Frequently Asked Questions

What screening would we (husband and wife) require before the IVF procedure?

You would be advised the following before the IVF cycle:

Ovarian reserve testing. To determine the quantity and quality of your eggs, your doctor might test the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen) and antimullerian hormone in your blood during the first few days of your menstrual cycle. Test results, often used together with an ultrasound of your ovaries, can help predict how your ovaries will respond to fertility medication.
Semen analysis. If not done as part of your initial fertility evaluation, your doctor will conduct a semen analysis shortly before the start of an IVF treatment cycle.
Infectious disease screening. You and your partner will both be screened for infectious diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis B & C, VDRL for syphilis.
Mock embryo transfer. Your doctor might conduct a mock embryo transfer to determine the depth of your uterine cavity and the technique most likely to successfully place the embryos into your uterus.
Uterine cavity: Your doctor will examine your uterine cavity before you start IVF. This might involve a transvaginal ultrasound to create images of your uterine cavity including a color Doppler and sometimes 3D. Or it might include a hysteroscopy — in which a thin, lighted telescope (hysteroscope) is inserted through your vagina and cervix into your uterus.

How many embryos will be implanted?

The number of embryos implanted is typically based on the age and number of eggs retrieved. For young patients on their first cycle, 1-2 embryos are introduced. Since the rate of implantation is lower for older women, more embryos (3) are usually implanted — except for women using donor eggs. However, most doctors follow specific guidelines to prevent a higher order multiple pregnancies — and in some countries, legislation limits the number of embryos that can be implanted at once. Make sure you and your doctor agree on the number of embryos that will be implanted before they're transferred. Indian law would permit the transfer of 3 embryos.

What will you do with any extra embryos?

Extra embryos can be frozen and stored for future use for several years. Cryopreservation can make future cycles of IVF less expensive and less invasive. With current techniques of vitrification the pregnancy rates with fresh and frozen embryos are the same. Or you might be able to donate unused frozen embryos to another couple or a research facility. You might also choose to discard unused embryos.

How will you handle a multiple pregnancies?

If more than one embryo is implanted in your uterus, IVF can result in a multiple pregnancies — which poses health risks for you and your babies. In some cases, fetal reduction can be used to help a woman deliver fewer babies with lower health risks. Pursuing fetal reduction, however, is a major decision with ethical, emotional and psychological consequences. The technique requires a skilled ultrasound expert.

Have you considered the potential complications associated with using donor eggs, sperm or embryos or a surrogate mother?

A trained counselor with expertise in donor issues can help you understand the legal, ethical, emotional and procedural aspects of these techniques.

What medications will I take during the IVF cycle?

You may need several different medications, such as:

Medications for ovarian stimulation. To stimulate your ovaries, you might receive an injectable medication containing a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a luteinizing hormone (LH) or a combination of both. These medications stimulate more than one egg to develop at a time. The ideal number of eggs for IVF success is 5-15. This would ensure enough number of embryos for fresh and frozen transfer.
Medications for oocyte maturation. When the follicles are ready for egg retrieval — generally 10th or 11th day of stimulation — you will take 10000 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or other medications to help the eggs mature.
Medications to prevent premature ovulation. These medications prevent your body from releasing the developing eggs too soon. It is important that the eggs do not release before we can retrieve them from the ovaries
Medications to prepare the lining of your uterus. On the day of egg retrieval or at the time of embryo transfer, your doctor might recommend that you begin taking progesterone supplements to make the lining of your uterus more receptive to implantation. Other supplements such as aspirin, folic acid, low molecular weight heparin injections and estradiol valerate might also be suggested.

How will the doctor monitor my egg development?

Typically, you'll need one to two weeks of ovarian stimulation before your eggs are ready for retrieval. To determine when the eggs are ready for collection, your doctor will likely perform Trans Vaginal ultrasound, a procedure that uses sound waves to create an image of your ovaries to monitor the development of fluid-filled ovarian sacs where eggs mature (follicles). Blood tests to measure your response to ovarian stimulation medications — estrogen levels typically increase as follicles develop and progesterone levels remain low until after ovulation. Progesterone will also be checked on the day of the hCG night trigger.

Is there any possibility of the IVF treatment being cancelled mid-way?

Sometimes the cycle has to be cancelled in your own interest. Common reasons are:

Inadequate number of follicles developing.
Premature ovulation.
Too many follicles developing, creating a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Other medical issues.

If your cycle is cancelled, your doctor might recommend changing medications or their dose to promote a better response during future IVF cycles. Or you may be advised that you need an egg donor.

How will they do the Egg retrieval?

Egg retrieval can be done in the IVF Operating room 34 to 36 hours after the final injection (usually a night trigger of hCG) and before ovulation.During egg retrieval, you'll be sedated and given pain medication. Transvaginal ultrasound aspiration is the usual retrieval method. An ultrasound probe is inserted into your vagina to identify follicles. Then a thin needle is inserted into an ultrasound guide to go through the vagina and into the follicles to retrieve the eggs. The eggs are removed from the follicles through a needle connected to a suction device. Multiple eggs can be removed in about 10 minutes.

What symptoms will I have after the egg retrieval?

After egg retrieval, you may experience cramping and feelings of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen. You might also experience some dizziness for a couple of hours. Make sure that you are accompanied home by your husband or a relative. Sometimes, you may feel nausea and even vomit. These are usually mild and resolve on their own.

What is done with the eggs and sperm?

Mature eggs are placed in a nutritive liquid (culture medium) and incubated. In conventional IVF, eggs that appear healthy and mature will be mixed with sperm to attempt to create embryos. However, not all eggs may be successfully fertilized. For patients with sperm problems or unexplained infertility we prefer ICSI where a single sperm is picked up in a microneedle and injected into the egg to ensure that fertilization occurs.

How will sperm be collected?

If you're using your partner's sperm, he'll provide a semen sample at your doctor's office or a clinic through masturbation the morning of egg retrieval. If he feels anxious, you should inform the clinic so that they can have him deposit a semen sample for cryofreezing any time before the actual procedure date. The results with fresh and frozen sperm are the same. Other methods, such as testicular aspiration — the use of a needle or surgical procedure to extract sperm directly from the testicle — are sometimes required. Donor sperm also can be used. Sperm are separated from the semen fluid in the lab.

Is Embryo transfer a painful procedure?

Embryo transfer is done at your doctor's office or a clinic and usually takes place two to six days after egg retrieval. The procedure is usually painless, although you might experience mild cramping. You can request a sedative if you feel nervous. The doctor or nurse will insert a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter into your vagina, through your cervix and into your uterus. A syringe containing one or more embryos suspended in a small amount of fluid is attached to the end of the catheter and then delivered through the tube into your uterus.

What precautions do I have to take after the procedure?

After the embryo transfer, you can resume your normal daily activities. However, your ovaries may still be enlarged. Consider avoiding vigorous activity, which could cause discomfort.

Typical side effects include

Passing a small amount of clear or bloody fluid shortly after the procedure — due to the swabbing of the cervix before the embryo transfer.
Breast tenderness due to high estrogen levels.
Mild bloating.
Mild cramping.
Constipation.

If you develop moderate or severe pain after the embryo transfer, contact your doctor. He or she will evaluate you for factors such as infection, twisting of an ovary (ovarian torsion) and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

What fertility factors affect my pregnancy rate with IVF?

After the embryo transfer, you can resume your normal daily activities. However, your ovaries may still be enlarged. Consider avoiding vigorous activity, which could cause discomfort.

Maternal age. The younger you are, the more likely you are to get pregnant and give birth to a healthy baby using your own eggs during IVF. Women age 41 and older are often counselled to consider using donor eggs during IVF to increase the chances of success.
Embryo status. The number and quality of embryos will affect the pregnancy rates. Grade 1 is usually associated with a 50% chance which drops to 30% with grade 2, 10 % with grade 3 and < 2% with grade 4.
Reproductive history: Women who've previously given birth or had previous miscarriages or ectopic (tubal) pregnancies are more likely to be able to get pregnant using IVF than are women who've never given birth. Success rates are lower for women who've previously used IVF multiple times but didn't get pregnant.
Cause of infertility. Having a normal supply of eggs increases your chances of being able to get pregnant using IVF. Women who have endometriosis and low serum AMH levels are less likely to be able to get pregnant using IVF than are women who have unexplained infertility.
Lifestyle factors. Women who smoke have fewer eggs retrieved during IVF and may miscarry more often. Smoking can lower a woman's chance of success using IVF by 50 percent. Obesity can decrease your chances of getting pregnant and having a baby. Use of alcohol, recreational drugs, excessive caffeine and certain medications also can be harmful.

FAQ - POST EMBRYO TRANSFER

What are my chances of pregnancy?

It is important to remember that the maximum you can expect per cycle of treatment would be 15 – 20% with IUI, 30 – 40% with IVF and ICSI, 50 – 60% with oocyte donation, embryo donation and surrogacy. However, the good statistic is that the cumulative pregnancy rate with 3 cycles of the selected treatment would be in the range of 60 – 70%

Is it normal to feel heaviness in the abdomen during treatment and what can I do?

Most of the injectables used in all treatments are for multiple egg production. Owing to this, there is an enlargement of the ovaries which commonly causes heaviness and a sense of bloating in the abdomen. This is normal and not a cause for concern. In the event of ovarian hyperstimulation (too many eggs), doctor will inform you that might have excessive pain or abdominal swelling and could require admission for a few days.

Can we have sexual relations after embryo transfer ?

It is better to avoid sexual intercourse after embryo transfer for a period of 15 days until the pregnancy test and for 20 more days if the result is positive. In IUI cycles, sexual intercourse is permitted after the procedure until the pregnancy test.

What food restrictions should I follow?

All vegetarian food is allowed during these treatments. Non-vegetarians can avoid excess consumption of red meat and eggs. Fruits and salads can be taken in plenty. Avoid fasting until the pregnancy test. Chicken and fish can be consumed in moderated portions. Some people believe that mango and papaya in excess can cause abortion so you may avoid these fruits after embryo transfer.

When can I resume work at office?

We normally advice 3 – 4 days of restricted activity after embryo transfer (not complete bed rest). However, you can resume work the next day if there is not too much of travel and physical stress involved in your work pattern. Most available research suggests that resting does not help the pregnancy outcome so there is no advantage of staying at home and discontinuing office and work after the procedure.

What about travel restrictions ?

All modes of transport are fine as long as you avoid bumpy drives, potholes and autorickshaws. Train and car are equally safe for all Mumbai patients and also for patients returning to their hometowns in Gujarat or maharashtra. It is also safe to catch a flight on the same day as the embryo transfer but if you wish you could rest for a night and fly the next day. Yes, you can also sit on the back seat of a two-wheeler without any problems or cause for concern. International patients can return within a couple of days of the transfer.

How many times can I climb a staircase?

As many times as you wish. Of course it would be preferable if you did so slowly and without exerting yourself too much.

Do I have to sleep in a straight position?

No, you can sleep in any position that you are comfortable with, even on your stomach if you wish. External pressure is not transmitted to the uterus as it is well protected in the pelvic bone. So also, a small child sitting on your stomach cannot cause any harm to a potential pregnancy.

What about hair color, Hennna and tattoos ?

Non-ammonical hair color is supposed to be safe but can be avoided if not very urgent. Henna is safe. Tattooing can be done before embryo transfer, better to avoid thereafter. Bleaching creams are to be avoided as are ointments for pimples and acne. Waxing is fine and permitted.

What about exercise and yoga during treatments?

You can do moderate exercise during the treatment cycle until the day of the egg retrieval. Therafter it is better to avoid any vigorous exercise, gym, cardio and brisk walks. Also, strenuous yogasanas are to be avoided after embryo transfer. A 20 – 30 minute casual stroll is permitted 4 days after the embryo transfer. Also, avoid pranayama which is associated with rapid changes in abdominal pressure after embryo transfer.

Can I also take ayurvedic / homeopathic co-treatment to boost my fertility?

We would advice you not to mix other therapies with our injections as the adverse effects of such combinations have not been studied. However, there are some reports showing beneficial effects of acupuncture and reflexology during an IVF cycle. You need to consult the proper person for the same.

Why am I being asked to repeat the pregnancy test?

Sometimes, the first reading of serum beta hCG (pregnancy test) may be < 100 mIU/ml which indicates implantation. In that case the clinic will ask you to repeat the test after 48 hours. If the level doubles in 48 hours, we probably have a good pregnancy. However, if the reading remains low or does not double, it is know as a biochemical pregnancy which usually ends in a miscarriage. We understand your anxiety but there is no way to resolve the issue until the second test is performed. Please continue all medication until the second test is done. Biochemical pregnancies are often due to some genetic defects in the embryo or some hormone deficiencies which cannot be diagnosed or corrected.

Why did my cycle fail?

We understand your feelings in case of failure. It is important to remember and understand the success rates which have been told to you at the beginning of the cycle. Please do not blame failure on anything that you feel you did wrong (such as eating out, traveling long distances, bumps or jerks with a autorickshaw, cold, cough, fever, or any other such events). As counseled earlier you have to remember that you have to often do multiple cycles before attaining success. You can request a meeting with the doctor in the evening hours, preferable more than a week after the negative test (to allow for emotional recovery) and then discuss things out. Doctor will review the file and the cycle events and counsel you about the possible reasons (for example – egg or sperm quality, some problem in the womb which could not hold on to the embryos although they were of best quality and other such reasons.

Common prescriptions for problems after embryo transfer

Cold: Tab Cetzine / Alerid twice a day for excess sneezing. Excessive sneezing will not affect the result or pregnancy outcome
Cough: Syr Chericof 2 tspf three times is safe even in early pregnancy. For excessive coughing, can take a spoonful of Syr Benadryl or Corex at bedtime for a good nights sleep. Again this will not affect the results
Fever: Tab Crocin or any paracetamol tablet twice or thrice as required is safe in pregnancy. If it persists, you will need to consult your GP for further tests and medication. Antibiotics are ok and all you need to do is inform him that you might be pregnant so that he can select appropriate medication for you.
Pain in abdomen: Mild cramping and pain are normal during treatment. Can take a tablet of Drotin or Cyclopam for relief. If pain persists please contact the clinic for further action.
Rash / allergy: Inj Gestone or any progesterone can cause skin rashes and allergies in 10% of patients. Cetzine / Cetgel tablets can be taken twice daily for relief. In case of excessive rash, you could contact your GP. He might have to administer a shot of dexamethasone (4 – 8 mg) for instant relief. Also, you need to discontinue the gestone injections and switch to vaginal tablets of microgest / naturogest / susten / gestofit 200 mg to inserted in the vagina three times daily. Results will not be affected by this change./p>
Constipation: This is common with progesterone – can take Syr Duphalac 15 ml twice daily for the whole 15 days. This will also help relieve gas. In case this does not help, can take Naturecare – 1 large tablespoon in a glass of water at bedtime. Also, Syr Cremaffin 2 taspf at bedtime is a good remedy for constipation.
Gas: For excessive gas, you can take tab Pankreoflat – 1 after lunch daily
Injection pain: Most of the initial shots are water soluble, quickly absorbed and relatively painless. However, injections of gestone / progesterone are oil based and will form lumps (often painful) at the site of injection. It helps to massage the site of injection for 5 minutes with the ice-pack provided to you immediately after injection for 5 minutes. Also, application of thrombophob gel is useful in some patients. In case of severe discomfort, stop the injections and change to Capsules of microgest / naturogest / susten (200 mg) to be inserted vaginally three times daily or Susten 8% vaginal gel to be inserted vaginally twice daily.
Excessive vaginal discharge: This is common in the first half of treatment when you are receiving injections for multiple egg production. If there is itching or foul smell, you can insert Tab Clingen -3- vaginal tablets for three consecutive nights.
Pre-menstrual cramps, backache and leg pain: If this happens do not assume that treatment has failed as the same symptoms are caused by progesterone injections and vaginal capsules. You have to wait for the pregnancy test before assuming failure of treatment.
Bleeding before the pregnancy test: This could be either due to implantation of the embryos (especially multiple pregnancies) which is a good sign, mild breakthrough bleeding (which is common when you are taking vaginal progesterone) or failure of treatment (pre-menstrual bleeding). In either case, we can't do anything until the pregnancy test, so please be patient and wait for the results before assuming failure or success.

First Time Patient

Frequently Asked Questions

Mumbai Fertility Clinic & IVF Center

For Appointments / Enquiry Contact:
+917021380015 / +917021333232

Landline:
+91 22 6690 8000 - 100 (100 lines)
+91 22 2388 7865 / 2388 5985 / 6664 2157

For Appointments / Enquiry Contact : +917021380015 / +917021333232

Mala Shah : +919867430334 / +919769763860

Call on +91 22 6690 8000 - 100 (100 lines)

Designed & Maintained by : VersionNext

First Time Patient

Frequently Asked Questions

Mumbai Fertility Clinic & IVF Center

For Appointments / Enquiry Contact: +917021380015 / +917021333232

Landline: +91 22 6690 8000 - 100 (100 lines) +91 22 2388 7865 / 2388 5985 / 6664 2157

For Appointments / Enquiry Contact : +917021380015 / +917021333232

Mala Shah : +919867430334 / +919769763860

Call on +91 22 6690 8000 - 100 (100 lines)

Designed & Maintained by : VersionNext

For Appointments / Enquiry Contact:
+917021380015 / +917021333232

Landline:
+91 22 6690 8000 - 100 (100 lines)
+91 22 2388 7865 / 2388 5985 / 6664 2157