Assisted Reproductive Technology

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes treatments that help a couple conceive when natural conception is difficult. The main ART procedures are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), with add-ons like ICSI, donor gametes, and frozen embryo transfer. India has one of the world's largest ART sectors.

Main options

• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) — washed sperm placed into the uterus around ovulation. Lower cost; suitable for mild male factor, unexplained infertility, ovulation issues.
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) — ovaries stimulated, eggs retrieved, fertilised in the lab, embryo(s) placed in the uterus. Used for blocked tubes, severe male factor, endometriosis, advanced maternal age, failed IUI.
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) — a single sperm is injected into an egg; used for severe male factor.
• Donor sperm / donor eggs / donor embryos — options where own gametes won't work.
• Surrogacy — legally tightly regulated in India (Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021) — altruistic surrogacy only, with specific eligibility.
• Preimplantation genetic testing — selected inherited conditions; NEVER for sex selection in India — that is illegal.

Success rates — realistic picture

• Age is the biggest factor. Live-birth rates per IVF cycle fall significantly after 35 and especially after 40.
• Good clinics in India have success rates comparable to international benchmarks.
• Multiple cycles may be needed — 30-40% per cycle at best; cumulative success over several cycles is higher.
• Be careful of very high "guaranteed" success claims.

Risks

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) — usually mild; severe cases are uncommon with modern protocols.
• Multiple pregnancy — twins/triplets carry real risks for mother and babies. Single-embryo transfer is often safer.
• Ectopic pregnancy — small risk.
• Emotional strain — real and often under-addressed.

India-specific safeguards

• ART clinics must be registered under the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021 with National/State ART boards.
• Sex selection is a crime under the PCPNDT Act. Any clinic offering it should be reported.
• Verify the clinic's registration and complication handling before starting.
• Understand the cost upfront — quoted prices often exclude medications and add-ons.
• Involve a counsellor — ART journeys are emotionally demanding; support is part of good care.