Book Appointment

IVF & ICSI

Where Every Woman’s Journey Begins with Care.

Sarvodaya Women's Hospital And Fertility (IVF) Centre

Call Us!

+91-9972074131

Understanding IVF & ICSI

 

(In Vitro Fertilization / Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, IVF or ICSI might be recommended. These are advanced fertility treatments that help eggs and sperm meet outside the body — and give you the best chance of having a baby.

Let’s break it down step by step.

What Is IVF?

 

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) means “fertilization in the lab.”

Eggs are taken from the woman’s ovaries.

Sperm is collected from the male partner or a donor.

The egg and sperm are combined in the lab to help them fertilize.

If fertilization is successful, the resulting embryo (baby seed) is placed into the uterus.

 What Is ICSI?

 

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a special part of IVF.

Instead of just mixing sperm with the egg, a single sperm is carefully injected into each egg using a tiny needle.

This is often used if sperm quality is low or if fertilization didn’t work with regular IVF.

Who Needs IVF/ICSI?

 

These treatments may help if

  • The fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged

  • There’s low sperm count or poor sperm movement

  • You’ve tried other treatments like IUI without success

  • There’s unexplained infertility

  • You’re using donor eggs, sperm, or embryos

  • You’re doing PGT (genetic testing) on embryos

IVF/ICSI Step-by-Step

  1. Ovarian Stimulation
  • You take daily hormone injections for 8–12 days to help your ovaries make multiple eggs.

  1. Egg Retrieval (Pick-Up)
  • When the eggs are ready, they’re collected using a thin needle under light sedation.

  • It takes about 15–20 minutes and is done in the clinic.

  1. Sperm Collection
  • A fresh semen sample is collected, or frozen sperm can be used.

  • In ICSI, one healthy sperm is injected into each mature egg.

  1. Fertilization & Embryo Growth
  • The lab checks to see how many eggs were fertilized.

  • The embryos are watched for 3–5 days as they grow.

  1. Embryo Transfer
  • One or more healthy embryos are gently placed into the uterus using a thin tube.

  • It’s quick and painless, like a Pap smear.

  1. Pregnancy Test
  • About 10–14 days later, a blood test checks if you’re pregnant. 🤞

Optional: Freezing & Genetic Testing

Extra embryos can be frozen for future use.

You may choose PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) to check for genetic problems before transfer.

 Success Rates


  • Success depends on age, egg quality, and other health factors.

  • On average:

    • Under 35: ~40–50% chance per cycle

    • 35–40: ~30–40%

    • Over 40: ~10–20%

Many couples need more than one cycle.

Is It Safe?


IVF/ICSI is generally very safe, but some possible side effects include:

  • Bloating, cramping, or mood swings from hormone meds

  • Rarely, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

  • Emotional stress — support is always available

Frequently asked questions

Infertility is typically defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (or 6 months if the woman is over 35). It can affect both men and women and may be due to a variety of medical or lifestyle factors.

You should consider seeing a fertility specialist if:

  • You're under 35 and haven't conceived after 12 months of trying.

  • You're over 35 and haven't conceived after 6 months.

  • You have irregular periods, known reproductive issues, or a history of miscarriage.

  • You or your partner have known medical conditions affecting fertility.

 

Common causes include:

  • Ovulation disorders (e.g., PCOS)

  • Fallopian tube blockage or damage

  • Endometriosis

  • Uterine abnormalities

  • Age-related decline in egg quality

  • Hormonal imbalances

Common causes include:

  • Low sperm count or poor sperm quality

  • Blockages in the reproductive tract

  • Hormonal imbalances

  • Genetic conditions

  • Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol use, obesity)

  • Past infections or injuries

Diagnosis often involves:

  • Detailed medical history and physical exam

  • Blood tests (to check hormone levels)

  • Ultrasounds (to examine reproductive organs)

  • Semen analysis (for male fertility)

  • Specialized tests such as HSG (to assess fallopian tube health)

Frequently asked questions

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

  • Lifestyle changes and medication

     

  • Ovulation induction

     

  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

     

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF)

     

  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

     

  • Surgery (to correct anatomical issues)

     

  • Donor eggs, sperm, or embryos

Yes. Female fertility declines significantly after age 35 due to a decrease in the quantity and quality of eggs. Male fertility also declines with age, but generally at a slower rate.

Yes. Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise can all positively impact fertility in both men and women.

Success rates vary depending on factors like age, cause of infertility, and type of treatment. For example, IVF success rates can range from 30% to over 60% per cycle depending on the patient’s age and health profile.

Yes. Most fertility treatments are safe when monitored by experienced specialists. Side effects are usually mild, but in some cases, there can be risks such as multiple pregnancies or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially with certain medications.

Sarvodaya Woman's Hospital
Sarvodaya Woman's Hospital
Sarvodaya Woman's Hospital

Premier women’s healthcare facility

    Contact Us

    For more information

    +91-9972074131

    Emergency toll free no

    +91-9972074131

    Get In Touch

    Location

    Near SDM Engg College, Opp Police Training School, Kalaghatagi Road, Giri Nagar, Dharwad - 580002

    Email

    sarvodayahospitaldwd@gmail.com

    Quick Link

    @2025 Sarvodaya Women’s Hospital And Fertility (IVF) Research Centre. Technical Partner : Sysnest Valley Technologies

    Follow Us On Social