What is In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?
The Complete 2026 Guide

Answer: IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is an assisted reproductive technology where fertilization occurs outside the body. The process involves:

1. Ovarian stimulation with hormones to produce multiple eggs
2. Egg retrieval through a minor surgical procedure
3. Fertilization of eggs with sperm in a laboratory
4. Embryo culture for 3-5 days
5. Transfer of 1-2 best embryos into the uterus
6. Pregnancy test approximately 2 weeks later

The term "in vitro" means "in glass," referring to the laboratory dish where fertilization occurs.

Answer: Most patients experience only mild discomfort during IVF:

• Injections: Daily hormone injections use fine needles similar to insulin shots
• Egg Retrieval: Performed under sedation or mild anesthesia - you won't feel pain during the procedure
• Embryo Transfer: Typically painless, similar to a pap smear
• Post-procedure: Mild cramping can be managed with medication

Answer: IVF success rates vary by age and individual factors:

• Under 35: 50-65% live birth rate per cycle
• 35-37: 40-50% live birth rate per cycle
• 38-40: 30-40% live birth rate per cycle
• Over 40: 15-25% with own eggs, 50-70% with donor eggs

Cumulative success rates after multiple cycles are higher:

• After 3 cycles: 75-85% for women under 35
• After 3 cycles: 65-75% for women 35-40

Answer: The number of embryos transferred depends on several factors:

• Age: Younger women typically receive 1 embryo, older women may receive 2
• Embryo Quality: Higher quality embryos have better implantation rates
• Previous IVF Attempts: More embryos may be transferred after multiple failures
• Medical Guidelines: Following ASRM and ICMR guidelines

Typical recommendations:

• Under 35: 1 embryo (or 2 if quality is fair)
• 35-40: 1-2 embryos
• Over 40: 2 embryos

Answer: The ideal age for IVF using a woman's own eggs is before 35 years, as egg quality and quantity naturally decline with age.

Age-based considerations:

• Under 35: Optimal success rates, highest egg quality
• 35-37: Good success rates, some decline in egg quality
• 38-40: Moderate success rates, significant decline in egg quality
• 40+: Lower success with own eggs, donor eggs recommended

When to consider IVF by age:

• Under 35: After 12+ months of trying naturally
• 35+: After 6 months of trying naturally
• 40+: Consider immediate fertility evaluation

Answer: Yes, babies conceived through IVF are generally as healthy as naturally conceived babies.

Research findings:

• Long-term health: Studies show similar health outcomes into adulthood
• Birth defects: Slightly increased risk (1-2% higher) compared to natural conception
• Multiple births: Higher with IVF, which carries additional risks
• Genetic disorders: PGT testing can reduce risk for known genetic conditions

Factors ensuring healthy IVF babies:

• Comprehensive pre-IVF genetic screening
• PGT testing for chromosomal abnormalities
• Optimal embryo selection
• Single embryo transfer to avoid multiples
• Regular prenatal care

Answer: ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a specialized IVF technique where a single sperm is directly injected into each egg.

When ICSI is recommended:

• Severe male infertility: Low sperm count (<5 million/mL)
• Poor sperm motility: <40% progressive motility
• Abnormal sperm morphology: <4% normal forms
• Previous fertilization failure: With conventional IVF
• Surgical sperm retrieval: From testicles or epididymis
• Frozen sperm samples: With limited quantity/quality

ICSI success rates: Similar to standard IVF, often higher for male factor infertility cases.

Answer: No, sex selection for non-medical reasons is illegal in India.

Legal exceptions:

• Medical necessity: To prevent sex-linked genetic disorders (e.g., hemophilia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy)
• Family balancing: Not permitted in India
• Social reasons: Strictly prohibited

How gender is determined in IVF:

• PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) can identify embryo gender
• Used only for medical indications with proper documentation
• Requires ethics committee approval
• Strict regulatory oversight by ICMR

Answer: Lifestyle optimization can significantly improve IVF success rates:

Do's:

• ✔ Maintain healthy BMI: 18.5-24.9
• ✔ Eat antioxidant-rich foods: Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins
• ✔ Take supplements: Folic acid, CoQ10, vitamin D
• ✔ Exercise moderately: Walking, yoga, swimming
• ✔ Manage stress: Meditation, counseling, support groups
• ✔ Sleep well: 7-9 hours per night

Don'ts:

• ✖ Smoke or vape: Stop 3-6 months before IVF
• ✖ Drink alcohol: Eliminate during treatment
• ✖ Use recreational drugs: Can harm egg/sperm quality
• ✖ Over-exercise: Avoid intense workouts during stimulation
• ✖ Take hot baths/saunas: High temperatures harm sperm/embryos
• ✖ Make drastic diet changes: Maintain balanced nutrition

Answer: If the first IVF cycle fails, consider these options:

• Review cycle analysis: Identify potential issues with egg quality, sperm, or implantation
• Additional testing: ERA test for endometrial receptivity, immune testing
• Change protocol: Different medication regimen
• PGT testing: If not done initially
• Donor options: Consider donor eggs or sperm if indicated
• Surrogacy: If uterine factors are suspected
• Second opinion: Consult another fertility specialist

Success rates after multiple cycles:

• After 2 cycles: 65-75% cumulative success for women under 35
• After 3 cycles: 75-85% cumulative success for women under 35
• After 3 cycles: 65-75% cumulative success for women 35-40