IVF TREATMENT IN INDIA

The cost of IVF treatment in the US and the UK is extremely high – costing around USD 15000 (which is around Rs.12,00,000). In the Indian IVF scape, the cost per cycle in hospitals with high success rates can be anywhere between Rs. 70,000 to Rs.2,50,000

From a cultural standpoint, having a child is what completes a woman. This placed the burden of being childless solely upon the woman’s shoulders; it had always considered her ‘fault’. However, recent studies in fertility have brought to light that female infertility is the cause for a couple to be unable to conceive only 40% of the time. Male infertility accounts for another 40% and the remaining could be other factors. With fertility research and advances in fertility treatment, it has finally been accepted that both men and women are equally responsible for infertility, and it cannot be assumed that a couple is struggling to conceive because of the woman.

The next cause for concern was the stigma associated with conceiving a baby in a ‘glass dish’ or in vitro. Despite the worldwide acceptance of In Vitro Fertilization as a boon to infertile couples, for the longest time, it was considered taboo in India on account of it being unnatural. Couples that did decide to go the IVF route often did so in secrecy, for fear of being judged and shunned. The scene has changed completely today!

As startling as it is to learn that one in seven couples in India requires fertility treatment to conceive, it is also heartening that finally society has accepted assisted reproductive techniques as a normal course of action.

An increased rate of infertility can be associated with:

– unhealthy eating habits
– stressful lifestyle
– increased alcohol consumption
– first hand and second-hand smoking
– pollution
– lack of exercise

When the first test-tube baby Durga was born in 1978, everyone was awed but the procedure was not accepted. In 1986 when Harsha was born via IVF, the treatment, and the hope it gave, were better accepted. Gradually and steadily the number of babies conceived in vitro has increased. Today India is one of the most sought destinations for IVF treatment.

WHY IS INDIA THE PREFERRED DESTINATION FOR IVF?

Over the years, IVF has proven to be the most successful method of assisted reproductive technology available. The success of the procedure depends largely on the couple, the expertise of the doctor and the hospital infrastructure.

LOW COST PER CYCLE
While IVF is one of the most successful methods of assisted reproductive techniques, it is expensive given the many steps involved and the advanced technology used. While couples can attempt to conceive through IVF multiple times, the cost per cycle is quite high and not everyone can afford to repeat the procedure purely on account of the cost involved.

The cost of IVF treatment in the US and the UK is extremely high – costing around USD 15000 (which is around Rs.12,00,000), making it an expensive decision to make. Coming to the Indian IVF scape, the cost per cycle in hospitals with high success rates can be anywhere between Rs. 70,000 to Rs.2,50,000 and this includes consultations, investigative procedures, and diagnostic tests as well.

A few newly established fertility centres are known to charge even just Rs. 25,000 per cycle. However, given that the success of the treatment depends on the doctor’s experience and the hospital’s infrastructure, it is best to pick a hospital with a high record of live births from IVF treatment.
BETTER SUCCESS RATE
Over the years India has grown in expertise and experience in fertility treatment. The success rate of IVF in India can be put down to 30% to 35%, while globally the success of IVF is about 40%. The success rate increases when the female partner is 35 years or younger. At a global level, the numbers state that the chances of getting pregnant are higher in women below the age of 35 and lower in women aged 40 and above. Likewise, the live birth rate when the mother is under 35 is 46% and only 22% if she is older than 40 (assuming she is using her own eggs). However, many clinics in India state that the success rate is 70% to 80% in women under 35 and 40% to 50% in women older than 40 years. Experience and fine-tuning have improved the chances for success across all age groups.

Other factors that affect the success of the IVF procedure
- – Age of the female partner
- – Type, Cause and Extent of infertility
- – Quality of the sperm, eggs, and embryos
- – Previous Miscarriages
- – Previously attempted IVF cycles
- – Health of both partners
- – Weight of the female partner
- – Lifestyle choices (alcohol intake, smoking, drug abuse, etc)

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF IVF?

No matter where you are going ahead with IVF treatment is a lot of stress emotionally and physically. Before taking the plunge, one must be mentally prepared for the challenges that lie in store.

Stress is detrimental to the procedure. Stay calm. If the pressure is getting to you, get professional help.
Be active. Prepare your body for the procedure by being active.
Sleep for at least 8 hours a day. Nothing can calm the nerves better than a good night’s sleep.
Eat a balanced diet to stay healthy and maintain healthy body weight.
Decrease caffeine intake.
Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
Do proper research and pick a hospital with the best IVF success rate. You can rest assured they know what they are doing and are equipped to manage complications.
Follow your doctor’s advice diligently.

Every couple that dreams of having a baby and growing their family deserve a beautiful little miracle of their own. With the right guidance, they can overcome infertility issues and have children of their own.