In vitro fertilization (IVF) has emerged as a life-changing option for countless couples and individuals facing infertility issues in India. With advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART), IVF offers renewed hope — but it’s also a complex and emotionally charged process. Whether you’re at the beginning of your fertility journey or considering IVF after trying other options, it’s important to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of IVF treatment in the Indian context.
What is IVF?
IVF (In vitro fertilization) is a medical procedure where a woman’s eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo(s) are then transferred into the uterus. IVF is often recommended in cases of male or female infertility, unexplained infertility, advanced maternal age, or for individuals/couples seeking genetic screening of embryos.
Advantages of IVF Treatment
1. Higher Success Rates with Modern Techniques
One of the most attractive benefits of IVF treatment is its growing success rate, particularly for women under 35. With advanced techniques such as blastocyst culture, embryo freezing, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), the success rate in Indian fertility centres now ranges between 40% to 60% per cycle.
2. Option for Genetic Screening
IVF allows couples to undergo preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and screening (PGT-A), which helps detect chromosomal and hereditary disorders before implantation. This is especially important for couples with a history of genetic conditions or repeated miscarriages.
3. Ideal for All Family Structures
IVF offers hope not just for heterosexual couples, but also for single parents, same-sex couples, and cancer survivors who have preserved their fertility. Options like donor eggs, donor sperm, and gestational surrogacy are becoming increasingly accessible in India.
4. Embryo Freezing and Fertility Preservation
Unused embryos from an IVF cycle can be cryopreserved and used later, helping reduce costs and effort for future pregnancies. Women can also opt for egg freezing service by Conceiva India, if they wish to delay motherhood due to career or health-related reasons.
5. Timing Control and Family Planning
IVF gives couples more control over family planning, allowing them to plan pregnancies when they’re financially, emotionally, and professionally ready.
Disadvantages of IVF Treatment
1. High IVF Cost in India
A major disadvantage of IVF in India is the cost. A single IVF cycle can range from ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000, depending on the clinic and treatment complexity. If advanced techniques like ICSI, PGT, or donor programs are required, costs may go up to ₹4,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 per cycle. Multiple cycles may be needed for success, which can be financially stressful for many couples.
2. Physical and Emotional Toll
The IVF process involves hormonal injections, frequent scans, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. It can be physically demanding and emotionally draining, especially when cycles are unsuccessful. Couples often report feelings of anxiety, depression, and burnout.
3. Risk of Multiple Pregnancies
Transferring more than one embryo increases the chance of twins or triplets, but also carries higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and pregnancy complications. Indian doctors are now advocating for elective single embryo transfers to minimize such risks.
4. No Guaranteed Success
Despite all the advancements, IVF does not guarantee a pregnancy. IVF success rates in India vary depending on age, fertility issues, and clinic expertise. Many couples may need to go through two or more cycles, increasing the emotional and financial burden.
5. Ethical and Legal Concerns
India has introduced regulations under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, which define who can undergo IVF and under what conditions. Some may find the restrictions — such as surrogacy only for altruistic purposes — limiting. Ethical concerns regarding embryo disposal and genetic screening may also arise.