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.
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.
Practical and legal
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.
What does the ART Act mean for me?
The ART (Regulation) Act 2021 governs eligibility, donor anonymity, screening, record-keeping and storage across Indian fertility clinics. It affects who can access donor and surrogacy treatment. We explain your position at the first consultation.
Can you tell us the sex of the baby?
No. Prenatal sex determination is a criminal offence in India under the PC-PNDT Act. No clinic may do it, and we comply absolutely.
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?
Message on WhatsApp — questions about reports and results are answered without charge.