FAQ

The IVF process can be understood with the help of certain steps explained below.

• Ovarian stimulation: The fertility specialist monitors the timing of egg release. The doctor will make sure the hormonal level and other conditions for IVF are normal or not. The doctor watches over produced eggs are appropriate or not.
• Egg retrieval: In this step, eggs are taken out from the female’s ovary by using a needle under light sedation. Further, eggs are placed in a dish containing nutrient media and are shifted to the incubator.
• Fertilisation: This is the next step called fertilization where male sperm are taken and mixed with the most active sperm in a special chamber. Then, eggs and sperm are placed in an incubator and the process is monitored so that a healthy embryo can develop.
• Embryo Transfer: It is the last step in which the healthiest embryo is transferred. Initially, the doctor examines so that a healthy embryo can be selected. With the help of small plastic tubes, the embryo is transferred.

IVF involves two visits:

1. One day for checkup / pre-IVF preparation
2. 15 days for IVF procedure

IVF process is a series of procedures. The IVF process steps includes

1. Initial Consultation
   In your step by step IVF process, your first step should be meeting up with an IVF specialist. Once all the information has been discussed, the specialist will recommend the best way to proceed.
2. Testing and Ovary Stimulation
   The stimulation process will start on the first day of your cycle. Unlike normal, you will be given medications for 8-14 days to encourage the follicles in your ovaries to produce more eggs.
3. Egg retrieval
   This procedure takes about 20-30 minutes while you are asleep. Your specialist will use the latest ultrasound technology to guide a needle into each ovary. The average number of eggs collected is 8-15.
4. Sperm Retrieval
   Sperm retrieval is done on the same day as that of egg retrieval if you are a couple planning to use fresh sperm in an IVF treatment procedure. In case of frozen or donor eggs, the specialists will keep them ready in the lab.
5. Fertilization
   The scientists will now use powerful microscopes to find the eggs from the fluid so they can be taken out of it. Then both eggs and sperm are fertilized in a dish in vitro.
6. Embryo Development
   Fertilization of the egg and the sperm results into a zygote which further develops into an embryo. Then the embryo is placed in a special incubator.
7. Embryo Transfer
   Here, the scientist prepares the embryo by placing it in a catheter (small tube). Then, he will place the catheter through the cervix into your uterus.
8. Final Pregnancy Test
   Two weeks post your embryo transfer; your specialist will conduct a blood test to measure your hCG hormone level. When hCG is detected in your bloodstream, it is a positive sign of pregnancy.
   This is the complete step by step IVF process.

No, IVF is not at all painful because the injections used for IVF are purified and injected in subcutaneous form. The egg collection process is done under light sedation which is totally painless. At the time of embryo transfer, anesthesia is not given but it is a 2 to 5 minutes of process which hardly cause any pain.

The cost of procedure varies from the both indication of IVF and amount of drugs required. It’s also varies from centre to centre.