Questions patients actually ask
Answers to the things that come up in clinic every week, written plainly and without marketing.
Before you start
How long should we try before seeing a fertility specialist?
Twelve months of unprotected intercourse if you are under 35, six months if you are over 35, and straight away if your periods are irregular, you have known endometriosis or PCOS, or you have had pelvic surgery or two or more miscarriages.
What should I bring to the first appointment?
Every report you have — previous scans, hormone profiles, semen analyses, HSG or laparoscopy notes, IVF cycle sheets and discharge summaries. Also a rough record of your last few cycle dates. Reports from other centres are read, not repeated.
Does my husband need to come to the first visit?
Ideally yes. Around four in ten couples have a male factor contributing, a semen analysis is part of the first workup, and it is much easier when both partners hear the explanation at the same time.
Which location should I book?
For a first consultation, either. Mother's Hope in Katwaria Sarai covers most of the working day and is where scans and cycle monitoring happen. SHE Delhi Hospital in Greater Kailash II runs from 11 AM to 2 PM and is where surgery, retrievals, transfers and deliveries take place.
Tests and diagnosis
What does the basic infertility workup involve?
For you: a day-2 or day-3 hormone profile, AMH, antral follicle count, thyroid and prolactin, and an assessment of the tubes and uterine cavity. For your partner: a semen analysis to WHO criteria. It usually fits inside one menstrual cycle.
Is AMH the most important test?
It is important but frequently over-interpreted. AMH predicts how many eggs we can collect in a stimulated cycle. It does not tell you whether you can conceive naturally, and it says little about egg quality.
Do I need a laparoscopy?
Not routinely. It is indicated where endometriosis or adhesions are suspected, where an HSG suggests tubal disease, or where the basic workup is normal but nothing is happening.
Treatment
Will I definitely need IVF?
No. A large share of couples seen here conceive with ovulation induction, tubal or uterine surgery, or timed IUI — all at a fraction of the cost. IVF is recommended when the reports show it is what will work.
How many IVF cycles do most people need?
Cumulative success builds over the first three cycles, after which the added benefit per cycle falls. Many couples succeed in the first or second. We review honestly after each one rather than defaulting to another.
What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?
In IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together and fertilisation happens on its own. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. ICSI is used for male factor or after previous fertilisation failure; it adds no benefit where sperm are normal.
Are IVF injections painful?
They are small subcutaneous injections into the abdomen or thigh, using very fine needles. Most patients give them at home themselves after being shown once. Discomfort is minor; bloating in the later days of stimulation is more noticeable.
Pregnancy scans
How many scans will I have?
Usually four or five in an uncomplicated pregnancy: dating at 6–9 weeks, NT at 11–13 weeks, anomaly at 18–20 weeks, and one or two growth scans from 32 weeks.
Can you tell me the baby's sex?
No. Prenatal sex determination is a criminal offence in India under the PC-PNDT Act. No clinic may do it, we comply absolutely, and the request should not be made.
What is the difference between a Level 2 scan, an anomaly scan and TIFFA?
They are three names for the same thing — the detailed 18–20 week survey of fetal anatomy. TIFFA stands for targeted imaging for fetal anomalies.
Is 4D ultrasound necessary?
No. It has specific diagnostic uses, mainly for facial and surface anomalies. As a keepsake it adds nothing medically, which is why we offer a brief look during a scan that is happening anyway rather than selling separate sessions.
Surrogacy, donors and the law
Who qualifies for surrogacy in India?
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021 permits only altruistic surrogacy, for eligible Indian married couples with a certified medical indication, with a surrogate who meets specific age, marital and prior-childbirth criteria. Commercial surrogacy is prohibited. Eligibility is narrow and most enquirers do not qualify.
Can we choose our egg or sperm donor?
No. Indian law requires donor anonymity. Matching is done on physical characteristics and blood group through an ART Act–registered bank. Any clinic offering a donor catalogue is not operating within the law.
Will a donor-conceived child be legally ours?
Yes. Under the ART (Regulation) Act 2021 the commissioning couple are the legal parents and the donor relinquishes all parental rights.
Is fertility treatment covered by insurance in India?
Most individual policies still exclude it, though some corporate group policies now include limited cover. Check your policy wording; we will provide any documentation your insurer needs.
Do you offer online consultations?
Yes, for first discussions, report reviews and follow-ups. Scans, procedures and physical examination need you to attend in person.
Still have a question?
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