Frequently Asked Questions

Ovarian stimulation is a crucial step in an IVF cycle. It involves using fertility medicines to stimulate the ovaries to produce a few mature eggs. The professionals administer fertility medications through injections, and the dosage is carefully monitored based on the individual’s response. Regular ultrasound scans can track follicle growth and determine the optimal time for egg retrieval.

Ovarian hyperstimulation is a potential side effect of ovarian stimulation during an IVF cycle. It occurs when the ovaries respond excessively to fertility medications, leading to the development of a large number of follicles. It can result in ovarian enlargement and fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Severe cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) are rare but can cause discomfort and require medical intervention. Your fertility expert will closely monitor your response to medications and take appropriate measures to minimise the risk of hyperstimulation.

Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure usually performed under sedation or anaesthesia. Using ultrasound guidance, fertility experts insert a thin needle through the vaginal wall and reach the ovaries and aspirate the mature eggs from the follicles. The retrieved eggs are then handed to the laboratory for further processing and fertilisation.

The number of eggs or ova required for a successful IVF cycle differs depending on individual circumstances. However, the quality of eggs is equally essential. Your fertility specialist will aim to retrieve an optimal number of mature eggs based on your age, ovarian reserve, and previous treatment history.

After the eggs are retrieved, embryologists carefully examine them in the laboratory. The eggs are then prepared for fertilisation by removing the surrounding cells. For conventional IVF, the eggs are either placed in a culture dish along with a sample of sperm or subjected to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for cases with severe male factor infertility or previous fertilisation issues.

We usually put a maximum of two embryos into the woman’s uterus during one cycle. If there are more embryos left after the first cycle, we cryopreserve them for later. This way, if the first try doesn’t work, we can use the frozen embryos in another attempt.

Embryo transfer is the final step of the IVF process, where the selected embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus. It is a relatively simple and painless procedure that does not require anaesthesia. Using a catheter, fertility experts gently transfer the embryos into the uterus with the guidance of ultrasound imaging. The number of embryos transferred depends on various factors, including the woman’s age, embryo quality, and preferences.

One of the most common questions when undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is the number of embryos that should be transferred. The number of embryos transferred can differ depending on several components, including the woman’s age and the quality of the embryos. Generally, transferring a maximum of two embryos is recommended to reduce the possibility of multiple pregnancies.

After the embryo transfer step, following certain dos and don’ts is essential to optimise the possibilities of implantation and a successful pregnancy. Some of the dos include taking prescribed medications on time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate rest. On the other hand, some of the don’ts include avoiding strenuous activities, refraining from smoking and alcohol intake, and avoiding certain medicines that may interfere with implantation. It is crucial to follow the instructions given by the fertility centre to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Rest is an essential aspect of the post-embryo transfer period. While it is recommended to take it easy and rest for a few days after the procedure, no specific duration applies to everyone. The doctor will provide guidance based on individual circumstances. Balancing rest and light physical activity is essential to ensure optimal blood flow to the uterus while avoiding excessive strain. Following the doctor’s advice and listening to one’s body is vital during this critical period.

It is possible to achieve pregnancy with frozen embryos. Cryopreservation, the process of freezing embryos, has revolutionised the field of assisted reproductive technology. Frozen embryos can be stored for future use, allowing couples to undergo additional IVF cycles without the need for further ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. The success rates with frozen embryos are comparable to fresh embryos and, in some cases, may even be higher. Ferty9 Fertility Centre offers comprehensive frozen embryo transfer services, allowing couples to achieve pregnancy when the time is right for them.

The possibility of birth defects in babies conceived through IVF is generally similar to that of babies conceived naturally. However, it is essential to note that certain factors, such as the woman’s age and any underlying genetic conditions, can influence the risk. The team at Ferty9 Fertility Centre identifies potential complications and provide appropriate guidance. It is essential to have open and honest discussions with medical experts to address any concerns and make informed decisions.

The possibilities of giving birth to twins or multiple births are higher with IVF compared to natural conception. It is primarily due to the practice of transferring multiple embryos to increase the likelihood of success. While the idea of twins may be exciting for some couples, it is essential to consider the potential complications and challenges associated with multiple pregnancies. The fertility specialists at Ferty9 Fertility Centre closely monitor the number of embryos transferred to minimise the chance of multiple pregnancies while maximising the chances of a successful single pregnancy.

If either the husband or the wife gets sick during an IVF cycle, it is crucial to inform the fertility centre immediately. The medical team will guide on whether to continue or postpone the cycle based on the specific circumstances. Sometimes, it may be necessary to delay the cycle to ensure the best possible outcome. Communication with the fertility centre ensures proper care and support during the IVF cycle.

IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) are two different techniques used in assisted reproductive technology. IVF includes the fertilisation of eggs and sperm outside the body, followed by the transfer of resulting embryos into the uterus. ICSI, on the other hand, is a specialised form of IVF that involves the direct injection of a single sperm into each egg. ICSI is typically recommended in cases of male factor infertility, where the sperm may have difficulty fertilising the egg naturally. The fertility specialists at Ferty9 Fertility Centre will recommend the most suitable procedure based on individual circumstances.

Coverage for infertility treatment varies based on the health insurance provider and the specific policy. Some health insurance services may offer partial or complete coverage for fertility treatments such as IVF, while others may not provide any coverage at all. It is essential to review the insurance policy and discuss it with the insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for infertility treatment. Ferty9 Fertility Centre also provides guidance and assistance in navigating the financial aspects of fertility treatment.

If the first IVF cycle is unsuccessful, several options exist for subsequent attempts. The fertility specialist will evaluate the reasons for the failure of the previous cycle and recommend appropriate adjustments for the next cycle. These may include changes in medication protocols, additional testing, or considering alternative approaches such as frozen embryo transfer or using donor eggs or sperm. The team at Ferty9 Fertility Centre will provide personalised recommendations based on individual circumstances, aiming to optimize the chances of success in subsequent attempts.

The quality of eggs and sperm plays a vital role in the success of IVF. Higher-quality eggs and sperm have a higher chance of successful fertilisation and implantation. Factors such as age, lifestyle habits, and underlying medical conditions can impact the quality of eggs and sperm. While it is impossible to change one’s age, certain measures can improve the overall quality. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical exercise, eating a balanced meal, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can improve egg and sperm quality. Additionally, the fertility specialist may prescribe certain medications and supplements to enhance the quality of eggs and sperm.

IVF is considered an expensive treatment due to the complex procedures and laboratory techniques involved. The cost of IVF includes ovarian stimulation medications, egg retrieval procedures, laboratory fees for fertilisation and embryo culture, and embryo transfer procedures.

Yes, IVF pregnancies have a slightly higher chance of preterm delivery compared to natural pregnancies. However, this is primarily due to factors associated with IVF rather than the procedure itself:

• Higher likelihood of multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets)
• Advanced maternal age in many IVF patients
• Underlying fertility conditions

When these risk factors are controlled for, particularly in singleton (single baby) pregnancies, the preterm birth rates for IVF pregnancies are much closer to those of natural pregnancies.

No, IVF pregnancies do not automatically require induction. Labor induction is only recommended based on standard medical reasons, just like in any other pregnancy. The decision depends on factors such as:

• Gestational age and baby’s readiness
• Maternal health conditions
• Fetal well-being
• Standard obstetric guidelines

Many IVF pregnancies proceed to natural labor and delivery without any need for induction.

IVF due dates are generally more accurate than natural pregnancy due dates because the exact fertilization and transfer dates are known. Unlike natural pregnancies that estimate ovulation timing, IVF provides precise dates for:

• Egg retrieval
• Fertilization
• Embryo transfer (day 3 or day 5)

This precision allows for more accurate pregnancy dating and monitoring throughout the pregnancy journey.

For frozen embryo transfer, your due date calculation depends on the embryo’s age at transfer :

• Day 3 embryo transfer: Add 263 days to your transfer date
• Day 5 embryo transfer: Add 261 days to your transfer date

Alternative method: Add 266 days to transfer date, then subtract the embryo’s age (3 or 5 days)

Your first ultrasound after IVF is typically scheduled 3-5 weeks after embryo transfer, which corresponds to 6-7 weeks of pregnancy. This timing allows doctors to:

• Detect fetal heartbeat reliably
• Determine if it’s a single or multiple pregnancy
• Confirm intrauterine pregnancy location
• Assess normal pregnancy development

The ultrasound is usually performed transvaginally for clearer, more accurate images.

The chance of twins with IVF varies but is generally higher than with natural conception :

• Natural pregnancy: About 1.2% chance of twins
• IVF pregnancy: Ranges from 6% to 25% depending on various factors
• Multiple embryo transfer: Significantly increases twin probability
• Single embryo transfer: Reduces twin risk to levels closer to natural conception

Modern practice increasingly favors single embryo transfer to minimize multiple pregnancy risks.