Glossary term · Treatment
IVF (also: In vitro fertilisation): IVF is assisted reproduction in which eggs are collected, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory and a resulting embryo is placed in the uterus.
IVF, or in vitro fertilisation, is a fertility treatment in which eggs are fertilised with sperm in a laboratory and an embryo is then placed in the womb. The NHS describes the main stages as suppressing the natural cycle, boosting egg supply, collecting eggs, fertilising them and transferring an embryo.
What are the stages of an IVF cycle?
- Stimulation: fertility medicines encourage the ovaries to develop several eggs, monitored with ultrasound and blood tests.
- Egg collection: a thin needle guided by ultrasound collects eggs, usually under sedation.
- Fertilisation: eggs are combined with sperm in the laboratory, or a single sperm is injected (ICSI).
- Embryo culture: embryologists monitor how embryos develop.
- Embryo transfer: an embryo is placed in the womb through a thin tube.
What risks should you understand?
MedlinePlus lists medication side effects such as bloating and mood swings. It also lists ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, risks from egg collection and a higher chance of twins or more if more than one embryo is transferred. The NHS also names ectopic pregnancy. Stress is common. Your fertility specialist will explain which risks apply to you.
How does IVF work for a patient travelling to India?
IVF has several stages that need monitoring. Some parts may be possible at home and some must be in India. Ask the clinic which scans and tests you can do before travel and when you must be present. Also ask what happens to unused embryos. India’s ART (Regulation) Act 2021 controls freezing, storage and transfer of embryos.
Confirm the clinic is on the National ART and Surrogacy Registry before you commit.
Questions people ask
How long after embryo transfer is a pregnancy test done?
MedlinePlus says a pregnancy test is done about 12 to 14 days after transfer. If you have flown home by then, agree with the clinic who will arrange the test and how results will be shared.
Is IVF the same as ICSI?
ICSI is a laboratory step within IVF. Instead of mixing eggs and sperm, an embryologist injects a single sperm into each egg. It is often used when sperm quality is a concern. Your specialist decides which method fits your case.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.