IVF is a complex procedure where eggs are collected from ovaries and fertilized by sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus, aiming for successful implantation and pregnancy. IVF is suitable for various infertility causes, including blocked fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility.
Stages of the IVF Process
1. Initial Evaluation and Planning
The process begins with a full medical assessment—physical examination, hormone tests, ultrasound, and a review of fertility history—to design a personalized stimulation and treatment plan.
2. Ovarian Stimulation
Patients take fertility medications to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Regular ultrasounds and blood tests track follicle growth and hormone levels. When follicles reach optimal maturity, a “trigger” injection ensures eggs are ready for retrieval.
3. Egg Retrieval and Sperm Collection
Under sedation, eggs are collected from the ovaries using a thin needle guided by transvaginal ultrasound. At the same time, sperm from a partner or donor is prepared for fertilization.
4. Fertilization and Embryo Development
Eggs and sperm are combined in the lab. Fertilization can be traditional—mixing eggs and sperm together—or by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to overcome male infertility issues. Healthy embryos are cultured for 3 to 5 days and assessed for quality.
5. Embryo Transfer
The best quality embryos are selected and transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter. This procedure is quick, painless, and does not require anesthesia. Extra embryos can be frozen for future use.
6. Pregnancy Test and Follow-Up
About 9–14 days after the transfer, a blood test checks for pregnancy. If implantation is successful, further monitoring and support are provided throughout early pregnancy.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for IVF?
IVF is indicated for:
- Women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Male infertility (low sperm count or motility)
- Unexplained infertility
- Ovulation disorders
- Women with endometriosis
- Couples wanting to use donor eggs, sperm, or surrogates
Success rates depend on age, egg/sperm quality, hormonal status, and general health.
Advances and Innovations in IVF
Modern IVF clinics use cutting-edge technologies, such as:
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A/PGT-M) to screen embryos for genetic diseases
- Blastocyst culture for higher pregnancy rates
- Time-lapse embryo imaging to select optimal embryos
- Egg and embryo freezing (vitrification) for fertility preservation
- Donor and surrogacy programs
Benefits and Risks of IVF
Benefits:
- High chance of pregnancy for various infertility cases
- Option to preserve fertility for medical or personal reasons
- Ability to screen for hereditary conditions
Risks:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (from fertility medications)
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets)
- Minor risks of infection or bleeding after egg retrieval
- Emotional and financial stress
Liv Hospital IVF Services
Liv Hospital’s IVF unit offers a complete spectrum of reproductive medicine:
- Individualized, evidence-based protocols for stimulation and embryo transfer
- Highly skilled fertility specialists and embryologists
- World-class laboratory facilities and genetic screening
- Comprehensive counseling and emotional support
- International patient services and multilingual staff for seamless experience
Families seeking expert fertility care choose Liv Hospital for its innovation, safety, and proven results. For more information, visit the Liv Hospital homepage or the IVF Clinic.