IVF Treatment Service in Delhi

Indications for IVF

IVF may be recommended for:

• Tubal Factor Infertility: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
• Male Factor Infertility: Low sperm count or motility.
• Ovulatory Disorders: Such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus.
• Unexplained Infertility: When no specific cause of infertility is identified.
• Genetic Disorders: If one or both partners have a genetic disorder.
• Fertility Preservation: For cancer patients undergoing treatment or women at risk of premature ovarian failure.

Steps of the IVF Process

1. Ovarian Stimulation
   • Medications: Fertility drugs (e.g., gonadotropins, clomiphene citrate) are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
   • Monitoring: Regular blood tests and ultrasounds monitor ovarian response and egg development.
2. Egg Retrieval
   • Trigger Shot: An injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or another medication is given to mature the eggs.
   • Procedure: Approximately 34-36 hours after the trigger shot, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries using a thin needle guided by ultrasound through the vaginal wall. This is done under sedation or anesthesia.
3. Sperm Collection and Preparation
   • Sperm Sample: A sperm sample is collected from the male partner or a sperm donor.
   • Preparation: The sperm are washed and concentrated to select the best quality sperm.
4. Fertilization
   • Conventional IVF: Eggs and sperm are mixed together in a lab dish to allow natural fertilization.
   • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg. This method is often used for severe male infertility or previous IVF failures.
5. Embryo Culture
   • Incubation: Fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured in a controlled environment for 3-5 days.
   • Monitoring: Embryos are monitored for development and quality.
6. Embryo Transfer
   • Selection: The best quality embryos are selected for transfer.
   • Procedure: A thin catheter is used to place the embryos into the uterus. This is usually done without anesthesia.
   • Number of Embryos: Typically, one or two embryos are transferred to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.
7. Luteal Phase Support
   • Medications: Progesterone supplements are given to support the uterine lining and implantation.
8. Pregnancy Test
   • Testing: About 10-14 days after embryo transfer, a blood test is done to check for pregnancy.

Additional Considerations

1. Cryopreservation: Extra embryos of good quality can be frozen for future use.
2. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Testing embryos for genetic abnormalities before transfer to prevent genetic disorders.
3. Assisted Hatching: A lab technique that may improve implantation by making a small hole in the embryo’s outer layer.

Success Rates

• Factors: Success rates depend on factors such as age, the cause of infertility, and specific clinic practices.
• Average Rates: For women under 35, the success rate is around 40-50% per cycle. Rates decrease with age.

Risks and Considerations

• Multiple Pregnancies: Higher risk if multiple embryos are transferred.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): A potential risk from fertility medications.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: A rare complication where the embryo implants outside the uterus.
• Emotional and Financial Stress: IVF can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding.

Summary

IVF is a multi-step procedure involving ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer. It is a widely used fertility treatment with varying success rates depending on individual circumstances. IVF can also include advanced techniques such as ICSI, PGT, and cryopreservation to enhance outcomes.