IVF is in vitro fertilization — the most advanced form of fertility treatment where embryos are fertilized outside the body by combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory.

Embryos grow inside incubators designed to closely mimic the environment inside a woman’s fallopian tubes in the uterus.

After growing in vitro, the best embryo can be selected to transfer back to the uterus with a high chance of pregnancy.

It is important to choose a doctor who is experienced and takes a comprehensive yetindividualized approach in evaluation of fertility issues, rather than a doctor with a mind-set of ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Ultimately, it can be an intense relationship so it should be a good personality fit.

The testing before IVF is very straightforward and involves assessing the patient’s ovarian reserve, measuring blood markers of the ovarian reserve such as anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and FSH levels. Analysis of the uterine cavity and semen are also to be performed before IVF and finally, there are some routine pre-pregnancy blood tests to screen for infectious diseases, hormonal abnormalities, and genetic disorders.

No, it is not necessary to have tried artificial insemination or intrauterine insemination before IVF

Yes, in cases of Male infertility Factor or want of male genetic material Sperm from a donor has to be used to fertilize eggs in IVF.

IVF Cycle costs roughly around Rs.1.5 Lakhs to Rs.2.00 per treatment cycle and another Rs.15000 approximately for the medications post this.

Pre-implantation genetic testing (PIGD Testing) is carried out to make sure the embryo transferred is genetically/chromosomally normal and freezing extra embryos can add to the cost.

Some hospitals use substandard medication. Cost of medications required for IVF can vary dramatically in different companies and has a drastic effect on success rates per cycle.

Finally, the technology available in KIC and the technical skills and training of embryologists are higher in KIC with a combined work experience of more than 200 years, contributing to higher costs.

It depends. Some insurance companies do cover IVF. Some insurance policies associated with company insurance have ‘mandates’ that require certain insurers to cover fertility treatment, even including IVF and specific information about cycles and coverage can be ascertained by speaking to the insurance company. Some insurers allow a few attempts while others provide an annual or lifetime maximum amount of money that can be used toward IVF.

The medications are mostly injected by a certified medical or para-medical professional and also can be doneby yourself, under the skin, and are not painful.

As the follicles grow and the ovaries enlarge, the situation can become uncomfortable and may cause mild bloating. The procedure to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries is done under local anesthesia and is not painful.

The basic principle for treatment is the same. Some women with endometriosis have endometrioma cysts in the ovary and care is takenby the medical professionals in KIC to avoid these cysts when a needle is used to aspirate the eggs from the ovarian follicles.

Medical knowhow does not determine any absolute requirement to wait between cycles if multiple cycles are required; they sometimes can be done ‘back to back. But at KIC we recommend a waiting period of at-least 30 days for repeat of procedure.

There is no proof to prove a definite link between IVF and anxiety and depression. However, these conditions may be more prevalent in the IVF population given the stress induced due to infertility.

Furthermore, if IVF is not successful, these symptoms can be aggravated.

New eggs cannot be retrieved in IVF after menopause from the female. However, if a person has previously frozen eggs or embryos these can be used to attempt pregnancy with IVF even after menopause.

People can also use an egg donor for IVF.

The uterine lining (endometrium) can be stimulated to thicken and get ready for pregnancy by providing estrogen and then progesterone for a specific amount of time prior to placing an embryo inside the uterus.

No, this has not been clearly established till now. It is known is that women who eventually have a child and those who breastfeed significantly lower their lifetime risk of breast cancer. Women with delayed pregnancy and infertility may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer, but this is not likely to be related to the IVF treatment itself.

There has been some concern that children born after IVF may be at higher risk of few very rare genetic conditions called ‘imprinting disorders.’ But instances of these occurrences are still extremely rare among IVF babies, just maybe slightly more common than the natural pregnancy cycle.

Also, IVF babies may be at a higher risk of being small and preterm; however, much of that may be attributable to ‘fresh’ embryo transfers as outcomes from ‘frozen’ embryo transfers appear more favourable and to the mental condition due to anxiety of female partner.

There is not much data on the success rate outcome of previously frozen eggs, however the outcomes from frozen donor eggs from women in their 20s has been excellent.

One estimate, based on experience with previously frozen eggs from women in their early 20s, would suggest there is approximately a 50% chance of having one baby and 30% of having two babies. Also, not all eggs survive the freezing and thawing process, so you might lose some when thawing them out. If the eggs are not successful, as described previously, the uterus could still implant and carry a pregnancy that is created by using a donated egg.

The work experience, success rates, knowledge of the medical professionals, infrastructure, support staff, logistical help and legal know how, also cleanliness and hygiene play a major role in success rates. The best way to determine is the word of mouth from its previous patients.