Most couples dream of starting a family but are often unable to due to infertility. They keep trying for years without any treatment, hoping to conceive but the result is rather disappointing. Infertility is a very common problem and can be treated with the advancement in technology but most often we consider this condition a taboo, making people hesitant to even talk about it. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in India is the topmost.

Today, we urge you to take a step further and learn about this condition; make yourself aware about the causes, symptoms and treatment. Who knows, your little advice to a friend could create a life!

Causes of Infertility

There are many causes of infertility among women. Some of them are listed below–

• Advancing age in females • Infectious diseases • Stress • Obesity • Drinking and smoking • Increased marital age • Heredity • Ovulation disorders • Fallopian tube injury • Thyroid • Uterine abnormalities • While a change in certain lifestyle habits can help you prevent this to a major extent. Certain causes need treatment. And that is a process called In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

So what is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in India?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a treatment used to treat fertility or genetic problems and assist one with the conception of a child. During this process, mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized embryo or eggs are implanted in the uterus.

The IVF procedure involves five major steps mentioned below:

IVF is the process of fertilization by manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring the embryo to the uterus.

Step 1: Stimulation of eggs through hormone therapy

The production of eggs is stimulated through a hormone therapy. Fertility drugs are given to the woman to boost the production of eggs. Normally, a woman produces one egg/month but the drugs enable the ovaries to produce several eggs which would help in the procedure further.

Step 2: Retrieving the eggs from the ovaries

The next step involves removing the eggs from the ovary. This is done through a minor surgery called ‘follicular aspiration’. This enables retrieving the eggs from the woman’s ovaries.

Step 3: Fertilization of the eggs and sperm

The male sperm is placed together with the best quality eggs. Eggs and sperm are then stored in an environmentally controlled chamber leading to fertilization. The sperm eventually enters (fertilizes) an egg within a few hours after insemination. However, if the doctor thinks the chances of fertilization is low, the sperm may be directly injected into the egg.

Step 4: Embryo culture

When the fertilized egg divides, it further develops into an embryo. The laboratory staff regularly check the embryo to make sure it matures properly. Within a matter of 3-5 days, a normal embryo matures, which has several cells that are actively dividing.

Step 5: Embryo transfer

Embryos are placed into the woman’s uterus 3 – 5 days after egg retrieval and fertilization. Infertility as a problem has been prevalent in our country for quite some time but people aren’t or choose not to be aware of it. This is wrong on many levels. Every individual should be aware of this condition and the ones who are suffering should get themselves tested.

We at Parents of Fertility are battling the problem of rising infertility. We not only help you in testing your fertility levels but also help you understand the IVF process by connecting you to specialized IVF centres across Delhi, India. The listed IVF Centres have the specialized consultants and the infrastructure needed to not only understand your condition but to also help you in the process of In Vitro Fertilization.