In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of assisted reproduction technology. It helps couples with fertility issues conceive and have a baby. 

In recent years, this technology has become rapidly popular. Especially in India, several IVF clinics have sprung up and numbers suggest that India conducts the second highest processes every year in the world. 

Infertility issues are the leading cause of people opting for IVF procedures. Some causes of infertility include damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, male factor infertility, and other unexplained forms of infertility. Sometimes, even fertile people opt for IVF – single women, same-sex couples or those carrying a genetic disease often go for IVF as an option to have a baby. 

IVF offers hope, solutions and the possibility of a happier future for couples looking to have a baby but are unable to conceive naturally. IVF is usually suggested after couples have tried to conceive naturally and had unprotected sex for over a year. 

This article will answer all your questions about IVF treatment, and equip you with the knowledge needed if you’re looking at IVF as an option. However, to assess your situation best, please consult a professional doctor, before taking any measures.

What is IVF?

In the IVF process, an egg is extracted from the woman's ovaries and combined with sperm, physically in a laboratory setting. Once fertilization occurs, it results in an embryo. This embryo is cultured in the laboratory for a few days before being transferred to the woman's uterus or frozen for later use.

What Should Every Couple Know About IVF? 

While the IVF procedure is gaining popularity, and giving fresh hope to many couples worldwide, it can also be a lengthy, expensive, physically taxing process. Here are some things every couple should know about IVF. 

1. Infertility is very common
   Opting for IVF shouldn’t be a matter of shame. Estimates suggest that 1 in 6 couples is likely to be infertile, and 1 in 50 babies are born with IVF procedures in today’s world. 

2. The IVF process doesn’t guarantee success
   Many couples go through multiple cycles. This often leads to an emotional rollercoaster of hope, waiting, and then disappointment. Couples opting for IVF treatments must be mentally prepared for the toll it may take. It is always recommended to surround yourself with a solid support system to get you through the process. 

3. Age matters
   The younger the woman is, the better it is for chances of successful IVF procedures. Female fertility decline typically initiates around the age of 35 and progresses rapidly throughout the 30s and 40s. Consequently, conception becomes considerably more challenging by the early 40s, with significantly diminished success rates by age 45. This decline is attributed to the diminishing quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries as a person grows older. 

4. You may experience multiple pregnancies with the IVF process
   To increase the chances of a pregnancy, often more than one embryo is placed in the mother’s womb, leading to increased chances of twins or triplets. The possibility of multiple births increases from 3% in natural conception to 33% with IVF treatment. 

5. Genetic screening may be an option for IVF babies 
   For women who’ve suffered repeated miscarriages or are older, the process of genetic screening may be beneficial. Doctors can determine chromosomal abnormalities through this process. 

6. Financial Drain 
   IVF Treatments can be quite expensive, leading to a financial drain. Financial planning is of utmost importance, to be able to not only plan the procedures well but also plan for the baby if the pregnancy is successful. A detailed section on the cost of IVF in India is included in this article. 

What is the Difference Between IVF and Test Tube Baby?

There is no difference between IVF and test tube babies. The latter was an informally used term and stemmed from the embryo being formed artificially outside of the body, rather than in eh fallopian tubes. The term “test-tube baby” was more popular in the older times, and its mentions date back to the 1880s. Both IVF processes and test tube baby refers to the same process of In vitro fertilization.

Steps of an IVF Process

While the steps involved in an IVF process may differ minorly depending on medicines, package opted for and personalised treatment, the broad approach involved the following steps:

1. Fertility medicines boost the number of fertile eggs 
   Fertility medications are given over a few weeks or months, to stimulate the ovaries into producing a substantial quantity of mature eggs which would be best for fertilization. This process is referred to as ovulation induction. Regular ultrasounds or blood tests may be conducted to monitor hormone levels and egg development.
2. Egg retrieval 
   The doctor extracts the mature eggs produced by the ovaries. 
3. Sperm is collected 
   Semen is collected from the partner or the donor by the doctor. Then sperm is separated from the seminal fluid in the laboratory. 
4. The eggs are fertilised
   Fertilization is the process where the expert combines the egg and the sperm in the laboratory. It takes place with the sperm and egg are stored together in a container, or sometimes, if the sperm have weak mobility, then they are injected directly into the egg. 
5. Embryo transfer 
   About three to five days after the embryos have formed, one or more embryos are placed in the woman’s uterus. The woman conceives if the egg(s) stick to the lining of the uterus. 

IVF Cost in India

The popularity of IVF treatments in India has soared in the last few years. According to reports, India conducts approximately 250,000–300,000 IVF treatments each year, ranking second globally after the US in terms of cycle numbers. 

The IVF sector in India was valued at $746 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $1,453 million by 2027. Currently, the success rate of IVF in India stands at 35–40%, which is showing a trend of steadily going upwards. 

But the IVF process has a hefty cost attached to it. Several factors, like the location of the clinic, the package, the specialist involved, the success rate of the experts and the medications required often play big roles in determining how much an IVF procedure will cost in India. 

Broadly, the IVF cost in India is INR 50,000 to INR 1,15,000. Depending upon tests, hormonal medicines required, further consultations, injections or freezing procedures needed, the costs of IVF treatments may go up to INR 2,50,000 too. 

There are also different treatment plans and processes, with Natural IVF, Modified Natural & Injection free IVF being the cheapest options. The increase in medicines, tests, and injections leads to costs shooting up.  

Choosing whether IVF treatment is the right option for you or not depends on a myriad range of factors, and is a wholly personal choice for the couple involved. It is important to take into consideration the physical, mental and emotional toll that the IVF process can take, and be prepared for the possibility of failure too. The success rate advertised by numerous fertility clinics may be misleading, as each person’s scenario is different, and would require individual attention and solutions. Do your research well, plan well and speak to experts before starting any IVF procedure. 

Please consult an expert who can guide you better about which procedure would be most suited for you, if you’re exploring IVF options for yourself. 

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