Step 1: Preliminary Assessment & Ovarian Mapping

Before initiating an IVF cycle, our team conducts a thorough baseline evaluation. This assessment helps us determine the ideal treatment protocol for the couple.

• For Females: We test the ovarian reserve via Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) blood tests and Antral Follicle Count (AFC) through a Transvaginal Ultrasound.
• For Males: Specialists perform an advanced Semen Analysis to assess count, motility, and morphology.
• Uterine Evaluation: We perform a diagnostic Hysteroscopy or 3D Ultrasound. Consequently, we can ensure the uterine lining is optimal for successful embryo implantation.

Step 2: Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS)

During this phase, the patient receives customized gonadotropin injections. These hormones stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple mature follicles. Dr. Abha Majumdar emphasizes the necessity of protocol personalization:

Clinical Insight: Standard Antagonist protocols work well for most patients. However, individuals with a low ovarian reserve benefit from advanced global protocols like DuoStim (Dual Stimulation). This approach allows us to maximize the oocyte pool within a single menstrual cycle.

Furthermore, we meticulously monitor follicular growth through regular pelvic ultrasounds and blood tests tracking Estradiol levels.

Step 3: The Trigger Shot (Oocyte Maturation)

Once the leading follicles reach the optimal size (typically 17–18 mm), we administer a “Trigger Injection”. This is usually hCG or a GnRH agonist. This shot induces final egg maturation. In addition, we precisely schedule the egg retrieval 34 to 36 hours later.

Step 4: Ultrasound-Guided Egg Retrieval (OPU)

Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) is a minor, day-care surgical procedure. Our specialists perform this under light intravenous sedation. As a result, the patient experiences a completely pain-free process.

• First, the doctor passes a thin, ultrasound-guided needle through the vaginal wall directly into the ovaries.
• Next, we aspirate the follicular fluid containing the eggs.
• Finally, the embryologist in the IVF laboratory immediately identifies and prepares the eggs.

The procedure takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Therefore, the patient can safely return home the same day.

Step 5: Fertilization (Conventional IVF vs. ICSI)

Our laboratory team fertilizes the retrieved eggs on the same day using the partner’s or a donor’s sperm. Depending on the semen parameters, we utilize one of two advanced laboratory techniques:

Step 6: Embryo Culture & Blastocyst Development

The fertilized eggs, now embryos, grow in state-of-the-art incubators. We maintain strict physiological conditions that mimic the human body.

• We monitor the embryos as they grow to Day 3 (Cleavage stage) or Day 5 (Blastocyst stage).
• Blastocyst Transfer is highly utilized in our laboratory. This is because Day 5 embryos present significantly higher implantation success rates.

Step 7: Embryo Transfer (Fresh vs. Frozen)

This is the most critical and delicate clinical step of the entire cycle. The doctor places the selected high-grade embryo directly into the uterus using an ultra-thin, flexible catheter under ultrasound guidance.

• Fresh Embryo Transfer: We perform this within the same cycle if the progesterone levels and uterine lining are perfectly optimal.
• Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): This aligns with Dr. Abha Majumdar’s modern safety standards. If a patient is at risk for OHSS, we freeze the embryos via vitrification. Subsequently, we transfer them during a controlled cycle.

Step 8: Luteal Support & Pregnancy Confirmation

Following the embryo transfer, we prescribe hormonal medications to support the uterine lining. These include progesterone supplements via oral or vaginal routes. Finally, we schedule a definitive Beta-hCG blood test 11 to 14 days post-transfer to confirm pregnancy success.