Test Tube Baby (IVF) - Process, Images, Risks and Results

Before the IVF Surgery

1. To check the egg's quality and quantity, the doctor will test the concentration of the follicle-stimulating hormone, oestrogen, and anti-mullerian hormone in your blood during your menstrual cycle.
2. You will be advised to take a few blood tests and have a vaginal ultrasound.
3. Your doctor will conduct a semen analysis of your male partner before the start of the treatment.
4. The doctor will ask both you and your partner to undergo screening for infectious diseases, including HIV.
5. Your doctor will practice a mock embryo transfer to determine the depth of your uterine cavity.
6. Before the start of the treatment, your doctor will examine the inner lining of your uterus.
7. You will receive injectable medication containing follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or both.

On the day of IVF Procedure

1. The doctor will ask you to sign the consent form in the presence of your partner.
2. You will be told to drink 20-30 oz of fluid 1 hour before the transfer.
3. You will be advised against wearing any fancy loungewear because embryos are sensitive to odours.
4. Before embryo transfer, you must undergo a series of verifications.

During the IVF Procedure

1. Injectable medications such as follicle-stimulating hormone, a luteinising hormone, or a combination of both, stimulate your ovaries.
2. After the final medication, egg retrieval will be done by your doctor. You will be sedated and given pain medication.
3. The doctor will use the transvaginal ultrasound method to insert a probe into the vagina to locate follicles.
4. With the help of an ultrasound guide, a thin needle is inserted through the vagina into the follicles to retrieve eggs.
5. An abdominal ultrasound guide is used if the ovaries aren't accessible through transvaginal ultrasound.
6. Multiple eggs are selected through a suction device. This procedure lasts for 20 minutes.
7. The doctor will do the embryo transfer after 2-5 days of egg retrieval. An embryo will be implanted in the lining of your uterus after 5-10 days of egg retrieval.

After IVF Procedure

1. Once the procedure is done, your doctor will advise you to continue your daily activities but avoid any vigorous activity.
2. Your ovaries will stay enlarged after the procedure.
3. Due to swabbing of the cervix before embryo transfer, there may be a small amount of clear or bloody fluid after the procedure.
4. You will have breast tenderness because of your high oestrogen level and might have mild constipation, cramping, and constipation.

First follow-up Appointment

1. The first follow-up will be 2-5 weeks after the embryo transfer and pregnancy confirmation. It is usually scheduled when you are 5-6 weeks pregnant.
2. Your doctor will perform the first ultrasound to detect the foetal heartbeat.
3. This is the time when the doctor confirms whether the pregnancy is single or multiple and if the development is normal.
4. The doctor will advise you to eat healthily and do regular pregnancy exercises.
5. The doctor will schedule your further timely follow-ups.

Seek medical care immediately if you have:

1. Heavy vaginal bleeding
2. Severe pain during bowel movements
3. Severe pelvic pain
4. Moderate to severe cramping or bloating
5. An infection, vaginal soreness, or severe pain in the ovaries
6. Severe tenderness in your breast
7. Feeling tiredness or fatigue
8. High fever

Risks and complications if the procedure is delayed are:

1. Higher chances of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which causes swelling and pain in the ovaries.
2. Higher chances of miscarriage for a woman.
3. Higher chances of damage to the bowel, bladder, or blood vessels.
4. Increased chances of ectopic pregnancy and birth defects in babies.

The cost of In Vitro Fertilization ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹1,50,000. The cost varies based on the following factors:

1. Type of In Vitro surgery
2. Age of the patient
3. The medical condition of the patient
4. The type of hospital facility availed - individual room or shared.