Dr Vrushni Bhuta
MS OBGY, Fellowship in Endoscopy (ICOG), M.R.M (UK) - Fertility Specialist & Gynaecologist, Mumbai
Dr Vrushni's Women's Care & Fertility Clinic, Santacruz West
Introduction: When Parenthood Becomes a Journey
Fertility struggles are rarely just medical.
They are emotional, personal, and often silent.
For many couples and individuals in Mumbai, the journey towards parenthood begins with hope, turns into months of waiting, and sometimes leads to questions no one prepares you for — Why isn't this happening? Is it too late? What should we do next?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most advanced and effective fertility treatments available today. Yet, despite how commonly it is discussed, IVF remains misunderstood — surrounded by myths, fear, and unrealistic expectations.
At Dr Vrushni's Women's Care & Fertility Clinic, we meet patients every day who are not just looking for treatment, but for clarity, honesty, and reassurance.
This guide is written to offer exactly that.
No exaggeration.
No false promises.
No confusing medical jargon.
Just a clear, compassionate explanation of IVF — how it works, who it helps, and what it realistically looks like for patients in Mumbai.
Quick Take: IVF at a Glance
- IVF helps when natural conception or simpler treatments are unlikely to work
- One IVF cycle usually takes 4–6 weeks
- Success depends largely on age, egg quality, and sperm health
- IVF cannot guarantee pregnancy, but it can significantly improve chances
- Choosing the right clinic is as important as the treatment itself
What Is IVF?
IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a fertility treatment where eggs and sperm are brought together outside the body in a laboratory to create embryos. One of these embryos is then placed into the uterus to try to achieve pregnancy.
"In vitro" simply means "outside the body."
But for patients, IVF is not just a laboratory process — it is a carefully planned medical journey that combines science, timing, and individual biology.
In a natural cycle, the body usually releases one egg per month. IVF gently stimulates the ovaries to produce more eggs so doctors can identify embryos with the best potential for pregnancy.
In Mumbai, IVF is performed only at registered fertility clinics that follow India's Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, ensuring ethical practices, safety, and informed consent.
What is important to understand is this: IVF does not force pregnancy — it supports biology where nature needs help.
Who Actually Needs IVF? (And Who May Not)
One of the most common concerns patients express is:
"Do we really need IVF, or are we rushing into it?"
It's a fair question.
IVF is not the first step for everyone, and ethical fertility care means recommending it only when it is medically appropriate.
IVF may be advised when:
- Fallopian tubes are blocked, damaged, or absent
- There is significant male factor infertility
- Ovulation disorders like PCOS do not respond to simpler treatments
- Endometriosis affects fertility
- Infertility remains unexplained despite normal reports
- Ovarian reserve is reduced or age-related decline is present
- Genetic testing of embryos is medically indicated
Most patients reach IVF after trying other options such as lifestyle changes, ovulation induction, or IUI.
At Dr Vrushni's Women's Care & Fertility Clinic, IVF is never suggested in isolation. It follows a careful review of medical history, test results, emotional readiness, and personal priorities.
Sometimes, the most responsible decision is not IVF — and a trustworthy clinic will say that too.
IVF Step-by-Step Process
How We Usually Explain IVF to Our Patients
When patients ask, "Doctor, can you explain IVF step by step?", we don't begin with technical terms.
We begin with the timeline.
IVF is not one procedure — it is a sequence of planned steps, spread over a few weeks, with close monitoring to ensure safety and comfort.
1. Ovarian Stimulation – Helping the Body Produce More Eggs
In a natural cycle, one egg usually matures. For IVF, we encourage the ovaries to develop multiple eggs using hormone injections for about 8–12 days.
During this time:
- Ultrasound scans and blood tests monitor follicle growth
- Medication doses are adjusted based on your response
- The aim is quality, not overstimulation
When the follicles are ready, a trigger injection prepares the eggs for retrieval.
2. Egg Retrieval – A Short, Planned Procedure
Egg retrieval is a minor, controlled procedure done 34–36 hours after the trigger injection.
- Performed under short anesthesia or deep sedation
- Usually takes 15–20 minutes
- Eggs are collected using ultrasound guidance
Most patients go home the same day and resume normal activities within 24 hours.
3. Sperm Collection & Fertilization
On the same day, a sperm sample is collected or thawed if frozen.
In the lab:
- The healthiest sperm are selected
- Fertilization occurs via conventional IVF or ICSI, depending on sperm quality
The skill of the embryology team plays a major role at this stage.
4. Embryo Culture – Careful Observation
Fertilized eggs are cultured for 3–5 days in specialized incubators.
Embryos are assessed for development and quality. In some cases, embryos are frozen and transferred later when the uterus is more receptive — a strategy often chosen for safety and better outcomes.
5. Embryo Transfer – Simple and Usually Painless
Embryo transfer does not require anesthesia and feels similar to a Pap smear.
After transfer:
- Normal activity is encouraged
- Progesterone support is prescribed
- A pregnancy test is done after 12–14 days
The waiting period can be emotionally challenging, and support during this phase is just as important as the procedure itself.
Doctor-Style FAQs About IVF
Is IVF painful?
IVF is usually not painful. Injections may cause mild discomfort, and egg retrieval is done under anesthesia. Temporary cramping or bloating can occur afterward.
How long does one IVF cycle take?
One IVF cycle typically takes 4–6 weeks, from starting injections to the pregnancy test.
Can IVF guarantee pregnancy?
No. IVF cannot ethically guarantee pregnancy. Average success rates in India are about 30–40% per cycle, depending on age and medical factors.
Is IVF safe for the mother and baby?
IVF is considered safe when performed at a regulated fertility clinic. Most IVF-conceived babies are as healthy as naturally conceived children.
How many IVF cycles are usually needed?
Some patients conceive in the first cycle, while others may need more than one. The number of cycles varies for each individual.
Is IVF suitable after 35 or 40?
Yes, but success rates decline with age. Early evaluation and timely planning are especially important after 35.
About the Clinic
Author & Medical Review
Dr Vrushni's Women's Care & Fertility Clinic is a Mumbai-based center dedicated to ethical, evidence-based fertility and women's healthcare.
Our approach emphasizes:
- Individualized treatment planning
- Transparent communication
- Compliance with India's ART regulations
- Avoidance of unnecessary interventions or unrealistic promises
This content is written and reviewed for educational purposes and does not replace a personalized medical consultation. Patients are encouraged to consult a qualified fertility specialist for individualized advice.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary based on personal health factors.
Registration: MMC Registration - 2009020251 (Dr Vrushni Bhuta). We strictly adhere to the PCPNDT Act and do not perform gender determination or sex selection services.
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