Frequently Asked Questions

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology where eggs are retrieved from a woman's ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment. The process involves four main stages: ovarian stimulation using hormone injections to produce multiple eggs; egg retrieval via a minor surgical procedure; fertilization in the lab where eggs and sperm are combined (or ICSI is used); and embryo transfer, where the best-quality embryo is placed into the uterus. The entire cycle typically takes 4–6 weeks from start to pregnancy test. IVF is the most effective fertility treatment available, with success rates of 40–50% per cycle for women under 35 at leading centres like Maa IVF Assam.

IVF is recommended for couples with a variety of fertility challenges, including blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility (low sperm count, poor motility), endometriosis, ovulation disorders such as PCOS, unexplained infertility after other treatments have failed, and diminished ovarian reserve. It's also recommended for women over 37–38 whose egg quality is declining, and for couples who have had multiple failed IUI cycles. Your fertility specialist will evaluate your specific situation through comprehensive testing before recommending IVF as the best treatment path.

The number of IVF cycles needed varies significantly from person to person. Many couples achieve pregnancy in their first cycle, while others may need 2–3 cycles. Studies show that cumulative success rates increase with each cycle — after three complete cycles, the cumulative pregnancy rate can exceed 60–70% for most age groups. Factors that influence how many cycles are needed include the woman's age, the underlying cause of infertility, egg and embryo quality, and overall health. At Maa IVF, we carefully review each cycle to optimize protocols for subsequent attempts. It's important to discuss realistic expectations with your doctor before starting.

IVF success rates are primarily influenced by the woman's age and the quality of embryos. At leading centres, success rates per cycle average: 40–50% for women under 35; 30–40% for ages 35–37; 20–30% for ages 38–40; and 10–15% for women over 40. At Maa IVF Assam, our overall success rate exceeds 85%, reflecting our experienced team, advanced laboratory protocols, and personalized treatment plans. It's crucial to understand that "success rate" typically refers to clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer cycle. Factors like embryo quality, uterine receptivity, and lifestyle all play important roles in achieving a successful pregnancy.

Most patients describe IVF as uncomfortable rather than painful. The daily hormone injections use very fine needles and become routine after the first few days. The egg retrieval procedure is performed under sedation or light anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the procedure itself. You may experience mild cramping, bloating, or breast tenderness during the stimulation phase — similar to premenstrual symptoms. Embryo transfer is generally painless and takes only a few minutes. At Maa IVF, our anesthesiologists ensure your comfort during surgical procedures, and our team provides guidance on managing any side effects throughout the cycle.

Female infertility can result from a variety of causes. The most common include ovulation disorders (such as PCOS, which accounts for about 25% of cases), fallopian tube damage or blockage (often due to pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis), endometriosis (affecting 1 in 10 women), uterine abnormalities (fibroids, polyps, or structural issues), age-related decline in egg quality and quantity, hormonal imbalances (thyroid disorders, hyperprolactinemia), and premature ovarian insufficiency. In some cases, multiple factors may coexist. A thorough medical evaluation including blood tests, ultrasound, and sometimes hysterosalpingography (HSG) helps identify the specific cause and guide treatment.

Male infertility accounts for 40–50% of all infertility cases and can stem from several factors. Common causes include low sperm count (oligospermia — fewer than 15 million sperm per mL), poor sperm motility (asthenospermia), abnormal sperm shape (teratospermia), varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum, found in 40% of infertile men), hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, infections, ejaculatory disorders, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol, obesity, and heat exposure. Environmental toxins and certain medications can also impact sperm production. A semen analysis is the primary diagnostic test, and most male infertility causes are treatable through medication, surgery, or assisted reproduction techniques like ICSI.

Female fertility begins a gradual decline around age 32 and drops more sharply after age 37. A woman is born with approximately 1–2 million eggs, but this number decreases with age — by puberty, about 300,000 remain, and by age 37, only about 25,000. Beyond the declining quantity, egg quality (the genetic integrity of eggs) also deteriorates with age, increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriage. By age 40, the chance of conceiving naturally drops to about 5% per month, compared to 20–25% per month in a woman's early twenties. This is why fertility specialists encourage women to seek help sooner rather than later if they are struggling to conceive, particularly after age 35.

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a protein produced by cells in the ovarian follicles. It serves as one of the best available markers of a woman's ovarian reserve — essentially, how many eggs remain in the ovaries. An AMH test requires only a simple blood draw and can be done at any point in the menstrual cycle. Normal AMH levels typically range from 1.0 to 3.5 ng/mL, with levels below 1.0 indicating diminished ovarian reserve and levels above 3.5 possibly suggesting PCOS. While AMH indicates egg quantity, it does not measure egg quality. Your fertility specialist will use AMH alongside other tests (FSH, antral follicle count) to assess your fertility potential and design an appropriate treatment protocol.

A semen analysis is the primary diagnostic test for male fertility. It evaluates several critical parameters: sperm count (normal is 15–200 million per mL), motility (at least 40% of sperm should be moving), morphology (at least 4% should have normal shape according to strict criteria), volume (1.5–5 mL per ejaculate), pH, and liquefaction time. The sample is typically collected after 2–5 days of abstinence. Abnormal results in any parameter may indicate the need for further testing, lifestyle modifications, or treatments such as ICSI. At Maa IVF, our laboratory provides detailed semen analysis with results typically available within a few hours, enabling quick clinical decision-making.

The key difference lies in how fertilization occurs. In conventional IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish and fertilization happens naturally — sperm must penetrate the egg on its own. In ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), a single sperm is injected directly into each egg using a precision micropipette. ICSI is recommended when sperm quality is poor (low count, motility, or morphology), when previous IVF attempts failed to achieve fertilization, or when using surgically retrieved sperm. Both techniques share the same steps of stimulation, retrieval, culture, and transfer — only the fertilization method differs. ICSI fertilization rates are typically 70–85% and the technique has revolutionized treatment for male factor infertility since its introduction in 1992.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a less invasive fertility procedure where processed, concentrated sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. It bypasses the cervix, increasing the number of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes. IUI is recommended for couples with mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, cervical factor issues, mild endometriosis, or ovulatory dysfunction. It's often combined with ovulation-inducing medications to improve success rates. IUI success rates are 10–20% per cycle, and doctors typically recommend 3–6 cycles before considering IVF. The procedure is quick (about 5 minutes), virtually painless, and allows normal activity immediately afterward. It's an excellent first-line option for many couples.

Embryo freezing (cryopreservation) involves cooling embryos to –196°C using a technique called vitrification, which prevents harmful ice crystal formation. Modern vitrification has achieved frozen embryo survival rates exceeding 90%, making it one of the safest methods of fertility preservation. Embryos can be stored indefinitely without deterioration in quality. Research has shown that babies born from frozen embryo transfers have no increased risk of birth defects or developmental issues compared to fresh transfers. In fact, some studies suggest frozen embryo transfers may have slightly higher success rates because the uterus has time to recover from stimulation hormones. At Maa IVF, we use state-of-the-art cryostorage systems with continuous monitoring to ensure the safety and integrity of all stored embryos.

A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a procedure where a previously frozen (vitrified) embryo is thawed and transferred into the uterus. FET cycles are generally simpler and less physically demanding than fresh IVF cycles because they don't require ovarian stimulation or egg retrieval. The uterine lining is prepared using estrogen and progesterone supplementation, and the embryo is transferred when the lining reaches optimal thickness and receptivity. FET success rates are comparable to — and sometimes exceed — fresh transfer rates because the uterine environment is more natural. FET is used when surplus embryos exist from a previous cycle, when a fresh transfer was deferred due to OHSS risk, or when patients want siblings using previously frozen embryos.

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where a tiny camera and instruments are inserted through small incisions in the abdomen to diagnose and treat conditions affecting fertility. In fertility medicine, it's used to diagnose and treat endometriosis (removing endometrial implants and adhesions), remove ovarian cysts, perform myomectomy (fibroid removal), evaluate and open blocked fallopian tubes, and investigate causes of unexplained pelvic pain or infertility. Benefits over traditional open surgery include smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery (1–2 weeks vs. 4–6 weeks), and minimal scarring. At Maa IVF, our surgical team uses HD imaging and advanced instruments to ensure precision and safety in every procedure.

Preparing your body for IVF can significantly influence outcomes. Start at least 2–3 months before your cycle: take a prenatal vitamin with 400–800 mcg of folic acid daily; achieve a healthy BMI (18.5–24.9), as both underweight and overweight can affect egg quality and implantation; quit smoking and limit alcohol; reduce caffeine to under 200mg/day (about one cup of coffee); eat a balanced, Mediterranean-style diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and lean proteins; exercise moderately (avoid extreme athletic training); get adequate sleep (7–8 hours); and manage stress through meditation, yoga, or counseling. Your doctor may also prescribe supplements like CoQ10, DHEA, or vitamin D based on your specific needs.

Yes, diet has a meaningful impact on fertility for both men and women. Research, particularly the Harvard Nurses' Health Study, has shown that a "fertility diet" — rich in plant-based proteins, whole grains, healthy unsaturated fats, fruits and vegetables, and full-fat dairy — is associated with improved ovulatory function and fertility outcomes. For men, diets high in antioxidants (vitamins C, E, zinc, selenium) have been shown to improve sperm quality. Conversely, high intake of processed foods, trans fats, sugar, and excessive red meat is associated with poorer fertility outcomes. The Mediterranean diet is often recommended as an ideal dietary pattern for couples trying to conceive. Adequate hydration and limiting processed foods and artificial additives are also beneficial.

While stress alone is not a direct cause of infertility, chronic stress can disrupt the hormonal balance needed for ovulation and reproduction. The stress hormone cortisol can interfere with GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), which controls the menstrual cycle. In men, chronic stress may lower testosterone levels and affect sperm production. However, it's important to note that millions of women conceive under stressful conditions worldwide. The relationship between stress and fertility is complex and bidirectional — infertility itself is a major source of stress. At Maa IVF, we encourage stress management through mindfulness, yoga, counseling, and support groups, not because stress causes infertility, but because emotional well-being enhances the overall treatment experience.

Body weight has a significant impact on IVF outcomes. Women with a BMI above 30 (obese) tend to respond less well to stimulation medications, produce fewer and lower-quality eggs, have lower implantation rates, and face higher miscarriage rates. Similarly, being underweight (BMI below 18.5) can disrupt hormonal signals needed for ovulation. Studies show that even a 5–10% reduction in body weight for overweight women can dramatically improve ovulatory function and IVF success rates. For men, obesity is associated with lower sperm count, reduced motility, and higher DNA fragmentation. The ideal BMI for fertility is 19–25. At Maa IVF, we provide nutritional counseling as part of our holistic approach to fertility care.

Fertility medications have been used for decades and are considered safe when administered under proper medical supervision. The most common medications — gonadotropins (FSH/LH), clomiphene citrate, and GnRH agonists/antagonists — have been extensively studied. While side effects can include bloating, mood swings, headaches, and injection-site reactions, serious complications are rare. The main risk is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which occurs in a small percentage of patients and is carefully managed through dose adjustments and monitoring. Long-term studies have not found a significant link between fertility medications and increased cancer risk. At Maa IVF, we use the lowest effective doses and monitor patients closely with ultrasound and blood work to minimize risks.