IVF & Fertility Treatment Options Explained for Couples

When Indian couples decide to start a family, they may be faced with unforeseen complications. Research indicates that around 1 in 6 couples in India face infertility, whether it be a lifestyle change, a delay in becoming a parent, or various medical conditions. For couples facing difficulty in conceiving naturally, IVF treatment options, along with fertility treatments for couples, provide hope.

With advancements in medical technology and increasing rehabilitation awareness for not just infertility, but fertility care as a whole means that many aspects of our treatment have become much more widely available, even in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India, such as Guwahati. Moving on from hormonal therapies, IUI, and IVF, to treatment associated with male infertility, couples now have an array of positive options available to them.

In this blog, we will discuss popular fertility treatments and male infertility treatment, provide details about IVF success rates, and finally, cover the cost of IVF in Guwahati. Whether you are just starting your journey or considering IVF after several unsuccessful attempts at conception, this comprehensive journey will provide status and clarity to ease your knowledge and confidence in your decision-making processes.

Understanding Fertility Problems: It’s More Common than You Think

Infertility strikes 15-20% of couples in India, which is about one in six couples needing assistance to conceive. It is not just a woman’s issue; male infertility accounts for nearly 40-50%, making it highly important for both partners to get assessed and treated together.

As part of the ongoing social stigma of fertility issues, couples in India are beginning to reach out to specialists to seek professional help in a timely manner. Timely intervention can dramatically alter the degree of success, and for women under 35 years of age, it can make a significant difference.

What Are the Common Fertility Treatments Available to Couples? 

When couples first seek infertility treatment, the physician almost invariably will recommend the following treatments according to the cause and severity: 

1. Ovulation Induction (OI)

Used for women without regular periods, or with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Hormonal medications (such as Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole [Femara]) are given to stimulate ovulation.

2. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

A not-too-complex and less costly procedure where selected, washed, and concentrated sperm are placed into the uterine cavity at the time of ovulation. 

3. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

This procedure is probably the most widely known and advanced treatment. Oocytes (or eggs) are collected from the ovaries and fertilized with male sperm in the laboratory. An embryo is formed and, some days later, is transferred into the woman’s uterus. IVF is used when other treatments have been unsuccessful or are not appropriate to use. 

4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

This is a type of IVF in which one healthy sperm is injected into one egg. It is particularly advantageous for couples who face male infertility treatment issues, such as low sperm count or poor motility of sperm. 

5. Donor Programs

If either partner has a reproductive issue that cannot be treated, donor eggs, sperm, or embryos can be used. This option will be provided anonymously and according to strict legal guidelines in India.

6. Surrogacy

Surrogacy can be an option in the rare case that the uterus cannot support a pregnancy. The embryo is implanted directly into the surrogate’s womb, who will carry the baby to term.

In-Depth Overview of IVF Treatment Options

IVF treatments aren’t all the same. Depending on your fertility issue, age and previous medical history, your doctor may advise one of the following IVF treatment options:

Fresh IVF Cycle

This is the standard process of egg retrieval, fertilisation and fresh embryo transfer at an IVF cycle.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

If you previously had embryos frozen and want to transfer, your embryos can be thawed in a later cycle. This can be less stressful on the body and has high success rates.

IVF with Donor Eggs or Sperm

This is great if there is poor egg or sperm quality or genetic issues.

IVF with ICSI

This is especially recommended if there is a male factor fertility or the prospect of previous fertilisation failure.

Blastocyst Culture

This is an advanced technique whereby embryos are cultured for 5–6 days instead of 2–3 days. This helps improve the chances of successful implantation.

Cost of IVF in Guwahati: What Should You Expect?

Generally, IVF expenses in Guwahati are less than those in larger urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, making it more accessible for many couples. The exact cost depends on which clinic you go to, the type of treatment you require, any personal medical factors, etc. 

Generally speaking, though, the basic erosion of the cost of an IVF cycle is a good deal lower than most of the options you have available to you. Some procedures require more expensive components like ICSI, donor egg IVF and surrogacy due to the additional procedures and components, so these range from low to moderately higher. 

Remember, medication and tests, ultrasound and consultation fees may be added to this bill and in most cases, are charged separately. The majority of clinics or hospitals in Guwahati offer flexible payment options or packages for multiple cycles, which can help ease the burden of paying for fertility procedures.

IVF Success Rates in India: What You Should Know

The success rates of IVF in India differ according to factors like age, general health, and treatment quality, and tend to be better if the woman is younger, especially under age 35, and decrease with age. For women under age 35, the average success rates tend to be in the range of 45–55% per cycle, while they resemble the rate of being pregnant, about 10–20% for women over 40. 

There are potentially modifiable lifestyle factors that may also influence success, such as weight, smoking or alcohol use, and stress, which should be monitored. New processes, such as blastocyst transfer and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), could also improve probabilities. 

Even though a single cycle of IVF may not be successful, multiple cycles may increase the cumulative probability of success, with estimates indicating cumulative success for three cycles, like 70%.

Male Infertility Treatment: 

Male infertility plays a significant role in infertility in many cases. Thus, male issues should be addressed with the same emphasis as female reproductive health. Low sperm count, poor mobility, infections, hormonal problems, and genetic issues are common underlying causes of male infertility. The work-up for male infertility typically consists of a semen analysis, hormone testing, genetic testing, and possibly sometimes, a scrotal ultrasound to check for structural issues.

 Treatment for male infertility can depend on the root problem, and may involve lifestyle changes, supplements, medications, and even procedures like PESA or TESA for sperm retrieval. When considering pregnancy for couples undergoing IVF where male infertility is a concern, IVF-ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is typically used. 

The cost of male infertility treatment in Guwahati varies by case and procedure, but on average, male fertility treatment can cost up to ₹1 lakh. 

Choosing the Right Fertility Clinic in Guwahati

Selecting the appropriate fertility clinic in Guwahati is crucial for ensuring a seamless and efficient treatment journey. It’s essential to choose clinics known for their successful IVF outcomes and staffed with knowledgeable specialists who can guide the process. Clear pricing information is vital to prevent any surprises regarding expenses. 

Facilities equipped with their own laboratories and embryo freezing options maintain higher control over the quality of treatment provided. Additionally, access to emotional support and counselling services can be beneficial during this challenging period. 

When evaluating clinics, inquire about success rates tailored to your age group, the usual number of cycles suggested, and whether they have refund or money-back guarantees available.

FAQs: IVF and Fertility in India

1. How many IVF cycles are typically necessary?  

Some couples achieve success on their first cycle, while others might require two to three attempts. The chances of success tend to increase with each subsequent cycle.  

2. Is the IVF process painful?  

You may experience mild discomfort during certain stages, particularly during egg retrieval; however, the embryo transfer procedure itself is generally pain-free.  

3. Can I continue working while undergoing IVF?  

Yes, you can maintain your work routine, but it’s advisable to take some time for light rest throughout the treatment period, especially after the embryo transfer takes place.  

4. Does health insurance cover IVF treatments in India?  

Generally, most standard health insurance plans do not include coverage for IVF procedures. Some higher-tier plans or employer-provided benefits may offer partial support.

Conclusion

At Dispur Polyclinic & Hospitals, we recognize that each couple’s path to parenthood is unique. Our knowledgeable team of gynecologists and fertility experts is dedicated to assisting you in understanding your IVF treatment choices and other fertility options with tailored support. 

Whether you’re interested in IVF success rates, the costs of treatment in Guwahati, or issues related to male infertility, we are here to empower you to make well-informed decisions confidently.

To book your consultation, please call +91-8822669275 or stop by the hospital.