Blog
Pioneers in Personalized Women's & Fertility Care
Understanding IVF: A Comprehensive Guide from Krishvi IVF
What is IVF?
In‑Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the most advanced assisted reproductive technologies, helping couples conceive when natural conception is difficult. In IVF, eggs are collected from the female, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred back into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
Steps of IVF
The IVF process at Krishvi IVF (Ahmedabad, Gujarat) generally involves:
- Ovarian stimulation: Medications are given to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Monitoring & triggering: Regular scans and blood tests track follicle growth; a trigger injection matures the eggs.
- Egg retrieval (OPU): Eggs are collected through a minor procedure under anesthesia.
- Fertilization: Eggs are combined with sperm in the lab, either via conventional IVF or ICSI.
- Embryo culture: Embryos are grown for 3–5 days, monitored for quality.
- Embryo freezing or fresh transfer: Good quality embryos may be frozen (vitrification) and transferred in a later cycle after preparing the endometrium, or transferred fresh in the same cycle.
- Luteal support: Hormonal medication is given to support implantation.
- Pregnancy test: A blood test is performed around 12–14 days after transfer.
Duration of IVF
The complete IVF process may take between 4 weeks to 4 months, depending on individual conditions:
- A fresh embryo transfer cycle can be completed in about 4 weeks.
- If embryos are frozen and transferred in the next cycle, it usually takes around 2 months.
- In cases where associated medical conditions or pathologies need correction, the waiting period before embryo transfer may extend the total duration up to 3–4 months.
Side Effects of IVF
While generally safe, IVF may have mild to moderate side effects:
- Bloating, mood swings, and headaches due to hormonal injections.
- Mild cramping or discomfort post egg retrieval.
- Rarely, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) (Very, very rare nowadays)
- Emotional stress and anxiety due to the demanding process.
Who All Can Get IVF?
IVF is recommended for couples facing:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
- Severe male infertility (low sperm count, poor motility).
- Endometriosis.
- Unexplained infertility.
- Women with diminished ovarian reserve (low AMH, high FSH).
Why IVF is recommended after failed IUI attempts?
IVF is recommended for couples after multiple failed IUI attempts due to:
- Underlying unexplained infertility that IUI cannot overcome.
- Poor egg or sperm quality reducing chances of natural fertilization.
- Advanced maternal age where time is critical for conception.
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes not addressed by IUI.
- Endometriosis affecting egg pick-up or implantation.
- Genetic or immunological factors reducing success rates with IUI.
- Desire for a higher success rate after repeated disappointments with IUI.
If Once IVF is Done, Does it Mean You Cannot Have Natural Pregnancy in Future?
No. Undergoing IVF does not reduce the chances of a natural pregnancy in the future. Many women conceive naturally after IVF, especially if the underlying infertility factor improves or is unexplained.
Can I Have Twins / Triplets with IVF?
Yes, IVF increases the chances of twins or triplets, especially if more than one embryo is transferred. However, at Krishvi IVF, we usually recommend single euploid embryo transfer to reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancies.
Is IVF Painful?
Previously, it was painful due to intramuscular injections. Nowadays injections are given subcutaneously (below skin). So there is minimal discomfort due to injections. Most steps of IVF are not painful. Egg retrieval is done under anesthesia, so no pain is felt during the procedure. Embryo transfer is usually painless.
What is Donor IVF?
Donor IVF is a treatment where donor eggs, donor sperm, or donor embryos are used to help achieve pregnancy.
Can We Use Donor Sperm or Donor Eggs for IVF?
Yes, donor sperm or donor eggs can be used in IVF when required, depending on the condition of the couple.
Who Needs Donor IVF?
- Women with very low ovarian reserve or poor egg quality.
- Men with no sperm or very poor sperm quality.
- Couples with repeated IVF failures due to genetic issues.
- Women with advanced maternal age.
Can I Get Pregnant with My Own Eggs with IVF if My AMH is Low?
Yes, many women with low AMH can still conceive with their own eggs through IVF. The number of eggs may be lower, but with careful stimulation and advanced lab techniques, pregnancy is still possible. At Krishvi IVF, we follow different stimulation protocols, especially for low AMH patients, to optimize the outcome of IVF.
How Much Time is Needed to Complete the Process Till Pregnancy is Achieved?
If a fresh transfer is planned, the cycle may complete in 4 weeks. If embryos are frozen for transfer in the next cycle, it usually takes around 2 months. If associated medical conditions require treatment first, the process may extend up to 4 months.
Does IVF Pregnancy Have Complications in Future or is it Like Natural Conception?
Most IVF pregnancies progress like natural conceptions. Risks of complications (like miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preterm birth) are usually linked to maternal age and underlying health, not IVF itself.
Bed Rest in IVF
Complete bed rest is not required after embryo transfer. Light activities can be continued,
though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided. A balanced lifestyle with reduced stress is encouraged.
Success Rate in IVF
Success depends on multiple factors. On average, women under 35 may achieve a success rate of 40–50% per cycle. Success rates decline with age, but advanced techniques continue to improve outcomes.
Factors Responsible for Successful IVF
- Age of the female partner.
- Ovarian reserve (AMH, AFC).
- Quality of sperm and eggs.
- Uterine health.
- Lifestyle and stress management.
- Proper treatment protocol by specialists.
Causes of Repeated IVF Failure
- Poor embryo quality.
- Abnormal uterine lining.
- Chromosomal abnormalities in embryos.
- Autoimmune or immunological issues.
- Uncontrolled lifestyle or medical conditions (thyroid, diabetes).
Advanced Tests for Repeated IVF Failure
At Krishvi IVF (Ahmedabad, Gujarat), advanced tests are recommended for repeated IVF failure:
- PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing): A form of genetic testing that checks embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer, improving implantation chances.
- ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis): Determines the best time for embryo transfer by assessing endometrial receptivity.
- Immune profiling: Identifies immune system irregularities that may prevent successful implantation.
What is the Cost of IVF at Krishvi IVF?
The cost of IVF varies depending on the treatment plan, medications, and need for advanced procedures.
At Krishvi IVF (Ahmedabad, Gujarat), we provide affordable packages tailored to individual requirements with full financial transparency.
Patients are advised to consult our fertility experts for a detailed cost estimate.
What Can We Do as Patients to Improve Success Rate of IVF?
- Maintain a healthy diet and body weight.
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
- Take prescribed supplements if recommended.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully during treatment.
Are There Any Advanced Tests That Can Increase Success of IVF?
Yes. Tests like PGT, ERA, and immune profiling improve the chances of selecting the best embryo and the right implantation window, thus enhancing success rates.
F.A.Q.
Get Clarity on IVF, Treatments, and More – Explore Our Frequently Asked Questions.
Most steps of IVF are not painful. Previously, injections were given intramuscularly, which caused discomfort. Nowadays, injections are given subcutaneously (just under the skin), making them almost painless. Egg retrieval is done under anesthesia, so no pain is felt, and embryo transfer is usually painless.
Yes. Undergoing IVF does not reduce your chances of natural pregnancy in the future. Many women conceive naturally after IVF, especially if the underlying infertility issue improves or was unexplained.
On average, women under 35 have a 40–50% success rate per IVF cycle. Success depends on factors like age, ovarian reserve (AMH, AFC), sperm and egg quality, uterine health, and lifestyle. At Krishvi IVF (Ahmedabad, Gujarat), personalized treatment protocols and advanced tests (like PGT & ERA) help improve outcomes even in repeated failures
Summary & Key Takeaways
- IVF is a safe and advanced treatment for infertility with high success rates.
- Process involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, freezing or fresh transfer, and implantation.
- IVF side effects are usually mild and manageable.
- Advanced tests like PGT, ERA, and immune profiling help improve outcomes in repeated failures.
- At Krishvi IVF (Ahmedabad, Gujarat), we focus on personalized protocols, advanced diagnostics, and emotional support to make your parenthood journey successful.