FAQs

1. What is infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse (or six months for women over 35) or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term.

2. What causes infertility?

Infertility can be caused by various factors, including ovulation disorders, sperm disorders, fallopian tube blockage, endometriosis, age-related decline in fertility, hormonal imbalances, and genetic factors.

3. When should someone seek infertility treatment?

It’s recommended to seek evaluation and treatment for infertility if you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for one year without success, or if you’re over 35 and have been trying for six months without success.

4. What is the first step in infertility treatment?

The first step in infertility treatment is usually a comprehensive evaluation by a fertility specialist. This evaluation may include a medical history, physical examination, blood tests, semen analysis (for men), and imaging tests such as ultrasound or hysterosalpingography.

5. What is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)?

IVF is a fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus.

6. Who is a candidate for IVF?

IVF may be recommended for couples or individuals with infertility due to various factors, including blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility.

7. What are the steps involved in the IVF process?

The IVF process typically involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization of eggs with sperm in the laboratory, embryo culture, and embryo transfer into the uterus. Additional procedures such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may also be performed.

8. What is the success rate of IVF?

IVF success rates can vary depending on factors such as age, reproductive health, and the clinic’s expertise. On average, the success rate of IVF ranges from 40% for women under 35 to around 10-15% for women over 40.

9. Are there any risks associated with IVF?

Some potential risks of IVF include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, and emotional stress.

10. Are there alternative treatments for infertility besides IVF?

Yes, there are alternative treatments for infertility, including intrauterine insemination (IUI), fertility medications to stimulate ovulation, surgery to correct anatomical issues, and donor gametes (sperm or eggs) or surrogacy for severe cases of infertility.

11. How long does the IVF process take?

The IVF process typically takes about 4-6 weeks from the start of ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer. However, this timeline can vary depending on individual factors and treatment protocols.

12. Can IVF be emotionally challenging?

Yes, undergoing IVF treatment can be emotionally challenging due to the stress of the process, the uncertainty of outcomes, and the financial burden. Many clinics offer counseling and support services to help patients cope with the emotional aspects of infertility and IVF treatment.

13. What is the role of diet and lifestyle in fertility?

Diet and lifestyle factors can impact fertility for both men and women. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine, and managing stress can all contribute to improved fertility outcomes. It’s important to discuss any lifestyle changes with a healthcare provider.

14. Can IVF result in multiple pregnancies?

Yes, IVF treatment can increase the risk of multiple pregnancies, particularly if more than one embryo is transferred into the uterus. Multiple pregnancies carry higher risks for both the mother and babies, including preterm birth and complications.

15. Are there any age limits for IVF treatment?

While there are no strict age limits for IVF treatment, success rates decline with age, particularly for women over 40. Fertility specialists will assess each individual’s health and medical history to determine if IVF is a suitable option.

16. What is the cost of IVF?

The cost of IVF can vary widely depending on factors such as geographic location, clinic reputation, treatment protocols, and additional procedures such as ICSI or PGT. On average, IVF can cost 3 lakhs NRs to 10 Lakhs NRs per cycle, not including medications or additional services.

17. Can IVF be used for fertility preservation?

Yes, IVF can be used for fertility preservation in cases where individuals wish to preserve their fertility before undergoing treatments that may affect fertility, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Eggs or embryos can be frozen and stored for future use.

18. What happens to unused embryos after IVF treatment?

Unused embryos can be frozen and stored for future use, donated to other couples or for research purposes, or discarded according to the individual’s wishes and legal regulations.

19. Is IVF always successful?

While IVF can be highly effective for many couples, it is not always successful, and multiple cycles may be needed to achieve a pregnancy. Success rates can vary widely depending on individual factors, and there is no guarantee of success with IVF treatment.

20. What is IUI?

IUI, or Intrauterine Insemination, is a fertility treatment where prepared sperm is directly placed into a woman’s uterus, bypassing the cervix. This procedure enhances the chances of fertilization by bringing sperm closer to the fallopian tubes, often recommended for couples with mild male factor infertility, cervical issues, or unexplained infertility.