Starting a family can be an emotional journey, especially when pregnancy does not occur despite regular attempts. Infertility can have several causes involving female reproductive health, male fertility, age-related changes, ovulation, fallopian tubes, sperm factors, or a combination of different factors. Advances in assisted reproductive technology have provided several options for individuals and couples seeking fertility treatment. Consulting an experienced IVF specialist in Mumbai can help couples understand the possible causes of infertility and explore suitable fertility treatment options based on their individual needs.
Choosing an experienced IVF specialist in Mumbai can help patients understand the possible causes of infertility and explore treatment options based on their individual needs. Dr. Manjushri Kothekar provides fertility and reproductive medicine services at Chembur Fertility Clinic, offering personalized guidance throughout the fertility journey.
In vitro fertilization, commonly called IVF, is an assisted reproductive treatment in which eggs and sperm are combined outside the body in a laboratory to facilitate fertilization. The resulting embryo or embryos may then be transferred into the uterus.
IVF may be considered for different infertility situations, including problems involving the fallopian tubes, advanced maternal age, certain male-factor infertility conditions, previous unsuccessful fertility treatments, or unexplained infertility. The decision to proceed with IVF depends on factors such as age, ovarian reserve, medical history, previous treatment, sperm parameters, and other fertility investigations.
A fertility consultation generally begins with a detailed assessment of both partners. This helps the fertility specialist understand the potential causes of infertility and recommend appropriate investigations or treatment.
IVF is a carefully monitored treatment involving several stages. While the exact protocol differs between patients, the process may include the following steps:
1. Ovarian stimulation:
Fertility medications containing hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone may be prescribed to encourage the ovaries to develop multiple follicles.
2. Monitoring follicular development:
Vaginal ultrasound examinations and blood tests may be performed to monitor follicle growth and hormone levels. The treatment can then be adjusted according to the patient’s response.
3. Trigger injection and egg maturation:
Once the follicles reach the appropriate stage, a trigger injection may be administered to support final egg maturation.
4. Egg retrieval:
Eggs are collected through a minimally invasive procedure. According to the clinic’s information, egg collection is performed under sedation and generally takes around 15–20 minutes.
5. Fertilization:
The retrieved eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory. In selected situations, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where an individual sperm is injected directly into an egg.
6. Embryo development: