FAQS
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) FAQ’s
1How long does it take for the procedure?
The semen processing takes approx 45 mins to 1 hour, after submission of the semen sample, which is most often by masturbation. It is preferred that the sample is procured within the hospital premises. After the sample is processed its takes 5-10 min for insemination.
2How much rest is required after the procedure?
We commonly advise a rest of 10-15 min post insemination in the hospital.
3Can I carry my normal activities after the procedure?
Of Course, there are no restrictions at all after the procedure.
4Is it done under anesthesia?
The majority of the time, it is without anesthesia, but however, in a selected group of patients, the provision of anesthesia can be made available.
5Is it painful?
In most of the cases, it’s painless.
6Is it ultrasound guided process?
Usually not, but in selected cases, like history of difficult transfers, patient request.
7Do I need to take leave from work after the procedure?
You may commence work the very same day.
8Do you check rupture before IUI?
It follow the dynamics of body physiology that once a triggering injection for rupture is given, in the majority of the cases the follicles would rupture between 36- 48 hours. The inseminated semen sample would have viable sperms for at least minimum 48-72 hours and the viability of egg is 24 hrs. Since follicle rupture is a dynamic procedure, the exact time of rupture is very difficult to predict, however, I take the help of the LH surge kit, wherein if there is a surge on the day of Inj HCG (hormone injection for egg rupture), the IUI is performed in the next 24 hours.
9Can we get a semen sample from home?
Semen can be brought from home, provided you reach the hospital within 30-45 mins of ejaculation. In such conditions, the doctor should be informed, so that a sterile container can be made available prior. The container containing the sample should be kept at body temperature.
10Is there any probability of error in semen egg mismatch?
There is no room for error as all the samples are doubled witnessed.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) FAQ’s
1What is the difference between IVF & ICSI?
Both are forms of in vitro fertilization, differing in only the method of fertilization in the embryology lab.
In IVF, the sperms and the egg are allowed to fertilize in a small petri dish and this method is very similar to the natural form of fertilization. IVF is deployed when sperm parameters are normal.
ICSI, is the form of Fertilization, mainly for Male Factor fertility, where each egg is injected with the help of a fine needle with the sperm. Indicated when the sperms parameters are deranged in count, motility, morphology.
2How many times can one try IVF?
There are many parameters which decide this, like the age of the female partner, clinical profile of the patient, previous response to IVF cycle, Financial implications. In most of the cases, IVF can be attempted 3-4 times, if all the parameters are in range.
3Is IVF harmful?
Basically, any surgical procedure has its inherited risk, but overall the rate of surgical complication during egg collection is minimal, as it is guided by ultrasound. As far as the egg making injections/hormones are concerned, they are excreted daily in urine and stools, provided the renal and kidney parameters, are normal. As far as the OHSS is considered, the incidence of severe form is only 1-2%, which requires hospitalization. The mild and moderate cases can be handled on OPD basis.
4Is the incidence, of multifetal pregnancy high?
On an average the twin pregnancy rate is 20%, of the triplet is 5%, and singleton is 75%, when day 3 embryos (3), are transferred.
5Is the incidence of birth defects high?
Till date, millions of babies have been born across the globe, through this technology and the evidence is backing that there is no statistically significant increase in the incidence of the defects.
6What Is the gap period required between 2 unsuccessful cycles?
In the case of fresh cycles, at least 2 months and in the case of a frozen cycle, 1 month.
7It is said that the success is difficult in the first attempt! Is it true?
The overall pregnancy rate is 30-50%, across the globe, which means around 30 -50 cases per 100 get pregnant in the first attempt.
8Is complete bed rest advised after embryo transfer?
The recent evidence is not backing this; however, we advise rest for 2-3 days after which they can carry their routine non-strenuous activity.
9How much of rest is required immediately post transfer, before one leaves the hospital?
Usually 10-15 mins.
10When does the treatment start and how long does it take?
There are 2 commonly used protocols, long and the short (antagonist). The short protocols start within first 3 days of the menses and the conventional long protocol starts on day 21 of the previous cycle.
11Which protocol is better?
Depending on the clinical case, the short protocol is preferred in donor cycle and PCOS.
12Can embryo transfer be done under anesthesia?
Yes, we do have the provision to be done under anesthesia.
13Does one need to take many injections even post transfer?
This depends on the clinic to clinic. In our clinic; we do not routinely encourage injections, except in selected cases.
14How many times do I need to visit the hospital for ultrasounds?
On an average 4 times.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) FAQ’s
1Is the fertilization rate of ICSI better than IVF?
Yes, in the case of male factor infertility.
2What is the rate of fertilization of ICSI?
70-80%.
3Does ICSI technology always need to be coupled with testicular sperm retrieval?
Yes, because testicular sperms are poor in the count, motility.
Frozen Embryo Replacement Program FAQ’s
1For how long one can freeze the embryos?
As long as 10 yrs. The results are not affected by the duration of freezing.
2Which is stage freezing carried out?
Day 2/3/5 embryos can be frozen. However, freezing, the embryo at the blastocyst stage is recommended.
3Any complications of the procedure?
In expert’s hands, they are negligible.
4Are the results not as good as the fresh cycle?
This is a myth. In Fact, the results are equal or better, when indications & expertise, are optimally matched.
5How long does the process take?
2-3 weeks.
Egg Donation Program FAQ’s
1What is the age criterion for donor selection?
Preferably 21-29 yrs.
2What are the screening criteria?
We strictly adhere to the ICMR guidelines. A detailed medical, family history is undertaken along with blood test to assess the physical fitness and for the screening of infectious diseases like HIV, HbsAg, HCV, VDRL.
3Do you follow a shared donor program?
Usually no. We use one donor for one patient only.
4Can we get our own donor?
No, we strictly adhere to the anonymous donor egg program.
5Can we get a Donor according to our preferences?
Usually, we try to select the donor profile as close as to the recipient. Certain preferences as religion, educational status etc can be catered to.
6Are the donors married?
We select donors who are married and have at least one normal living child.
7How many eggs are usually targeted from a donor egg program?
Usually 10-15 eggs.
8How long does it take for a donor selection?
Usually 2-3 weeks, however, we do have a premium Donor egg program running too, wherein we have prescreened donors.
9Do you have a Caucasian & African donor program?
Yes, we do have the affiliation with Donor agencies that do provide such a facility.
10How long does one need to stay in India (overseas patients)?
We can limit the stay to as short as 7-10 days, by being in touch via emails.