IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology where eggs are fertilised outside the body and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
Success Rate
40–60% per cycle (age-dependent)
Hospital Stay
Day procedure (no overnight stay)
Recovery
2 weeks per cycle; rest between cycles
Cost Range
₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000 per cycle
What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the most widely used assisted reproductive technology (ART). It involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilising them with sperm in a laboratory, and transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus.
Who Benefits from IVF?
IVF is recommended for:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Ovulation disorders (PCOS, premature ovarian insufficiency)
- Endometriosis affecting fertility
- Male factor infertility (low sperm count, poor motility)
- Unexplained infertility after 12+ months of trying
- Genetic screening — PGT-A to test embryos before transfer
- Fertility preservation — egg or embryo freezing before cancer treatment
The IVF Process
Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation (10–14 days)
Hormonal injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Monitoring via ultrasound and blood tests tracks follicle development.
Step 2: Egg Retrieval
A minor procedure under sedation; eggs are collected via a thin needle through the vaginal wall. Takes 20–30 minutes; patient goes home the same day.
Step 3: Fertilisation
Eggs are combined with prepared sperm (IVF) or each egg is individually injected (ICSI). Fertilised eggs develop into embryos over 3–5 days.
Step 4: Embryo Transfer
1–2 embryos are transferred into the uterus via a thin catheter. No anaesthesia required. Remaining viable embryos are cryopreserved (frozen) for future cycles.
Step 5: Pregnancy Test
A blood test 14 days after transfer confirms implantation.
Advanced Technologies
| Technology | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) | Screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities |
| Time-Lapse Embryo Monitoring (EmbryoScope) | Continuous embryo development without disturbance |
| Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) | Identifies the optimal window for embryo transfer |
| Laser-Assisted Hatching | Aids implantation of embryos with thick outer shell |
Costs in India
IVF in India is 70–80% less expensive than in Western countries, with comparable or superior success rates at leading centres.
| Package | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic IVF Cycle | ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,60,000 |
| IVF + ICSI | ₹1,60,000 – ₹2,20,000 |
| IVF + ICSI + PGT-A | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| Frozen Embryo Transfer | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 |
Costs typically include stimulation monitoring, egg retrieval, lab fees, and embryo transfer. Medications are usually additional.
FAQ
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) — Frequently Asked Questions
How many IVF cycles might I need?
Many patients achieve success in 1–3 cycles. Success rates depend heavily on the woman's age, egg quality, sperm quality, and the fertility centre's expertise. Cumulative success rates across 3 cycles can reach 60–70% for women under 35.
What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?
In standard IVF, eggs and sperm are combined in a dish for natural fertilisation. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) involves injecting a single sperm directly into each egg — recommended for male factor infertility or poor fertilisation in previous IVF cycles.
Does IVF increase the chance of twins?
Transferring a single embryo (SET) minimises twin risk. Elective single embryo transfer is now recommended for most patients. Twins occur in about 20% of IVF pregnancies if two embryos are transferred.
Is IVF covered by insurance in India?
Coverage varies widely. Some group health policies cover infertility investigations. IVF treatment itself is often not covered. Careforyou can help you identify centres offering EMI and instalment options.