Invitro Fertilisation
Invitro Fertilisation (IVF)
Indications for IVF
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Multiple failed cycles of IUI
- Moderate to severe endometriosis
- Abnormal sperm count or motility
- Post vasectomy
- Unexplained infertility
- Poor ovarian reserve
- Advanced female age
Steps Involved In IVF
Step 1
This is the stimulation phase, which begins on Day 1 or Day 2 of menstrual cycle. In a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries (egg bags) produce only one egg per month. But during IVF cycle, we aim to get more egg in order to enhance the chances of pregnancy. During this stimulation phase we give gonadotrophin (FSH and LH) injection for follicular growth (egg development) via subcutaneous injections. These injections need to be given for 8- 10 days depending on the patient’s response.
Step 2
This is the monitoring phase during which we observe how follicles are developing via ultrasounds and blood tests. Based on these tests, the dose of injections if decided. We plan the trigger injection for final maturation of the egg once 3 or more follicles have reached 18mm size. The egg collection is then planned 36 hours following the trigger as we plan to collect the eggs before ovulation happens.
Step 3
Egg retrieval or ovum pick up is a procedure where the eggs are collected from the ovaries. It is done under light general anesthesia in OT. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes for the procedure. The patient is discharged on the same day, about 4-6 hours after the procedure. It is done transvaginally, under ultrasound guidance, wherein the fluid from all the developing follicles in the ovary is aspirated and handed over to the embryologist to find the eggs.
Step 4
On the day of egg collection, the husband is asked to produce the semen sample in a container supplied by the lab. If the husband cannot be present at the scheduled time or has a difficulty in producing the sample, we collect the semen sample in advance and the semen is frozen for use during the IVF treatment. The semen sample is processed to obtain highly motile sperm, which can then be used to inseminate the eggs.
Step 5
Fertilization About 3- 6 hours following egg collection, a measured volume of sperm is added to the dish containing the eggs. The dish is placed inside the incubator to maintain the temperature and Ph for ideal conditions for culture of the embryos. The embryos are checked the next day for evidence of fertilization. s
Step 6
Embryo development The embryologist monitors the development of the embryos over a period of 2-5 days and keeps the couple updated about the fertilization, embryo development and quality of the embryos.
Step 7
Embryo transfer Embryo transfer is done any day between 2nd day and 5th day, following egg retrieval. It is a simple procedure, does not require sedation and is done under aseptic conditions. The embryos are gently placed into uterine cavity via a fine catheter. The patient is allowed to go home the same day. At our center, we give progesterone supplementation in order to enhance the chances of implantation.
Step 8
Blood test Following two weeks of embryo transfer, we will do a blood test to check the HCG hormone levels i.e. evidence of pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about IVF treatment and advanced fertility care at Southern Gem Hospital in Hyderabad.
What is IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is an advanced fertility treatment where eggs are stimulated to grow in the ovaries using hormone injections, retrieved under anaesthesia, fertilised with sperm in a Class 100 Embryology Lab, and the resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy. Southern Gem Hospital, Hyderabad offers IVF with a 70% success rate.
Who needs IVF treatment?
IVF is indicated for blocked fallopian tubes, multiple failed cycles of IUI, moderate to severe endometriosis, abnormal sperm count or motility, post vasectomy, unexplained infertility, poor ovarian reserve, and advanced female age.
What are the steps involved in IVF treatment?
Step 1 – Stimulation: Gonadotrophin injections (FSH and LH) are given for 8-10 days starting Day 1 or 2 of the menstrual cycle to develop multiple eggs.
Step 2 – Monitoring: Follicle growth is monitored through ultrasounds and blood tests. A trigger injection is given once 3 or more follicles reach 18mm in size.
Step 3 – Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected transvaginally under light general anaesthesia in approximately 15-20 minutes. The patient is discharged the same day.
Step 4 – Semen Collection: The husband provides a semen sample, which is processed to obtain highly motile sperm.
Step 5 – Fertilisation: Sperm is added to the eggs in the laboratory 3-6 hours after egg collection. The embryos are checked the next day for fertilisation.
Step 6 – Embryo Development: The embryologist monitors embryo development over 2-5 days.
Step 7 – Embryo Transfer: Embryos are placed into the uterus through a fine catheter on Day 2-5. No sedation is needed, and the patient can go home the same day.
Step 8 – Pregnancy Test: A blood test for HCG levels is performed two weeks after embryo transfer to confirm pregnancy.
Is the egg retrieval procedure painful in IVF?
No. Egg retrieval (Ovum Pick Up) is done under light general anaesthesia in the operation theatre. The procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes and is performed transvaginally under ultrasound guidance. The patient is discharged the same day, approximately 4-6 hours after the procedure.
Is the embryo transfer procedure painful in IVF?
No. Embryo transfer is a simple procedure that does not require sedation. It is performed under aseptic conditions, where the embryos are gently placed into the uterine cavity through a fine catheter. The patient can go home the same day. Progesterone supplementation is given to enhance the chances of implantation.
How long does the complete IVF process take?
The IVF process starts on Day 1 or 2 of the menstrual cycle. Stimulation injections are given for 8-10 days. After egg retrieval, embryos are developed for 2-5 days. Embryo transfer is performed on Day 2-5 after egg retrieval. A blood test to confirm pregnancy is done two weeks after embryo transfer. The complete IVF cycle typically takes 4-6 weeks.
What is the IVF success rate at Southern Gem Hospital Hyderabad?
Southern Gem Hospital, Hyderabad has a 70% IVF success rate, supported by a Class 100 Embryology Lab where eggs are fertilised and embryos are cultured in ideal conditions. The embryos are transferred on Day 3 or Day 5 as a blastocyst. For appointments, call +91 40 6658 5555 or +91 80964 14440.