The IVF Journey: Real Stories, Real Women

Q) How does preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A, PGT-M) affect IVF success rates? A) Preimplantation genetic testing—so now, there are two types, as you’ve written: PGT-A and PGT-M. PGT-A is for aneuploidies, which are numerical chromosomal abnormalities that happen with age. Normally, you have a certain number of chromosomes: 22 pairs plus either XX or XY. If there’s a break or error—for example, an extra chromosome—it’s called a trisomy. If there’s one missing, like XO, it’s a monosomy. These abnormalities often lead to miscarriages. Since age increases the risk of these aneuploidies, if an older woman is going for IVF, we do advise, if possible, to test the embryos for these abnormalities. If you find a normal embryo, it will give you a better chance at success. PGT-M is for monogenic diseases. If there’s an inherited disorder in the family—say, a BRCA mutation—you can test for that using PGT-M. But for this, you must know the exact mutation—which gene, which chromosome, and wha...

Dr. Nalini Mahajan is an infertility specialist and gynaecologist with over 51 years of overall medical experience, including 45 years as a specialist. She holds an MBBS and an MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and has spent more than 35 years working specifically in the field of infertility and assisted reproduction, both in clinical practice and academic settings. Q) Why does IVF need to be personalized, and what factors determine the best approach for each patient? A) The first and most important question is: Does the patient even need IVF? Before anything else, a thorough assessment is essential to determine whether IVF is the right course of action, because there are other fertility treatments that might be more suitable depending on the case. Once IVF is deemed necessary, personalisation becomes crucial because each patient is different. They may have different reasons for infertility—some may have female-factor infertility, others male-factor, and some both. For instance, if m...

Dr. Shweta is a Counseling Psychologist and the Head of Operations at We Awake You , a mental health company based in Delhi NCR for approximately the last nine years. In this interview, she shares valuable insights on the psychological challenges and coping mechanisms associated with IVF. What are some of the most common mental barriers women face when deciding to undergo IVF, and how can they navigate these effectively? From my experience, the most common mental barriers women face when considering IVF include fear of the unknown, anxiety about the physical process, and concerns about the success rate. The uncertainty surrounding the outcome often leads to heightened stress and emotional turmoil. The IVF process itself can also be intimidating due to the medical procedures and the involvement of advanced technology, which may seem overwhelming. Lastly, concerns about the probability of success weigh heavily on women, as the emotional and financial investment can be significant. To nav...

  What Led You to Consider IVF as a Fertility Treatment? After trying to conceive for five years without success, I felt defeated. I tried everything—tracking my cycle, monitoring ovulation, and following all the advice I could find. Still, nothing worked. Before IVF, I went through multiple rounds of IUI, but those also failed. It was a close friend who suggested I look into IVF. I decided to consult a doctor, and although the first two cycles didn’t work, I finally conceived during the third attempt.  How Did You Prepare Yourself Emotionally and Physically Before Starting the IVF Treatment? Going into IVF wasn’t easy because I had already been through so much with IUIs and tracking ovulation every month. It was emotionally exhausting—every month brought new hope, only to end in disappointment. Physically, I did my best to stay healthy. I focused on good nutrition, keeping my protein levels in check, and maintaining a balanced diet. But honestly, the whole process was drainin...

  Could you explain the basic steps involved in the IVF process? In vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves the fertilisation of gametes outside the body under controlled laboratory conditions. The process begins with administering medication to the female to stimulate the production of multiple mature oocytes, or eggs, in the ovaries. Once the eggs are ready, they are retrieved through a minor procedure performed under anaesthesia. These eggs are then carefully placed in incubators to maintain optimal conditions before being fertilised with the partner's sperm, completing the process. What are the main factors that determine the success rate of an IVF cycle? The success rate of an IVF cycle depends on various individual factors. Key influences include the ages of both partners, their medical conditions, and how long they have been undergoing treatment. The underlying reason for their infertility also plays a critical role, as does the nature of the medications used in the process. Addi...