How IVF Works: A Beginner’s Guide to Fertility Treatment in Karaikudi
Introduction:
For many couples, starting a family can be challenging. When natural conception doesn’t work, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) offers a proven and reliable solution. IVF has helped millions of families worldwide and it’s now more accessible than ever, with specialized care available in Karaikudi.
At Lakshmi Fertility Centre, we understand the emotional and physical hurdles that come with infertility. This beginner’s guide will take you through the IVF process, explaining each step, success rates and costs, so you know exactly what to expect as you begin your fertility journey with us.
What is IVF?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a fertility treatment where eggs and sperm are combined outside the body in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the woman’s uterus to achieve pregnancy. IVF is a well-established solution for couples struggling with infertility.
IVF is available in Karaikudi at Lakshmi Fertility Centre, where our expert team provides personalized support to help you succeed.
When is IVF Recommended?
IVF is usually considered after other fertility treatments like medication or IUI have not succeeded. It’s recommended in the following situations:
- Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes: IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes, which can be blocked, preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
- Male Factor Infertility: IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is used when the male partner has a low sperm count, motility or abnormal sperm morphology.
- Endometriosis: This condition affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, making it difficult to conceive. IVF bypasses these barriers.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Ovulation Problems: IVF helps women with irregular ovulation, allowing for the collection and fertilization of eggs in a lab
- Unexplained Infertility: IVF is often recommended when no clear cause of infertility is identified.
- Multiple Failed IUI Cycles: If previous IUI attempts have been unsuccessful, IVF offers higher chances of success.
Step-by-Step IVF Process at Lakshmi Fertility Centre
1. Initial Consultation and Testing
Your IVF journey begins with a detailed consultation, where we assess your medical history, fertility factors and lifestyle. Based on this, we conduct essential tests to create a personalized treatment plan:
- Hormonal Blood Tests: These tests evaluate your reproductive health, including ovarian reserve.
- Pelvic Ultrasound: This scan checks the condition of your uterus and ovaries, identifying any issues like cysts or fibroids.
- Semen Analysis: For male fertility assessment, this test evaluates sperm count, motility and morphology.
These tests help us understand your fertility status and create a tailored IVF plan suited to your needs.
2. Ovarian Stimulation
In this stage, hormone injections are given to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This process typically lasts 8–14 days and includes:
- Daily hormone injections (such as FSH and HMG) to encourage egg production.
- Regular ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor follicle growth.
- Once the eggs are mature, a trigger injection (usually hCG) is administered to prepare the eggs for retrieval.
3. Egg Retrieval
Once your eggs are ready, they are collected using a thin needle guided by ultrasound. The procedure takes 20–30 minutes, is done under mild sedation and involves no cuts or stitches. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can go home the same day. This step is essential for IVF, as it provides the eggs needed for fertilization and at Lakshmi Fertility Centre, we ensure it’s as smooth and comfortable as possible.
4. Sperm Collection and Fertilization
On the same day as the egg retrieval, sperm is collected from the male partner. Fertilization happens in the lab using:
- Conventional IVF: Eggs and sperm are mixed in a dish, allowing fertilization to occur naturally.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg, often used for male infertility cases.
5. Embryo Culture and Selection Collection and Fertilization
Fertilized embryos are cultured in the lab for 3–5 days, where they are closely monitored. The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer. Advanced techniques such as blastocyst culture and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be used to further improve the chances of success.
6. Embryo Transfer Collection and Fertilization
Embryo transfer is a critical step in the IVF process, where the healthiest embryo is carefully placed into your uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. This procedure is quick, painless and typically performed under ultrasound guidance, ensuring precision and accuracy. No anesthesia is required and the process is minimally invasive. After the embryo is placed in the uterus, it has the opportunity to implant naturally if the uterus is receptive. This marks a hopeful moment in the IVF journey, as the success of embryo implantation is the first step toward pregnancy. At Lakshmi Fertility Centre, we ensure this procedure is as comfortable and effective as possible.
7. Pregnancy Test Collection and Fertilization
Around 10–14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test (beta-hCG) is performed to confirm pregnancy. If the test is positive, follow-up tests and ultrasounds are conducted to monitor the progress of the pregnancy.
IVF Success Rates in India and Karaikudi
Success rates for IVF can vary depending on factors such as age and underlying fertility issues. Here are the general success rates for IVF in India:
- Under 35 : 55–60%
- 35–37 : 45–50%
- 38–40 : 35–40%
- Over 40 : 20–25%
These success rates are based on national trends, but at Lakshmi Fertility Centre, we offer personalized care and use advanced techniques to enhance your chances of success.
Cost of IVF in Karaikudi
The cost of IVF treatment can vary depending on factors like medication, technology and add-ons like ICSI or PGT. Here’s an estimated breakdown:
- IVF Cycle (Basic): ₹90,000 – ₹1,50,000
- IVF with ICSI: ₹1,30,000 – ₹2,00,000
- Medications: ₹50,000 – ₹70,000
- Frozen Embryo Transfer: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000
At Lakshmi Fertility Centre, we offer transparent pricing and flexible packages to meet your needs without compromising on care.
Why Choose Lakshmi Fertility Centre for IVF in Karaikudi?
Lakshmi Fertility Centre offers more than just IVF treatment. We offer a compassionate and comprehensive approach to fertility care:
- Experienced Doctors with years of expertise in handling complex cases
- Personalized Treatment Plans that cater to your specific needs
- Modern IVF Lab equipped with advanced technology for optimal care
- High Success Rates with proven protocols for better outcomes
- Transparent and Honest Care with clear communication at every stage
- Supportive Environment offering counseling and emotional support
We are dedicated to helping you achieve your dream of parenthood with trust and care.
Emotional and Mental Support During IVF
IVF can be emotionally challenging for many couples. Feelings like stress, anxiety or fear are completely normal during this time. At Lakshmi Fertility Centre in Karaikudi, we understand this deeply and provide strong emotional support to help you cope throughout the process.
Our care includes:
- Personal counselling sessions to talk openly about your worries
- Support groups where you can connect with others on a similar journey
- Regular mental health check-ins to ensure you're emotionally well
studies from the National Institutes of Health show that psychological support during IVF not only improves emotional well-being but may also increase the success of the treatment.
FAQs – IVF in Karaikudi
1. How long does IVF treatment take?
IVF typically takes 4–6 weeks, depending on individual factors.
2. Is IVF painful?
IVF procedures are minimally painful, with mild sedation for egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
3. What are the chances of success?
The success rate in India is 55–60% for women under 35, with rates declining as age increases.
4. How much does IVF cost?
IVF in Karaikudi ranges from ₹90,000 to ₹2,00,000 depending on treatment complexity and add-ons.
5. Can I undergo IVF treatment at any age?
IVF is ideal for women under 40, though women above 40 can still benefit with advanced care.
6. Why is ovarian stimulation needed?
It helps produce multiple eggs in one cycle, improving the chances of successful fertilization.
7. How long does stimulation take?
It lasts 8–14 days with daily hormone injections.
8. Will I need monitoring?
Yes, regular ultrasounds and blood tests will monitor your response to the treatment.
9. Are there any side effects?
Mild bloating or discomfort is common, OHSS is rare.
10. What if I don’t respond to the medication?
Your doctor may adjust your medication or treatment plan if necessary.
11. Can I continue normal activities?
Yes, but avoid heavy exercise due to enlarged ovaries.
12. Is ovarian stimulation painful?
Mild discomfort from injections and bloating may occur but is generally manageable.
Conclusion: Your First Step Toward Parenthood
Choosing IVF is a significant decision, requiring courage and hope. At Lakshmi Fertility Centre, we provide expert medical care, emotional support and personalized guidance through every step of your fertility journey. Our experienced team works closely with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, ensuring you feel informed and supported. We are here to help you achieve your dream of parenthood with compassion and care.
Start your path to parenthood today. Book a consultation and take the first step toward realizing your dream of becoming a parent with Lakshmi Fertility Centre.
