IVF

F. A. Q. …

IVF – In Vitro Fertilisation or ‘Test tube Pregnancy’

+ What is IVF ?
IVF, a latin ward, literally means ‘ fertilization in a glass’. It is one of the most popular and highly sophisticated technique for assisted conception practiced worldwide.

ivf What are the common reasons one may need IVF ?

  • Blocked tubes
  • Low sperm count and quality
  • Prolonged unexplained infertility
  • Older age group women
  • Moderate to severe endometriosis
  • Wife has ovulatory problem ,i.e, egg releasing problem
  • Failure to conceive on other fertility treatments

What does IVF involve?
It involves a preliminary consultation with specialist doctor where an assessment of the couple and complete planning of treatment will be done. Detailed history, review of previous reports, an initial ultrasonography scan, discussion about steps of treatment and cost of treatment will be undertaken. One may need some preliminary tests and a hysteroscopy – visualisation of inner lining of uterus.
If IVF is considered suitable for the couple, it is generally performed in three steps:

  • Ovulation induction, where a number of eggs will be developed in wife’s ovaries by hormone injection and tablets. It is monitored by ultrasound scanning in clinic.
  • Egg retrieval: When the eggs become mature, these are sucked out from ovaries by a needle under
  • ultrasonographic guidance with painkiller/ conscious sedation. It may take 15 – 20 minutes. Eggs are fertilized with husband’s semen in laboratory. Couple can leave clinic after a 3- 4 hours.
  • Embryo transfer: Fertilised eggs called embryo are transferred into wife’s uterus by a help of a very fine plastic tube under ultrasound guidance. Usually 2 – 3 eggs are transferred by a painless procedure 2 – 5 days after egg collection.

A pregnancy test is done 2 weeks after embryo transfer.

What is a donor egg IVF?
Occasionally, a woman’s ovaries cannot produce enough good quality eggs inspite of having a healthy uterus. In this case, eggs can be taken from a healthy young woman of proven fertility potential to create an embryo.

What is the cost of IVF treatment?
Cost of treatment in low cost IVF set up can be 65000 to 75000 rupees .