In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the standard high-performance procedure in reproductive medicine when simpler methods are insufficient. This guide explains all the steps, approximate costs in India, success rates, risks and the latest trends—comprehensively and clearly.
Costs & Organisation of IVF in India
A single cycle of IVF typically costs between ₹1,50,000 and ₹2,50,000 in private clinics. Costs vary by city, clinic reputation and included services (medication, monitoring, lab fees).
Government & Insurance Support: There is no universal public funding for IVF. Some state health schemes (e.g. in Tamil Nadu or Delhi) may subsidise infertility treatment; a few corporate or personal health insurance plans cover part of the cost. Always confirm coverage before starting your cycle.
Step by Step: How IVF Works
- Ovarian Stimulation: 8–12 days of injectable gonadotrophins, with regular ultrasound scans and blood tests.
- Ovulation Trigger: hCG or GnRH-agonist injection 34–36 hours before egg retrieval.
- Egg Retrieval: A brief outpatient procedure under sedation, usually lasting 15–20 minutes.
- Sperm Preparation: Laboratory processing to select and concentrate motile sperm.
- Fertilisation: Conventional IVF or ICSI if sperm quality is poor or previous fertilisation failed.
- Embryo Culture: Incubation in a time-lapse incubator up to Day 3 (8-cell) or Day 5 (blastocyst).
- Embryo Transfer: Often a single embryo transfer (SET) to minimise the risk of multiple pregnancy.
- Luteal Support: Vaginal or oral progesterone support until around 10 weeks’ gestation.
- Pregnancy Test: Serum β-hCG test 12–14 days after transfer; confirmation scan after another 7–10 days.
- Freeze-All & Cryo-Transfer (optional): All embryos may be frozen if ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risk or thin endometrium; transfer is scheduled in a later hormone-prepared cycle.
Success Rates of IVF in India
Success rates vary by patient age, cause of infertility and laboratory quality. Typical clinical pregnancy rates per fresh cycle are:
- < 35 years: 40–45%
- 35–37 years: 30–35%
- 38–40 years: 20–25%
- 41–42 years: 10–15%
- > 42 years: < 5%
Cumulative live-birth rates (including frozen embryo transfers) for women under 35 can exceed 60%.
Who May Not Be Suitable?
- Very low ovarian reserve (e.g. AMH < 0.5 ng/ml) and age over 45.
- Uncontrolled health conditions (e.g. poorly controlled diabetes, thyroid disorders).
- Severe bleeding or clotting disorders without specialist clearance.
In such situations, pre-IVF optimisation (medical, surgical or lifestyle) is usually recommended.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Maintain healthy BMI, stop smoking, limit alcohol intake and take daily folic acid and vitamin D.
- Regular moderate exercise and stress management (yoga, mindfulness, counselling).
- Male partners: 90-day lifestyle changes can improve sperm quality and DNA integrity.
- Consider supplements such as CoQ10 or DHEA for low responders—only under doctor’s advice.
Latest Advances & Trends
- AI-Enhanced Embryo Selection: Uses morphokinetic data to rank embryos.
- Time-Lapse Incubators: Continuous, non-invasive monitoring of embryo development.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A/PGT-M): Reduces miscarriage risk in high-risk couples.
- Natural-Cycle IVF (“Gentle IVF”): Minimal or no stimulation—fewer side-effects.
- Social Egg Freezing: Freezing eggs ideally before age 35 to preserve fertility potential.
Risks & Side Effects
- OHSS: Managed by antagonist protocols and freeze-all approach.
- Multiple Pregnancy: Lowered by single embryo transfer.
- Long-Term: Slightly increased risks of pre-eclampsia and preterm birth.
- Psychological: Treatment can be stressful—seek counselling and support groups.
- Financial: Out-of-pocket expenses for medications, genetic testing and extra cryo-cycles.
Legal & Regulatory Aspects in India
- ICMR Guidelines: All ART clinics and gamete banks must comply with the ICMR’s “National Guidelines for Accreditation, Supervision & Regulation of ART Clinics & Banks” (2017).
- ART Regulation Act 2021: The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 established a national registry and oversight authority—implementation is underway.
- Surrogacy Act 2018: Commercial surrogacy is banned; only altruistic surrogacy is permitted under strict conditions.
- Embryo Research: Research and storage of human embryos is limited to 14 days under ICMR approval.
Fertilisation Methods at a Glance
- ICI / IVI – Home Insemination
Sperm placed near the cervix using a syringe or cup. Suitable for mild fertility issues or donor sperm; lowest cost and private. - IUI – Intrauterine Insemination
Prepared sperm introduced into the uterus via catheter. Suited for moderate male-factor infertility; moderate cost. - IVF – In Vitro Fertilisation
Eggs and sperm combined in a lab. Standard for tubal block, endometriosis or failed IUI; higher success rates at higher cost. - ICSI – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
A single sperm injected into an egg. Used in severe male-factor cases; greatest precision and cost.
Scientific Sources & Guidelines
Conclusion: IVF – Advanced Option with Realistic Chances
Thanks to modern laboratory techniques, personalised stimulation protocols and AI-assisted embryo selection, In Vitro Fertilisation now achieves clinical pregnancy rates up to 45% per cycle in younger patients and cumulative live-birth rates over 60%. Transparent discussion of costs, risks and emotional aspects—combined with professional and psychosocial support—lays the groundwork for a successful journey to parenthood in India.