ART, or Assisted Reproductive Technology, is used to help couples get pregnant and enjoy parenthood. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are some of the common ART procedures that allow couples to achieve pregnancy.

With the advancement in IVF technology, the procedure has become quite painless compared to previous decades. You may experience some discomfort while taking hormone injections or during egg retrieval or embryo transfer, but the pain may not be intense.

No. IVF procedure does not pose any danger from the process in the short or long term.

Till now more than 80lac Babies are born through IVF worldwide and are as normal and healthy as babies born naturally. Before starting the IVF process, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be recommended in some patients to evaluate various genetic problems that could lead to implantation failure, miscarriage, or birth defects.

Intra-uterine insemination, or IUI, is a non-invasive ART procedure, sometimes also referred to as artificial insemination. The process is comparatively simpler and less expensive than treatments like IVF and ICSI. It involves the sperm being directly introduced into the uterus with the help of a small catheter. IUI procedure is usually recommended in couples with good ovarian or semen parameters,and at least one patent fallopian tube but who have trouble conceiving through natural means.

Yes. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women that causes irregular periods or the presence of the excess male hormone in the body, which affects ovulation, making it difficult for women to conceive.

A doctor will recommend IVF treatment if there is a compromise in the couple’s reproductive health, such as blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, advanced maternal age in the wife, or male factor infertility like low sperm count/motility, erectile dysfunction in the husband. 

The common causes of male infertility include:

1. Sperm disorders such as low count, abnormal shape, or poor swimmers.
2. Reproductive system disorders that block the flow of semen, such as a swollen vein, infection, or any genetic/birth defect.
3. Chronic diseases like cancer
4. Lifestyle factors such as alcoholism, smoking, and obesity.

Worldwide, around 60-80 million couples suffer from infertility concerns, which are more common in women. Factors that contribute to female infertility include:

1. Age
2. Fallopian tube blockage
3. Hormonal issues such as PCOS, thyroid
4. Endometriosis
5. Uterine Fibroids
6. Unhealthy lifestyles such as obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption
7. Auto-immune disorders such as lupus

Yes.The reproductive status of a woman is greatly influenced by her age. The chances of conceiving naturally decrease as women age. After puberty, till the stage of menopause, the ovaries produce eggs ready to fertilize and help women conceive. But after 30, a woman’s fertility starts to decline as the number of eggs produced by the ovaries decreases. The risk of complications also increases.

There are some risks involved in the IVF process; however, the chances of serious complications are low with advanced medical care. Some risks include:

• Multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets)
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) (Painful swelling of ovaries)
• Miscarriage (risk increases with increasing age)
• Premature delivery and low birth weight
• Ectopic pregnancy (Embryo gets implanted outside the uterus)

IVF procedures typically take 18 to 20 days from the beginning of your period to completion; however, they may even take longer than three months if the first IVF attempt is unsuccessful.

A positive pregnancy test will confirm the success of an IVF procedure.

The success rate of an IVF procedure varies from case to case. Usually, it depends upon the quality of egg and sperm used, which determines the embryo development quality. Another factor that determines the success rate is the age and health of a woman and the endometrial thickness during the time of embryo transfer. The results also depend upon the standard of IVF center and treating Doctor.

When a definite reason can not be determined to explain a couple’s infertility concern, the condition is considered unexplained infertility. A more thorough search is required to rule out the actual cause of infertility. It can be due to:

1. Presence of any antibody
2. Genetic issue
3. Pelvic infection
4. Failure of sperm to fertilize the egg
5. Unable to get embryo implanted into the uterus

As a woman ages, the ability of the ovaries to produce eggs decreases. The egg donor option is recommended in women with premature ovarian failure, those above 40 years of age, and women who have prematurely attained menopause. Also, women who previously had ovarian surgery, have genetic concerns, or suffer from severe endometriosis are eligible to opt for egg donor treatment as an option.

The method by which the sperm fertilizes the egg distinguishes IVF from ICSI. During the IVF process, the egg and sperm (around 50Thousand) are left in a petri dish to fertilize on their own, while in the ICSI procedure, healthy sperm is directly induced into the egg to fertilize.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure is recommended in couples with severe male factor infertility. ICSI procedure includes sperm being directly introduced into the eggs for fertilization.