IVF is recommended for individuals or couples facing fertility challenges or specific medical conditions that affect natural conception. It may also be chosen when other fertility treatments have failed or when pregnancy is attempted later in reproductive life. IVF is also a suitable option for single individuals and same-sex couples who wish to become parents.
IVF may be advised if you or your partner have:
Endometriosis
Low sperm count or poor sperm quality
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
Uterine abnormalities
Ovarian disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Risk of passing on a genetic or hereditary disease
Need for an egg donor or gestational surrogate
An IVF cycle usually takes 4–6 weeks to complete. The process includes the following stages:
Before starting IVF, your doctor at Naarayani may prescribe estrogen or birth control pills. This helps regulate the menstrual cycle, prevent ovarian cysts, and allow better control over egg development, improving the number of mature eggs retrieved.
Normally, a woman produces one egg per cycle. IVF requires multiple eggs to increase the chances of forming healthy embryos. Injectable fertility hormones stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Regular blood tests and ultrasound scans monitor follicle growth and determine the ideal time for egg retrieval.
Transvaginal ultrasound scans are performed throughout stimulation to assess how the ovaries are responding to medication. If the response is inadequate, the cycle may be modified or postponed after discussion with your doctor.
Egg retrieval is performed approximately 36 hours after the trigger injection. Under mild anesthesia, eggs are collected from the ovaries using transvaginal ultrasound guidance. The procedure takes about 15–30 minutes, and patients can usually return home the same day. Mild abdominal discomfort or spotting may occur but typically resolves quickly.
A semen sample is usually collected on the day of egg retrieval. If required, frozen sperm samples can also be used. The eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory. If fertilization does not occur naturally, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may be performed.
Fertilization occurs in the laboratory through standard IVF or ICSI. The embryologist checks fertilization the next day and monitors embryo development. High-quality embryos may be frozen for future use if not all are transferred.
Embryo transfer is performed 2, 3, or 5 days after egg retrieval, depending on embryo development. A thin catheter is used to place the embryo into the uterus. The procedure is painless and takes only a few minutes. Medications are prescribed to support implantation.
A blood pregnancy test is done 14 days after embryo transfer. If positive, the pregnancy is considered approximately four weeks along.
IVF injections are a critical component of the treatment process. Hormones such as FSH and LH stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles. Once follicles reach the desired size, a trigger injection (hCG) is given to mature the eggs for retrieval.
After egg retrieval, progesterone injections or supplements prepare the uterine lining for embryo implantation, mimicking the body’s natural hormonal cycle. These injections significantly improve implantation success.
In some cases, ICSI is used to directly inject a single sperm into an egg, enhancing fertilization chances in male infertility cases.
At Naarayani, IVF injections are carefully timed and monitored to maximize success while minimizing side effects.
Like any medical treatment, IVF may carry certain risks, including:
Multiple pregnancies, which may increase the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight
Miscarriage
Ectopic pregnancy
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a rare condition causing fluid buildup
Minor risks such as infection, bleeding, or injury during procedures
Side effects from fertility medications, including bloating, mood changes, headaches, or abdominal discomfort
After IVF, patients are advised to:
Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting
Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and exposure to radiation (X-rays)
Consult your doctor before taking any additional medications
Maintain a healthy, stress-free lifestyle
IVF is a highly effective fertility treatment that offers hope to individuals and couples facing infertility. With expert care, advanced technology, and personalized treatment plans, Naarayani supports patients at every step of their IVF journey, helping turn the dream of parenthood into reality.