In this article
An IVF treatment package in India usually ranges from ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh, covering diagnostic tests, the surgical procedure and treatment. The final fee depends on your infertility cause and the treatment you need. Some couples conceive in the first cycle, some need more than one, and others need only a simple procedure such as laparoscopy. IVF itself has three main procedures: follicle aspiration (egg collection), fertilisation and embryo transfer.
Watch the IVF journey in 3DFrom sperm and egg to embryo transfer, month-by-month growth and birth▶ Tap to start
Key points about IVF
- One IVF cycle usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks, from the first injections to the pregnancy blood test.
- Fees change with the diagnosis, medicines, ICSI, donor eggs or sperm, frozen embryos and the number of cycles.
- Results depend on age, egg and sperm quality and the cause of infertility. No ethical clinic can guarantee a pregnancy.
IVF procedure at a glance
| Step | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Fertility medication | Injections help more than one egg mature in the ovaries. Scans and blood tests track growth. | About 8 to 14 days |
| 2. Follicle aspiration | Eggs are collected from the ovaries with a thin needle under ultrasound guidance. | About 34 to 36 hours after the trigger injection |
| 3. Semen sample | Sperm is prepared in the lab. Donor sperm is used if needed. | Usually the same day |
| 4. Fertilisation | Eggs and sperm are combined in the lab by IVF or ICSI. | Same day, checked the next morning |
| 5. Embryo culture | Embryos grow in an incubator and are graded. Extra good embryos can be frozen. | 3 to 5 days |
| 6. Embryo transfer | A soft catheter places the embryo in the uterus through the cervix. | Day 3 or Day 5 |
| 7. Pregnancy blood test | A blood hCG test shows whether the embryo has implanted. | About 9 to 14 days after transfer |
When is In Vitro Fertilisation required?
In vitro fertilisation is used when a woman is unable to get pregnant, which is known as infertility. Common reasons include blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, low sperm count or movement, endometriosis, ovulation problems, reduced egg reserve and infertility with no clear cause. It can also be used when a woman wants to have a child without a male partner, using donor sperm, or when the male partner is completely infertile or sterile.
IVF step-by-step procedure
Fertility medication
The woman receives fertility medication so that more than one egg can grow and mature in the ovaries. Your doctor checks the response with ultrasound scans and adjusts the dose if needed.
Follicle aspiration (egg collection)
Follicle aspiration is the process of collecting eggs from the ovaries. A follicle is a fluid-filled sac that contains an immature egg, called an oocyte. The doctor inserts an ultrasound probe into the vagina to view the ovaries and find the follicles. A long, thin needle then passes through the vaginal wall to the ovary, and a suction device connected to the needle collects the eggs. This is usually done under sedation.
Semen sample
A semen sample is collected from the male partner so that the healthiest sperm can be selected for fertilisation. If he is completely infertile or sterile, donor sperm can be arranged.
Fertilisation: IVF or ICSI
The collected eggs go straight to the laboratory. In conventional IVF, each egg is placed in a dish with many prepared sperm. In ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), an embryologist injects one selected sperm directly into each mature egg. ICSI is often used when sperm count or movement is low. The fertilised egg is then called an embryo.
Embryo culture and assisted hatching
The lab monitors the embryo's growth for about three to five days. In selected cases, the lab makes a small opening in the embryo's outer shell, the zona pellucida, to help it implant in the uterus. This is called assisted hatching. Some embryos are used immediately and others can be frozen and stored for future use.
Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is done three to five days after fertilisation. A speculum is placed in the vagina so that the doctor can see the cervix. A syringe holding fluid and the embryo is attached to a long, thin tube called a catheter. The doctor passes the catheter through the cervix into the uterus, releases the embryo, and removes the catheter and speculum. It usually takes only a short time and generally does not need anaesthesia.
After the transfer
A blood test about 9 to 14 days later shows whether the embryo has implanted. If the test is positive, your doctor will arrange an early pregnancy scan.
IVF fee in India: what you pay for
IVF packages usually include the diagnostic work, surgical procedure, tests and treatment, and commonly range from ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh. IVF is also known as test-tube baby treatment, and its cost can be substantial, so ask for a written list of what your package includes before you begin. For a wider comparison, see our guide to IVF cost in India, or get an estimate from the IVF cost calculator.
These factors can change your final fee:
- The cause of infertility: some patients need extra procedures such as hysteroscopy or laparoscopy.
- Medicines: the dose depends on age, egg reserve and how the ovaries respond.
- Lab techniques: ICSI, assisted hatching and embryo freezing can add to the cost.
- Donor eggs or sperm: see our IVF programmes for self-egg and donor-egg options.
- Number of cycles: you may conceive in one cycle or need further attempts.
IVF also forms part of a wider group of treatments called Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), in which eggs and sperm are handled outside the body. EMI options are available.
IVF procedure and fee: common questions
How long does one IVF cycle take?
Usually about 4 to 6 weeks from the start of the injections to the pregnancy blood test. Preparation tests or a frozen embryo transfer can extend this.
Is the IVF procedure painful?
Injections can cause mild soreness and bloating. Egg collection is usually done under sedation, and the embryo transfer often feels similar to a Pap smear. Tell your doctor about severe pain, breathlessness or rapid swelling straight away.
What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?
In IVF, sperm fertilise the egg on their own in a dish. In ICSI, one sperm is injected directly into the egg. The rest of the treatment is the same.
Why do IVF fees vary so much?
Fees depend on your diagnosis, medicine dose, lab techniques, use of donor eggs or sperm, and the number of cycles. A clear written estimate after your tests is more useful than a headline price.
Can IVF success be guaranteed?
No. Results depend on age, egg and sperm quality, and your medical history. Your doctor can explain what is realistic for you after your tests.
