What is IVF ?

In-Vitro-Fertilization (IVF) or Test Tube Baby as it is commonly called, is a method to achieve conception, which involves the union of egg from wife and sperms from husband in the IVF laboratory by placing the eggs and sperms together. The embryo which is formed after the union of egg and sperm is then placed inside the uterus after 2-3 days, where it grows and develops into a healthy baby.

Who are the suitable candidates for IVF ?

• IVF was traditionally started for women who had blocked tubes, which is an absolute indication for IVF
• Women with endometriosis (Chocolate Cysts)
• Prolonged unexplained infertility i.e. conception not occurring since > 3 years, with both the husband and wife having normal tests and no apparent cause of infertility
• Any couple with failed multiple (4-6) cycles of IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination)
• Severe Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOD)
• Women with pelvic TB
• Women with problems of egg rupture
• Decreased/ absent sperm count in husband (with the help of ICSI )
• Women with previous surgeries, sterilization (Tubectomy) operation
• Failed tuboplosty ( i.e. blocked tubes could not be opened by surgeries)
• Infertility due to any cause, not responding to other methods of treatment

What is the total duration of IVF and the number of visits to the centre ?

The procedure involves 4-5 visits to the IVF centre over a duration of 4-6 weeks. There is no admission required and monitoring of treatment is done by ultrasound [TVS] . On the day of egg collection[oocyte retrival] only, the wife may be required to stay for a few hours.

If there is a time constraint, as in case of many couples who came to us for treatement from other countries, their duration of stay can be shortened if they take prior appointment by telephone or e-mail,medicines can be sent to them if required in the month prior to IVF. Sometimes the wife can stay back but the husband has to go back early - we have the facility for freezing (Cryopreservation) of sperms and ICSI is done with frozenthawed sperms even in the absence of the husband. With prior appointment, the whole cycle of IVF can be completed in 4 weeks.