IVF FAQ

Your doctor will explain the best time to start the treatment after the initial consultation, examination and blood tests. Your clinician may start your treatment on the 2nd or 3rd day of your period.

A couple can try as many times as they want, as long as they can handle the costs.

IVF (In vitro fertilization) is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks. Some potential risks of IVF include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, and the potential for birth defects. However, with proper medical supervision and care, the risks associated with IVF can be minimized. It is important for individuals considering IVF to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.

Every patient is different; therefore the process will differ from patient to patient. However, when it comes to IVF injections, they are thin and easy and does not require an intervenes. They can also be administered under anaesthesia if required. The egg collection process is done under light sedation which is also not painful. At the time of embryo transfer, anaesthesia is not given but it is a 2 to 5 minutes process that hardly causes any pain.

May involve 2-3 visits:

• One day for check-up / Pre-IVF preparation
• 15 days for IVF procedure (Second Visit)
• Embryo transfer (Required only in some cases)

The procedure is not painful as it is done under light sedation, but may cause mild discomfort. At our clinic, we use mild anesthesia administered through an IV route which relieves discomfort.

Success rates strongly depend on the age of the patient, their condition, medical history and the treatment used. Orchid IVF has a record success rate which ranges between 70- 74%. However by leveraging advanced technology and standardising the procedures, we are constantly working towards improving the IVF success rates.

The IVF procedure can be prescribed in cases where the other fertility treatments have failed, or if the chances of a successful pregnancy are higher with this method than with any other treatment. If there are no contraindications, the procedure can be carried out simply at the request of the couple by considering that precise time as the right time for IVF.

In this process the female egg is taken out under anaesthesia and fertilized with the husband’s sperm in the lab. The embryo formed after 3-5 days is transferred back in the uterus.

Resting 15-20 minutes after the transfer is usually sufficient. We suggest not doing heavy exercise and walking for long distances during this time period. Women who work at an office can work the next day to resume daily activities.

IVF is planned for the second time only after a thorough diagnosis and analysis of possible causes of failure. On an average, a woman is given 3 months for rehabilitation as IVF cycles gap. During this time, the reproductive system is restored and prepares to receive a new fertilized egg. If after the first IVF, there was a frozen pregnancy, then in this case the rest period lasts about 6 months. In such a situation, there is always chronic endometritis, which needs careful treatment before planning a new pregnancy.
For the second attempt to be successful, sometimes it is enough to make some adjustments to the previous IVF protocol by adding a proper IVF cycles gap. In some cases, a long stimulation cycle is replaced with a short one, or one hormonal preparation is changed for another, while in some others, the dosage is changed.
If no specific complications were identified, and the first IVF attempt was carried out in a natural cycle, that is, hormonal stimulation was not used, then the artificial insemination procedure can be carried out after 2 weeks. This means that in the next menstrual cycle, doctors begin to monitor the dominant follicle and, when favourable conditions are reached, they perform a puncture and egg collection.

Yes, walking and light aerobic exercises are okay but avoid lifting heavy weight and any strenuous exercise.

Bed rest is not required after embryo transfer; avoid lifting heavy weight and any strenuous exercise.
▪ Take healthy diet inclusive of antioxidants and avoid outside food.
▪ Avoid using public washrooms and maintain proper hydration to avoid urinary tract infection.
▪ Avoid any stress and negative thoughts.
▪ Take medications prescribed after embryo transfer properly.

Even though, embryo is formed artificially in an IVF pregnancy, there is no difference from what happens in the natural cycle. The uterus accepts the embryo in the same way it accepts the naturally fertilised eggs.
It is important to understand that nature has a foolproof plan in everything including the reproductive system where the embryo attaches to the uterine lining very firmly regardless of whether it attaches naturally or artificially. The movements or walk around or even gravity, does not cause the embryo to detach and fall off.
Also, it is a total myth that bed rest after embryo transfer increases success rate of IVF. In fact, research has shown that patients who do complete bed rest after embryo transfer have less success in IVF as compared to patients who continue to do their routine activities. Main reason behind this is that patients who keep themselves engaged in some activities have less stress levels which help in increasing their IVF success. Therefore, the advice of bed rest after embryo transfer is over exaggerated or unrealistic.

The cost of IVF in India or anywhere across the globe is initially dependent on the infertility workup and the medical condition of the patient. Hence it varies from person to person & normally ranges between INR 1,00,000 to 1,50,000 approximate per cycle.

This method requires highly qualified personnel, World class laboratory and the latest technology in equipment. The equipment and materials used in an IVF lab are all imported and expensive. In addition, most of the materials used are disposable and in single use format.

We provide the most affordable pricing plans with no hidden charges. The all-inclusive package includes almost everything except for the additional medicines post transfer whose cost ranges between INR 15,000-20,000.

The cost of different services is different depending on the condition of the patient plus the times the service is being taken. These include- Laser Assisted Hatching- INR 10,000- 15,000 Blastocyst Culture- INR 10,000- 15,000 Hysteroscopy- INR 15000-20,000 Laparoscopy- INR 30,000- 40,000 Pre-implantation Genetic testing- INR 10,000-20,000/ embryo Freezing charges- INR 7,500/ embryo/ year PRP- INR 5000 TESA/PESA- INR 15,000 IVF- ICSI- INR 1,00,000- 1,50,000 (Depending on the condition)

An infertility test costs around INR 6000 including INR 5000 for investigation plus INR 1000 for registration.

The cost of IUI Program at Orchid IVF is INR 5000 for a single IUI cycle.

IVF process is a series of procedures. It includes-
1. Initial Consultation
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.

Intrauterine insemination or IUI is one of the common techniques of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). It allows putting sperm directly into the female’s uterus. In this process, the processed (washed) sperms are used. However, usage of this technique results in escalating the possibilities of conception.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a conventional IVF procedure where fertilization of the egg is achieved through a different approach. Generally, fertilization occurs when a sperm attaches itself to the egg and penetrates through the outer layer. For some reason, the sperm may fail to penetrate the egg. In such a condition, ICSI can be done along with IVF to achieve pregnancy. During ICSI, a single sperm is picked and is injected directly into the egg.
ICSI is performed by an experienced embryologist using specialized instruments. Though ICSI is a precise procedure but for fertilization to occur, required cellular events need to take place.

Low sperm count is also known as Oligospermia. One may undergo ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) where a single sperm is injected into a matured egg. Adapting this treatment helps to elevate the chances of conceiving. Besides this, ICSI is useful especially in cases of male infertility, low sperm motility and poor sperm morphology.

There are procedures like TESA/ TESE for men who do not have sperms in their semen. These include collecting tissue samples directly from the testes in different ways depending on the condition. If sperm is found in these tissue samples, then ICSI can be used to inseminate the eggs.

The time duration of this procedure completely depends upon the number of follicles that are required to be aspirated. Normally, it takes about 5-10 minutes.

Cryopreservation procedure allows freezing of the eggs, sperms, or embryos for future use. Generally, in IVF, three types of cryopreservation techniques are followed.
1. Oocyte cryopreservation or Egg Freezing-
Oocyte cryopreservation allows you to use frozen eggs at any desired time later in the future. When you feel ready for pregnancy, you can use these preserved eggs to ensure a healthier pregnancy. This reduces your concerns about chromosomal abnormalities, which otherwise increase with age, especially when you are 35 or older. Frozen oocytes can be thawed and then combined with sperms in the clinical lab.
2. Sperm Cryopreservation-
It is a process of storing sperms for future use. It helps men to preserve their fertility who are about to have a treatment that can cause infertility such as cancer therapy, prostate or testicular surgery. You can also opt for sperm freezing if you are under the risk of exposure to chemicals or radiation. This procedure is also used in sperm banking.
3. Embryo Cryopreservation-
In IVF, embryo cryopreservation is an excellent option for preserving fertility for future use. Many times the extra embryos from an IVF cycle are kept frozen for future use. Embryo cryopreservation provides you another chance to get pregnant if IVF fails for the first time. You will not have to go through the whole IVF procedure again.