In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

What Is In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is an advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. Once fertilized, the embryo is cultured for a few days and then transferred to the woman’s uterus with the aim of achieving pregnancy.

IVF is a widely used and effective fertility treatment, especially for individuals or couples experiencing infertility or certain genetic concerns. It has helped millions of people become parents and continues to evolve with cutting-edge technology and personalized care.

Why Choose IVF?

IVF is recommended for people experiencing:

  • Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
  • Ovulation disorders or diminished ovarian reserve
  • Male factor infertility (low sperm count or motility)
  • Unexplained infertility
  • Endometriosis
  • Previous failed fertility treatments
  • Fertility preservation (egg/sperm freezing before cancer treatment)
  • Same-sex couples or single individuals wanting to conceive
  • Genetic disorders that may require embryo screening (PGT)

For many, IVF offers the best chance of conception using their own or donor reproductive cells.

Pre-Treatment Consultation

Before starting IVF, you will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including:

  • Hormone testing (AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol)
  • Ovarian reserve testing (ultrasound and/or antral follicle count)
  • Semen analysis (for male partners)
  • Infectious disease screening
  • Uterine cavity assessment (via hysteroscopy or saline sonogram)
  • Discussion of your medical history, fertility goals, and treatment options

You'll also meet with a fertility specialist to customize your protocol, discuss costs, logistics, and explore the use of donor eggs, sperm, or embryos if needed.

Before and After the Treatment

Before:

  • Hormonal medications are started to stimulate egg production (ovarian stimulation phase)
  • Monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds
  • Egg retrieval is performed under light sedation

After:

  • Embryos are cultured in the lab for 3–5 days
  • A high-quality embryo is selected and transferred into the uterus
  • Remaining viable embryos may be frozen (cryopreserved)
  • A pregnancy test is done about 10–14 days after the transfer
  • Light activity is recommended for a few days post-transfer
  • Some patients experience mild bloating, cramping, or mood swings from medications

A single IVF cycle typically takes 3–6 weeks from the start of medications to embryo transfer.

Who Can Benefit from IVF?

IVF may be the right choice for:

  • Couples under 40 who have not conceived after 12 months of trying
  • Women over 35 who have tried for 6 months without success
  • Women with low ovarian reserve or irregular ovulation
  • Men with low sperm quality
  • Individuals or couples using donor sperm or eggs
  • LGBTQ+ couples or individuals planning to start a family
  • Those undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
  • People with a history of multiple miscarriages or failed IUI cycles

How Is the IVF Treatment Performed?

A standard IVF cycle consists of these main stages:

  1. Ovarian Stimulation – Daily hormone injections (usually for 8–12 days) stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
  2. Egg Retrieval (OPU) – Eggs are collected using a needle guided by ultrasound while the patient is under sedation.
  3. Fertilization – Eggs are combined with sperm (partner’s or donor’s) in the lab. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used for male infertility.
  4. Embryo Culture – Fertilized embryos are grown in a high-tech lab for several days (usually to day 5 or blastocyst stage).
  5. Embryo Transfer – One or more embryos are transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter. No anesthesia is needed.
  6. Cryopreservation – Any high-quality remaining embryos can be frozen for future use.

Treatment Options for IVF

Depending on your fertility needs, IVF can be tailored with:

  • IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – For male factor infertility
  • IVF with Donor Eggs or Sperm
  • PGT-A / PGT-M – Preimplantation Genetic Testing for aneuploidy or monogenic disorders
  • Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) – For those using previously frozen embryos
  • Natural or Minimal Stimulation IVF – For women with low ovarian reserve
  • Fertility Preservation – Egg/sperm freezing for medical or personal reasons
  • Surrogacy (Gestational Carrier) – For women unable to carry a pregnancy