Max Healthcare: India’s Premier Infertility & IVF Hospital

At Max Hospital, we recognize that In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is not just a medical procedure; it's a beacon of hope for countless families wishing to bring new life into the world. We have a team of highly skilled reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, and infertility specialists dedicated to ensuring that every step of your IVF journey is met with precision, care, and compassion. Leveraging years of expertise and cutting-edge technology, we craft individualised fertility plans, aiming not just to achieve pregnancy but to elevate patients' overall well-being throughout the process. This dedication to excellence positions us as one of the leading centres for IVF in Delhi, India.

What is IVF? 

IVF or In-Vitro Fertilisation is a process where the egg is retrieved and combined with the sperm outside the body i.e., in-glass fertilisation, and the fertilised embryo is then transferred to the uterus.

When is IVF Performed? 

IVF is a way to help people who are struggling with female infertility treatment or male infertility treatment issues to have a baby. It's a bit expensive and involves some medical procedures, so couples usually try simpler treatments first, like taking special medicines or intrauterine insemination, which involves the direct transfer of sperm into a woman's uterus.

People might need IVF when:

• Alternative treatments fail: IVF is recommended when simpler fertility treatments, such as medications or intrauterine insemination (IUI), don't yield results.
• Fallopian tube issues: Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, which hinder sperm from meeting the egg, make IVF a practical choice as it facilitates external fertilisation.
• Male factor infertility: Issues like reduced sperm count or poor motility can impede natural conception. IVF, potentially combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), can address these challenges.
• Ovulation disorders: Conditions affecting the release of mature eggs from the ovaries can be circumvented with IVF, where eggs are directly harvested.
• Uterine fibroids: While many fibroids don't disrupt conception, some can. IVF can enhance the chances of implantation in such cases.
• Genetic disorders: When there's a risk of hereditary disorders, IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) allows for embryo selection to avoid the issue.

Who is Eligible for IVF?

Eligibility for IVF is determined by factors such as infertility diagnosis, age, duration of infertility, prior fertility treatments, male infertility, overall health, financial considerations, and the risk of genetic disorders. Consultation with a fertility specialist is essential to assess individual eligibility.

The IVF Procedure

The IVF procedure consists of five key steps:

1. Stimulation: To boost the chances of obtaining viable embryos, the woman is given fertility drugs to stimulate egg production. Regular monitoring is done through blood tests and ultrasounds.
2. Egg Retrieval: Also known as follicular aspiration, this surgical procedure is performed under anaesthesia. A needle is guided through the vagina and into the ovaries to collect eggs.
3. Insemination: The male partner provides a semen sample, which is combined with the eggs in a petri dish. In some cases, ICSI may be used if needed.
4. Embryo Culture: Fertilised eggs are closely monitored for division and development. Genetic testing of embryos may also occur during this stage.
5. Transfer: Once the embryos reach the right stage, typically three to five days after fertilisation, they are implanted into the woman's uterus using a catheter passed through the vagina and cervix.

What to Expect During IVF? 

During the IVF process:

• Patients make regular clinic visits for ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor follicle development and hormone levels.
• Daily hormone injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.
• The egg retrieval procedure, though minimally invasive, can cause mild discomfort. Sedation or anaesthesia is used for patient comfort.
• After embryos are transferred into the uterus, a two-week wait follows before a blood test determines pregnancy success.

What to Expect After IVF Procedure 

Following the IVF procedure, patients might experience several physical and emotional reactions as their body responds to the treatment and the anticipation of results. Here’s what one can typically expect:

Physical Symptoms

• Mild bloating and cramping: As a result of the egg retrieval process and the subsequent embryo transfer, the ovaries and uterus may respond with some swelling and discomfort. This sensation is generally mild and eases over time.
• Breast tenderness: The elevated levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones during IVF can make the breasts tender, mimicking early pregnancy or premenstrual symptoms.
• Fluid discharge: It’s not uncommon to notice a small amount of clear or blood-tinged fluid discharge post the embryo transfer. This can be a residual effect of the gel or solution used during the procedure and is generally not a cause for concern.

Other Symptoms

• Anxiety: The waiting period post-IVF, often termed the 'two-week wait', can be emotionally taxing. The anticipation of whether the procedure has resulted in pregnancy can cause a roller coaster of emotions.
• Mood Swings: The hormone medications used during IVF can sometimes lead to mood swings, making some patients feel more emotional than usual.

IVF Risks 

IVF treatment carries several risks, including:

• Multiple births: Increased chance of having multiple babies, which can lead to a higher risk of premature labour.
• Premature delivery: Slightly elevated risk of babies being born early or with lower birth weights.
• Miscarriage: Similar miscarriage rates to natural conception pregnancies.
• Ectopic pregnancy: A fertilised egg may implant outside the uterus.
• Complications during egg retrieval: Possible issues like bleeding, infection, or damage to nearby organs.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Rare condition causing symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, and shortness of breath.

Infertility Treatment at Max Healthcare

Treatment at Max Healthcare is precise and success-oriented. Our state-of-the-art facility and highly experienced doctors provide exceptional treatment options for various infertility conditions, from female infertility treatment to male infertility treatment.

Conditions and Treatments 

Assisted Reproduction Techniques 

Shortened as ART, these techniques use artificial means to achieve pregnancy in a lab. The major methods are Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), and IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).

Natural Cycle IVF 

Natural cycle IVF involves collecting and fertilising the one egg that you release during your normal monthly cycle. The treatment is the same as conventional IVF, but no fertility drugs are used in this treatment.

Assisted Hatching 

In this fertility treatment, an embryologist uses micromanipulation under a microscope to create a small hole in the outer eggshell layer. It is done to hatch or implant embryos that are unable to escape healthily (intact) from the eggs’ outer covering.

Male Fertility treatment - ICSI 

IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of fertility treatment in males. ICSI is done in order to enhance the fertilisation process in IVF by injecting single sperm into a mature egg, that is, this procedure only needs single sperm, which is directly injected into a mature egg and the fertilised egg is then transferred into the womb.

Recurrent IVF Failure 

Today, IVF and ICSI are successful treatment options for infertile couples. But in spite of a number of transfers with apparently good embryos, some cycles don’t end in a successful implantation. We offer various tests aimed at identifying the cause of repeated implantation failure, and we have a specialisation in treating recurrent IVF failure with the highest success rates.

Blastocyst Transfer 

A blastocyst transfer is done after an IVF or ICSI is performed. A blastocyst is a human embryo that is five, six, or seven days old. This embryo is transferred into the womb as it has better chances of leading to pregnancy.

Surgical Sperm Retrieval 

In cases where the sperm is absent in ejaculation, surgical sperm retrieval is used to obtain sperm using MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration), PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration), TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration), and TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction).

Fertility Preservation 

Fertility preservation is the process of saving or protecting eggs, embryos, and sperm so that a person can use them to have biological children in the future. We specialise in providing fertility care for patients who have cancer or whose fertility is at risk. For the ladies who want to establish their career and want to have a delayed marriage, they can preserve their eggs so that they can use them in future to have children.

Why Choose Max Hospitals for IVF in Delhi, India?

Max Hospitals stands out as a top choice for IVF treatments in Delhi, offering unmatched care for those seeking fertility solutions. Here’s why Max Hospitals is the preferred choice for IVF:

World-class Medical Expertise 

At the heart of Max Hospitals is a dedicated team of seasoned fertility specialists and embryologists. With a track record of countless successful IVF cycles, they bring together a blend of knowledge, experience, and passion, ensuring that every patient stands the best chance at conception.

Comprehensive Patient Care 

IVF is not just a medical journey but an emotional one too. Recognising this, Max Hospitals offers holistic care. From initial consultations, fertility wellness programmes, to post-procedure support, patients and their families are always surrounded by a supportive and compassionate team.

Reputation and Trust

Having established a legacy in healthcare, Max Hospitals has become synonymous with fertility success stories in Delhi and beyond. Our consistent outcomes and patient-centric approach have earned us the trust of both individuals seeking IVF and referring gynaecologists.

Accessibility

Strategically located, Max Hospitals ensures that world-class IVF care is never too far. With branches in key cities across India, we have widened the horizons of hope for numerous couples aspiring to parenthood.

Choosing Max Hospitals for IVF means stepping into a journey of hope, backed by expertise, technology, and genuine care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infertility & IVF

1. What is Infertility? 

Infertility is a medical condition characterised by the inability to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. It can affect both men and women and may result from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, structural issues, or reproductive health problems.

2. What are the types of infertility? 

Infertility can be categorised as male infertility, female infertility, or unexplained infertility. Male infertility relates to issues with sperm production or delivery. Female infertility involves problems with the reproductive organs or egg release. Unexplained infertility occurs when the cause cannot be identified in either partner.

3. What is the difference between IVF and IUI? 

IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is an assisted reproductive technology in which eggs and sperm are combined outside the body, and resulting embryos are implanted into the uterus. IUI (intrauterine insemination) involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus to enhance the chances of fertilisation within the body.

4. What are the treatments for infertility? 

Treatments for infertility can include lifestyle changes, fertility medications, IUI, IVF, surgery, and assisted reproductive technologies. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause of infertility and may involve seeing an infertility specialist.

5. What are Infertility tests? 

Infertility tests may include hormone level assessments, semen analysis for males, ultrasounds, hysterosalpingography (HSG) to assess the fallopian tubes, and laparoscopy for evaluating the pelvic region. These tests help identify the cause of infertility.

6. What medications are used for IVF? 

Medications used in IVF include hormonal drugs to stimulate egg production (e.g., gonadotropins), medications to prevent premature ovulation (e.g., GnRH agonists), and hCG to trigger final egg maturation. Progesterone is used post-IVF for embryo implantation support.

7. How much does IVF cost?

The cost of IVF can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location of the clinic, the experience of the doctor, and the specific fertility treatments required. However, it is generally a significant financial investment.

8. What are the most common side effects of IVF?

Common side effects of IVF may include bloating, discomfort, mood swings, and breast tenderness due to fertility medications. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a more severe but less common side effect.

9. Is an IVF pregnancy more risky?

IVF pregnancies are not inherently high risk, but certain factors may increase the risk, such as the age of the mother, multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins or triplets), or underlying health conditions. Careful medical monitoring is essential.

 10. Is IVF painful?

The IVF process involves various procedures, including injections, ultrasounds, and egg retrieval, which can cause discomfort but are typically manageable. Pain levels can vary from person to person.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Sweta Gupta - Director, Infertility & IVF on 12 Jan 2024.