What is IVF Treatment - Procedure, Treatment Cost, Side Effects

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Surprisingly, IVF technology gave birth to India’s first test tube baby as early as 1986. This miraculous moment in gynaecology quickly became widely known as the IVF success rate increased significantly. Despite its success, infertility treatment involves a lengthy process with certain risks and costs. Read on to dig into the details of assisted reproductive treatments and learn how IVF is covered by health insurance.

What is IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) Treatment?

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the most successful type of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) that helps couples overcome infertility. This is an 'in-vitro' process, meaning that the egg fertilisation is done in a lab outside the mother's body. As a proven technology, IVF helps couples struggling with childbirth by treating various infertility causes, both in males and females.

The high success rate of over 50% for women aged 35 and below makes IVF treatment the go-to choice and first line of therapy to combat the many causes of infertility. The most encouraging part about IVF is that it allows the couple to check the fertility organs beforehand to ensure a successful pregnancy. However, IVF treatment involves a long journey demanding a lot of patience and support.

What is the IVF Treatment Procedure?

The IVF procedure involves-

Step 1: Prior Diagnostics

The IVF treatment process begins with ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis, uterus examination, and infectious disease screening to rule out any illness-related complications.

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation

The second step of the IVF treatment is to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs

Step 3: Egg Retrieval

The crucial step is egg retrieval, where eggs are extracted from the ovaries using a needle and suction device. Although the process takes hardly 30 minutes, the female may experience mild cramps and pressure.

Step 4: Sperm Retrieval

The couple must submit the semen sample in the lab on the same day of egg retrieval. After collection, the sperm undergo a washing and spinning cycle.

Step 5: In Vitro Fertilisation

Now is the time for reproduction, when the sperm are united with the egg. Fertilisation can be performed using either conventional insemination or direct sperm injection (ICSI). This process is critical to the success of the IVF treatment. Typically, 70% of mature eggs will fertilize and develop into embryos.

Step 6: Embryo Culturing and Transfer

The second last step of IVF treatment procedure aims to preserve the embryo by providing the right ecosystem for it to grow. The healthy embryo is then carefully transferred into the uterus using a syringe.

Step 7: Routine Pregnancy Tests

After embryo transfer, the doctor determines if at least one embryo has successfully implanted on the uterine lining. Medications are given to the expecting mother to support implantation and confirm pregnancy.

What are the Side Effects of IVF Treatment?

Due to the artificial nature of embryo culturing, IVF carries several health risks, including premature delivery, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, bladder or bowel complications, and other rare syndromes. IVF success rates decrease with age, posing a greater risk for older women. There is also a risk of birth defects.

Once a healthy pregnancy is confirmed, the expectant mother may experience common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, abdominal pain, ovarian enlargement, and constipation. To combat these effects, doctors recommend adequate rest and hydration.

Additionally, medications used during IVF may cause side effects such as mood changes (feeling down or irritable), headaches, restlessness, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), where too many eggs develop in the ovaries, causing pain. OHSS is a rare side effect of IVF treatment. If any of these symptoms persist, it is advisable to contact the fertility clinic.

>> Read More: Know the Importance of Healthy Diet during Pregnancy

What is the Cost of IVF Treatment in India?

Metropolitan cities have higher costs due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and the demand for IVF. The average cost of IVF treatment in India ranges from INR 60,000 to 1,50,000. However, the IVF treatment process may be costlier in tier-1 cities like Gurgaon and New Delhi compared to tier-2 and tier-3 cities given below-

• Delhi- Rs 100,000- Rs 200,000
• Mumbai– Rs 120,000- Rs 250,000
• Punjab- Rs 100,000-Rs175,000
• Kolkata- Rs 80,000- Rs 150,000
• Bengaluru- Rs 100,000- Rs 200,000
• Hyderabad- Rs 90,000-Rs 180,000
• Chennai- Rs 90,000- Rs 170,000

Which Health Insurance covers IVF Treatment in India?

At Care Health Insurance, the IVF health insurance coverage is covered under our zone-based health plan– ‘Care Classic’. The policy offers only a reimbursement facility toward assisted reproductive treatment, with the following policy conditions:

• The benefit is available up to 2 lakhs per policy year for sum insured options above 5 lakhs.
• The coverage is subject to 3 years waiting period.
• The benefit is available once every 3 years of the block period.

This way, we ensure that couples struggling with pregnancy can experience the joy of parenting without stressing about the costs involved. Please note that this benefit under Care Classic comes with further exclusions that policyholders should verify with the policy prospectus.

Investing in Valuable Family

IVF is an opportunity to transform challenges to new beginnings. Though it is a painful to not have a baby naturally, but it’s time to embrace the future with hope. By investing in IVF, you are investing in your valuable families and overcome infertility. So, shape your life and fulfill your dream of parenthood with love.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.