Deciding to start IVF is rarely easy. You may have been trying for months or years, perhaps through several tests or earlier treatments, and now want clear, honest answers about what comes next. Dr. Sunita Arora, an infertility specialist with over 23 years of experience, offers IVF consultations at her clinics in Safdarjung Enclave and Greater Kailash II, South Delhi.
This page explains what IVF involves, who it may suit, what happens at each stage and what the risks are, so you can approach your first appointment with confidence.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a fertility treatment in which eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo, or embryos, are then placed in the uterus in the hope that one implants and develops into a pregnancy. Because fertilisation happens outside the body, IVF can help in situations where natural conception or simpler treatments such as IUI are unlikely to work.
IVF is considered after a full assessment of both partners. It may be recommended when:
Before treatment, both partners are evaluated. Depending on your history, this may include an ultrasound scan, hormone tests to assess egg reserve, a semen analysis and checks of the uterus and tubes. You will also be advised on healthy weight, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol and any supplements, because these can affect outcomes. Any other health conditions are reviewed so that treatment is as safe as possible.
A clear, guided walkthrough of what to expect at every stage of your in vitro fertilisation cycle.
Hormone injections encourage the ovaries to develop several eggs instead of one. Regular scans and blood tests track your response, and doses are adjusted as needed.
When the follicles are ready, a trigger injection prepares the eggs for collection at a precise time.
Using ultrasound guidance, a fine needle is passed through the vagina to collect the eggs. It takes about 20 minutes and is done with sedation or anaesthesia. On the same day, your partner provides a sperm sample, or previously frozen sperm is used.
Eggs are fertilised with sperm, either by conventional IVF or ICSI. The embryos are then monitored in the laboratory as they develop over several days.
One or more embryos are placed in the uterus through a thin, soft tube. The procedure is usually quick and does not need anaesthesia. Suitable spare embryos may be frozen for later use, if you wish and if this is appropriate.
A pregnancy test is advised about two weeks after the transfer. If it is positive, an early scan follows. If it is not, Dr. Arora will discuss what happened and what the options are.
IVF is widely used and generally safe, but it is not risk-free. Fertility medicines can cause bloating, mood changes and breast tenderness. In a small number of women the ovaries over-respond, causing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can cause pain, swelling and in severe cases needs hospital care. Transferring more than one embryo increases the chance of twins or more. Ectopic pregnancy, bleeding or infection after egg collection are uncommon.
IVF can be physically and emotionally demanding, for both partners. It is normal to feel hopeful one day and anxious the next. Talk openly with Dr. Arora about how you are coping, and consider counselling or a trusted support network.
An unsuccessful cycle is hard, and she will help you decide calmly on the next step rather than rushing into another cycle.
Dr. Arora is a gynaecologist and obstetrician with a fellowship in reproductive medicine and IVF training at the Mount Sinai programme in New York. She is the director of Dr Sunita Arora Fertility and Gynae Clinic and has special interests in infertility, IVF, IUI and endoscopic surgery.
She also teaches, running FOGSI-accredited courses in IUI and IVF for gynaecologists. Patients can expect personal attention, honest advice and transparency about every stage of treatment.
Dr. Arora also sees the whole picture of your reproductive health. If a problem such as a fibroid, polyp or ovarian cyst needs attention before IVF, she can advise on minimally invasive options.
You can see Dr. Arora at Dr Sunita Arora Fertility and Gynae Clinic in Safdarjung Enclave or at Fortis La Femme, Greater Kailash II.
Dr Sunita Arora Fertility and Gynae Clinic
Fortis La Femme, South Delhi
Many patients also travel from nearby areas such as Hauz Khas, Green Park and Malviya Nagar. See the Clinics page for addresses and timings.
Find answers to common questions about in vitro fertilisation, procedure steps, and realistic expectations.