To many people’s surprise, IVF technology gave birth to India’s first test tube baby as early as 1986. This miraculous moment in the field of gynaecology soon became household talk as the IVF success rate shot up. However successful, infertility treatment involves a lengthy process and certain risks and costs. Read on to dig into the details of assisted reproductive treatments and learn how IVF is covered by health insurance.
What is the IVF Procedure?
In-vitro Fertilisation, or IVF treatment process, is the most successful type of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) that helps couples overcome infertility. This is an ‘in-vitro’ process, meaning that the egg fertilisation is done in a lab– outside the mother’s body. As a proven technology, IVF helps couples struggling with childbirth by treating various infertility causes, both in males and females.
The high success rate of over 50% for women aged 35 and below makes IVF the go-to choice and first line of therapy to combat the many causes of infertility. The most encouraging part about IVF is that it allows the couple to check the fertility organs beforehand to ensure a successful pregnancy. However, IVF involves a long journey demanding a lot of patience and support. Read on to find out how it works.
How Does IVF Work?
The IVF proceduresteps involve-
Step 1: Prior Diagnostics
The first step involves ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis, uterus examination, and infectious disease screening to rule out any illness-related complications.
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation
The second step is to stimulate the ovaries– so it produces multiple eggs to increase the chances of pregnancy. This may require some medications and medications to prepare and protect the ovaries and the eggs.
Step 3: Egg Retrieval
The first crucial step is egg retrieval, wherein the eggs are extracted from the ovaries through a needle & suction device and incubated in a culture medium. Although the process takes hardly 30 minutes, the female may experience mild cramps and pressure.
Step 4: Sperm Retrieval
The couple must submit the semen sample in the lab on the same day of egg retrieval. Post collection, the sperms undergo a washing and spinning cycle to identify the healthiest few for fertilisation.
Step 5: In-vitro Fertilization
Now is the time for reproduction, when the sperm are united with the egg. The fertilisation process can be performed using either the conventional insemination method or the direct sperm injection method, i.e. ICSI. This process determines the success or failure of the IVF process. In most cases, 70% of the mature eggs will fertilise and, hopefully, become an embryo.
Step 6: Embryo Culturing and Transfer
The second last step aims to preserve the embryo by providing the right ecosystem for it to grow. Now the healthy embryo is carefully transferred into the vagina through a syringe and placed into the uterus.
Step 7: Routine Pregnancy Tests
After transferring the embryos, the doctor needs to determine the successful implantation of at least one embryo on the lining of the uterus. For this, the expecting mother is given certain medications to ascertain positive pregnancy results.
What are the Risks Involved in IVF Treatment?
Due to the artificial nature of embryo culturing, IVF entails multiple health risks. It includes premature delivery, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, complications in the bladder or bowel, and other rare syndromes.
However, once a healthy pregnancy is verified, the to-be mother should experience common side effects like nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, abdominal pain, enlargement of the ovaries, and constipation. To combat these effects, doctors recommend adequate rest and hydration.
>> Read More: Know the Importance of Healthy Diet during Pregnancy
What is the Cost of IVF Treatment in India?
The average IVF treatment cost in India is between INR 60,000 to 1,50,000. However, the IVF process may be costlier in tier-1 cities like Gurgaon and New Delhi compared to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Which Health Insurance covers IVF Treatment in India?
At Care Health Insurance, the IVF health insurance coverage is covered under our zone-based health plan– ‘Care Classic’. The policy offers only a reimbursement facility toward assisted reproductive treatment, with the following policy conditions:
1. The benefit is available up to 2 lakhs per policy year for sum insured options above 5 lakhs
2. The coverage is subject to 3 years waiting period
3. The benefit is available once every 3 years of the block period.
This way, we ensure that couples struggling with pregnancy can experience the joy of parenting without stressing about the costs involved. Please note that this benefit under Care Classic comes with further exclusions that policyholders should verify with the policy prospectus.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
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