

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tube,

• Endometriosis,

• Low sperm count or additional sperm defects,

• Other ovarian disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS),

• Uterus fibroids

• Other uterine problems.

• Unexplained infertility,

• The possibility of passing on a genetic disorder or disease.

• Are using an egg donor or a gestational surrogate

Steps involved in IVF Procedure:

IVF is a process in which an egg is manually fertilized with sperm and then the fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus. There are six steps involved in IVF treatment:

Hormone Regulation: This is the first step in IVF treatment. Women usually take birth control pills to regulate their hormones. This helps women with irregular periods to plan their treatment cycle.

Egg Stimulation: This is the next step after hormone regulation. Women usually produce 1 egg per month. During IVF treatment, women are given hormone injections to increase the number of eggs they produce in a month, thus increasing the number of eggs that can be fertilized with the sperm.

Retrieving Eggs: After egg stimulation, these eggs are retrieved from the ovaries via a minor surgery called 'follicular aspiration'. The woman is asleep during the procedure and the egg is retrieved under ultrasound guidance.

Fertilization of the eggs: The egg is fertilized with sperm. The method of fertilization depends on the doctor's assessment of the rate of fertilization. The sperm can be placed in the egg with the eggs to be inseminated on its own (IVF) or injected directly into the egg (ICSI).

Maturing the Embryo: The fertilized egg is left to divide in the lab to form an embryo.

Within 3 to 5 days the embryo is ready to be transferred into the uterus.

Implantation of the Fertilized Egg into the Uterus: The mature embryo is transferred into the Woman’s Hormone 3 to 5 days after Egg retrieval and Fertilization

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What is ICSI?

ICSI stands for Intracrytoplasmic Sperm Injection. It works by extracting the sperm from the male, selecting the best sperm, and then injecting it into the egg to fertilize. ICSI is one of the best forms of artificial treatment for infertility problems.

The ICSI success rate can be anywhere from 80% to 85%. This means that about 8 out of 10 eggs fertilize normally.

Why ICSI is done?

ICSI is recommended when:

• The sperm count is very low

• The sperm is abnormally shaped

• The couple does not wish to use a sperm donor

• The couple has a very specific genetic disorder

• The male has issues with ejaculation

Steps involved in ICSI Procedure:

ICSI treatment is broken down into five stages;

• Hormonal regulation so that the woman can produce more than one egg per month through injections

• Egg retrieval from the female ovaries through minor procedures

• Sperm collection from the male via ejaculation (it is best to collect the sperm on the day of procedure so that the best sperm is collected). Selecting the best sperm for the procedure

• Manually injecting the selected sperm into the female egg to fertilize it

• Transplanting the fertilized egg into the female uterus via a catheter