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IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is the most widely used assisted reproductive technology in the world. It involves stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs, retrieving those eggs, fertilising them with sperm in a laboratory, and transferring one or more resulting embryos into the uterus. According to NI
IVF — in vitro fertilisation — is a fertility treatment in which eggs are removed from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm outside the body in a laboratory (the Latin phrase in vitro means "in glass"), and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus.
According to NIH's StatPearls, IVF is used to treat a wide range of infertility causes, including blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, unexplained infertility, and male factor infertility such as low sperm count. It is also used to avoid passing on known genetic conditions, using a process called preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), where embryos are screened before transfer.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine and clinics such as Apollo Fertility in Kolkata advise that couples who have been trying to conceive for over one year without success — or for six months if the woman is over 35 — should consult a fertility specialist. Multiple miscarriages or known reproductive health conditions are also reasons to seek evaluation sooner.
Understanding each stage reduces uncertainty and helps women prepare — physically and emotionally — for what lies ahead.
In a natural cycle, one egg matures per month. IVF requires more eggs to improve the chances of producing viable embryos. Hormone injections — typically containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) — are given daily over around 8–14 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs simultaneously.
During this phase, the clinician monitors progress through blood tests and ultrasound scans, adjusting the medication dose as needed. When follicles reach the appropriate size, a "trigger shot" of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is given to finalise egg maturation.
Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed under sedation or light anaesthesia. Using an ultrasound-guided needle, the doctor collects the fluid from each mature follicle in the ovaries. The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes. Mild cramping or bloating is common in the hours following.
Retrieved eggs are assessed by an embryologist and combined with sperm in the laboratory — either through standard insemination (placing eggs and sperm together in a dish) or through ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. ICSI is commonly used when sperm quality is a factor. Fertilisation is confirmed the following day, and embryo development is monitored over the next three to five days.
One or more embryos — ideally at the blastocyst stage (day five of development) — are selected for transfer into the uterus. The procedure is simple, usually performed without anaesthesia, and involves passing a thin catheter through the cervix. Remaining viable embryos can be frozen for future use.
After transfer, progesterone support (usually in the form of vaginal pessaries or injections) is given to help prepare the uterine lining for implantation. A blood test to check for pregnancy is typically conducted approximately 10–14 days after transfer.
[REVIEWER: add clinical insight here — e.g., how you guide patients through the emotional difficulty of the two-week wait, and what advice you give around activity, rest, and managing anxiety during this period]
Success rates are the question every woman asks — and they require honest context. According to NIH-indexed research, the percentage of completed egg retrievals that result in a live birth ranges from approximately 54% for women under 35 to around 10% for women over 40. Age is the single most significant factor affecting IVF success, because egg quality and ovarian reserve both decline with age.
A PMC-indexed review of global IVF outcomes found that the overall success rate of IVF procedures increased from 6% in the 1990s to 27% in the UK by 2021 — a reflection of advances in laboratory techniques, embryo culture, and embryo freezing. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles, where previously frozen embryos are thawed and transferred, have shown strong results and are increasingly used as a first choice at some centres.
Other factors that influence success include the cause of infertility, sperm quality, the number of eggs retrieved, embryo quality, and the skill and experience of the clinical team. Clinics in India, including those in Kolkata, have seen significant advances in IVF laboratory technology over the last decade, with major centres reporting competitive outcomes.
One important point: success rates are best compared as live birth rates per cycle — not "pregnancy rates" or "positive test rates," which include early losses. When researching clinics, ask specifically for live birth rates per initiated cycle. A reputable clinic will share this data clearly.
IVF is generally safe, but it is not risk-free. Understanding the key risks allows women to have informed conversations with their doctor.
OHSS occurs when the ovaries over-respond to stimulation medication, producing too many follicles and causing fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. Mild OHSS — bloating, nausea, mild pain — is relatively common and usually resolves within a week or two. According to NIH-indexed research, approximately 1.9% of patients are hospitalised due to more severe effects, which in rare cases can include hepatorenal complications and thromboembolism. Women with PCOS are at higher risk.
Modern IVF protocols have significantly reduced the incidence of severe OHSS. Strategies include lower stimulation doses, modified trigger shot protocols, and freezing all embryos in high-risk cycles rather than proceeding to a fresh transfer.
Transferring more than one embryo increases the chance of twins or triplets — and with that, the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and pregnancy complications. Single embryo transfer (SET) is now increasingly recommended by fertility specialists for women with good-quality embryos, as it reduces multiple pregnancy risk without significantly compromising live birth rates. Discuss this policy with your doctor before treatment.
IVF is physically demanding — but the emotional dimension is equally significant and sometimes underestimated. Hormone medications can affect mood. The process requires repeated clinic visits, injections, and waiting — often alongside uncertainty about outcomes. A failed cycle is a genuine loss, and the cumulative weight of multiple attempts can affect mental health significantly.
Reputable fertility clinics offer psychological support or referrals to counsellors trained in fertility-related distress. Women considering IVF — particularly after previous losses or failed cycles — should ask what emotional support is available alongside the medical treatment.
[REVIEWER: add clinical insight here — e.g., how you address the psychological dimension of IVF with patients in your practice, and what support pathways you recommend in Kolkata]
Kolkata has a growing number of IVF clinics, ranging from large multi-specialty fertility networks to specialist independent centres. The right clinic depends on individual needs and circumstances — but several universal criteria apply.
Credentials and experience: Look for a reproductive medicine specialist or gynaecologist with postgraduate training in infertility and assisted reproductive technology. A doctor who has performed several hundred to several thousand IVF cycles has the experience to manage both routine and complex cases.
Transparent success rates: A trustworthy clinic shares live birth rates per cycle — broken down by age group and the type of cycle (fresh vs. frozen). Be cautious of clinics that only advertise "pregnancy rates" or do not provide disaggregated data.
Laboratory quality: The IVF laboratory is where fertilisation and embryo development happen. Modern equipment, stringent quality control, experienced embryologists, and the ability to freeze embryos with high survival rates (through a technique called vitrification) are all markers of a well-run laboratory.
Communication and patient-centred care: Fertility treatment is emotionally intense. The quality of how a clinic communicates — explaining options clearly, responding to questions, providing support between appointments — matters as much as technical skill for many patients. At an initial consultation, pay attention to whether your questions are answered fully and whether you feel heard.
Cost transparency: IVF costs in Kolkata vary by clinic, protocol, and individual complexity. Clinics such as PHS Fertility have published indicative costs for a standard IVF cycle. Ask for a written breakdown that includes medication, laboratory fees, ultrasound monitoring, and the embryo transfer — and what additional costs would apply for frozen cycles or ICSI.
How many IVF cycles does it usually take to get pregnant? There is no fixed number. Success rates are highest in the first three cycles and depend significantly on age, embryo quality, and the cause of infertility. Many women conceive in one or two cycles; others require more. Your doctor can give a more personalised estimate based on your ovarian reserve, hormone levels, and previous history.
Is IVF painful? The injections involved in ovarian stimulation cause mild discomfort for most women. The egg retrieval procedure is performed under sedation and is not felt during the procedure — some women experience cramping or bloating afterward. The embryo transfer is typically painless. The emotional demands of IVF can be more challenging than the physical side effects for many women.
What is the success rate of IVF in women over 40? According to NIH-indexed research, live birth rates per egg retrieval fall to approximately 10% for women over 40. Success can be improved with frozen embryo transfers, preimplantation genetic testing to select chromosomally normal embryos, or the use of donor eggs, which carry the success rate of the donor's age. A fertility specialist can advise on the best approach for your individual situation.
What is the difference between IVF and ICSI? IVF involves placing eggs and sperm together in a dish and allowing fertilisation to occur naturally. ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) involves injecting a single sperm directly into each egg — used when sperm count, motility, or morphology is a factor, or after previous poor fertilisation. Many clinics in Kolkata offer ICSI as a standard part of IVF treatment.
How do I know if I need IVF or a simpler fertility treatment first? IVF is not always the first step. Simpler treatments — ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI) — are often tried first for certain causes of infertility. A fertility specialist will assess both partners, identify the likely cause, and recommend the most appropriate treatment pathway. IVF is recommended when simpler treatments are unlikely to succeed, or when there is a specific indication such as blocked tubes, severe male factor, or multiple failed IUI cycles.
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