What IVF is, in plain words
IVF stands for in vitro fertilisation. "In vitro" simply means outside the body. Medicines help the ovaries grow several eggs in one cycle. The eggs are collected, mixed with sperm in the lab, and the embryos grow for three to five days. One healthy embryo is then placed into the uterus. In India it is often called test tube baby treatment, although no test tube is involved.
Dr. Prachi has a Hindi video that walks through IVF step by step. Many couples watch it before their first visit so they can come in with their own questions.
When IVF is usually advised
- Both fallopian tubes are blocked or were removed.
- Egg reserve is low, or age means time matters.
- Severe male factor, usually treated with ICSI as part of IVF.
- Endometriosis affecting fertility.
- Three or four IUI cycles have not worked.
- Long-standing unexplained infertility.
- Genetic testing of embryos is needed.
The IVF steps
- Planning visitTests are reviewed and the medicine plan (protocol) is chosen for your body, your AMH and your history.
- Ovarian stimulation, 8 to 12 daysDaily hormone injections help several follicles grow. You will have scans and sometimes blood tests every few days to adjust the dose.
- Trigger and egg collectionA final injection matures the eggs. About 34 to 36 hours later, eggs are collected through the vagina with a fine needle under ultrasound, while you are under short anaesthesia. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Fertilisation in the labEggs are mixed with sperm (conventional IVF) or each egg is injected with one sperm (ICSI). Embryologists check fertilisation the next day.
- Embryo growthEmbryos grow for three to five days. Many clinics now prefer to grow them to day 5, the blastocyst stage.
- Embryo transferOne embryo is placed in the uterus with a soft catheter. It is painless and feels similar to a routine scan. Extra good embryos can be frozen.
- Pregnancy testA blood test (beta hCG) is done about 10 to 14 days after transfer.
Fresh or frozen transfer?
Sometimes it is safer or better to freeze all embryos and transfer one in a later, calmer cycle. This is common when the ovaries respond very strongly, when the lining is not ideal, or when embryos are being tested. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) results today are similar to fresh transfers in many situations. Dr. Prachi will explain which route suits you.
Lab add-ons, explained honestly
You may hear about assisted hatching, embryo glue, time-lapse imaging or PGT-A (genetic testing of embryos). Some help in specific situations. Others have limited evidence for routine use. Dr. Prachi has made a short video on embryo glue, and her approach is simple: an add-on is suggested only when there is a clear reason for you, and you will always know why.
Risks to know about
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): swelling of the ovaries from strong response. Modern protocols and freeze-all strategies make severe OHSS uncommon.
- Multiple pregnancy: kept low by transferring a single embryo in most cases.
- Minor bleeding or infection after egg collection, both rare.
- Emotional strain: IVF can be tiring. Talking openly with your team helps.
What affects success
The biggest factor is the age of the woman providing the eggs, because egg quality falls with age. Embryo quality, the health of the uterus, sperm quality and lifestyle also play a part. No clinic can promise a baby. What Dr. Prachi can promise is a clear explanation of your own chances before you begin, based on your tests rather than averages.
Questions couples ask
Is IVF painful?
The injections cause mild discomfort at the needle site. Egg collection is done under short anaesthesia, so you do not feel it. Transfer is painless.
Do I need bed rest after embryo transfer?
No. Studies show bed rest does not improve results. Light normal activity is fine. Avoid heavy lifting and intense workouts for a few days.
How many embryos are transferred?
In most cases one good quality embryo. This keeps the chance of pregnancy good while avoiding the risks of twins or triplets.
Can IVF be done without injections?
Natural or mild IVF uses few or no injections, but usually gives fewer eggs. It suits only a small group of women and is discussed case by case.
How long should we wait after a failed cycle?
Often one or two periods. A review visit looks at what happened and what can be changed for the next attempt.
This page gives general information only. Dr. Prachi will advise on what suits you after reviewing your history and reports.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Prachi Benara, MS, DNB, MRCOG (London). Last updated October 2026.