Your Questions, Answered Honestly

If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success — or 6 months if you are over 35 — it is time to talk to a specialist. But you do not need to wait that long if you have irregular periods, PCOS, endometriosis, a history of miscarriage, or if your partner has a known issue. Coming in early does not mean jumping straight to IVF — it means getting the right tests so we can create a plan that actually fits your situation. Many of my patients need only simple treatments like ovulation support or IUI.

I typically start with hormone blood tests (AMH, FSH, LH, TSH), a transvaginal ultrasound to check your ovarian reserve and uterine health, and sometimes an HSG to check fallopian tube patency. For your partner, a semen analysis is the first step — it is simple, non-invasive, and rules out 40% of infertility causes immediately. I always recommend we test both partners from the start. Additional tests like genetic screening or vitamin D levels may be added based on your specific situation.

No referral is needed. You can book a consultation directly by calling +91 97700 00911 or using our online booking form. I welcome patients seeking a first opinion, a second opinion, or those who have had treatment elsewhere and want to explore other approaches.

Bring any previous medical records — test results, surgical reports, imaging scans, treatment summaries from other clinics. A list of current medications and your menstrual cycle tracking data (if you have been tracking) are also helpful. If you have a partner, both attending the first visit is ideal — but coming alone is perfectly fine too.

Yes. I offer video consultations for NRI patients and international couples considering treatment in Hyderabad. Your initial consultation can be done via video call, and we will plan your treatment around your travel schedule. Visit our NRI Patients page for more details on how we support international patients.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a process where we collect eggs from your ovaries, fertilize them with sperm in our laboratory, grow the resulting embryos for 3 to 5 days, and transfer the best embryo into your uterus. The process includes hormone injections for 8 to 12 days to stimulate your ovaries, a 20-minute egg retrieval under sedation, and a painless 5-minute embryo transfer. Total time from starting medications to pregnancy test is about 3 to 4 weeks. I personalize every protocol based on your age, ovarian reserve, and diagnosis.

Most women find IVF more manageable than they expected. The daily hormone injections cause minimal discomfort and many patients self-administer them at home. Egg retrieval is done under sedation, so you feel nothing during the procedure (mild cramping for 1 to 2 days after is normal). Embryo transfer is painless and needs no anesthesia. The emotional experience is often harder than the physical one and I make sure my team supports you through both.

I typically recommend single embryo transfer (SET). With modern embryo selection techniques including genetic testing and AI-assisted grading, one carefully chosen embryo gives excellent results while avoiding the health risks that come with twins or multiples. In specific situations (advanced age, multiple failed cycles), we may discuss transferring two, but this is always individualized to your case.

Embryos not transferred in your fresh cycle can be frozen (vitrified) and stored for years. You can use them for future transfer attempts if needed, for siblings later, or choose to donate or discontinue storage. You maintain full ownership and control over this decision — there is no pressure either way.

Yes, most patients continue working during treatment. You will need time off for monitoring appointments (ultrasounds every 2 to 3 days during stimulation), egg retrieval day plus one rest day, and embryo transfer day. Bed rest is not required after transfer — in fact, normal activity is encouraged as it improves blood flow.

A failed first cycle is emotionally difficult, and I want you to know that it does not mean IVF will not work for you. After every cycle, I do a thorough analysis — looking at egg quality, fertilization rates, embryo development, and endometrial receptivity. Often, small adjustments to the protocol, adding genetic testing, or investigating hidden issues like chronic endometritis can significantly improve the next cycle. I specialize in helping patients who have had failed cycles elsewhere.

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a simpler, less invasive procedure where we place concentrated, washed sperm directly into your uterus during ovulation. It is a good option if you have open fallopian tubes, mild male factor issues, or unexplained infertility. IUI is a legitimate first-line treatment, not just a step before IVF. For the right patient profile, it works well, with success rates of 25 to 30% per cycle at our clinic.

I generally recommend trying 3 to 4 IUI cycles. If we have not achieved pregnancy after that, the chance of IUI working drops significantly and it is usually time to discuss IVF. I will be honest with you from the start about whether IUI is a good fit — I would never recommend spending months on a treatment that is not right for your situation.

IUI is a quick procedure that takes about 5 to 10 minutes, similar to a pap smear. Most patients feel mild discomfort but not pain. No anesthesia is needed and you can return to your normal activities immediately afterward.

The main difference is where fertilization happens. In IUI, sperm is placed inside the uterus and fertilization happens naturally inside the body. In IVF, eggs are retrieved and fertilized in the laboratory. IUI is simpler, less expensive, and less time-intensive, but has lower per-cycle success rates. IVF offers higher success rates per cycle and allows for embryo selection and genetic testing. The right choice depends on your diagnosis, age, and how long you have been trying.

IVF at our clinic typically ranges from Rs 1.5 to 2.5 lakhs per cycle, depending on the protocol and medications needed. This includes consultation, monitoring, egg retrieval, lab procedures, and embryo transfer. Additional costs may apply for ICSI, genetic testing (PGT-A), embryo freezing, or donor programs. I provide transparent cost estimates during your consultation — no hidden charges.

IUI is significantly less expensive than IVF, typically ranging from Rs 15,000 to 30,000 per cycle including medications, monitoring, and the procedure. Exact costs depend on whether ovulation induction medications are needed.

Most standard health insurance policies in India do not cover IVF or fertility treatments. However, some corporate group policies and newer comprehensive plans are beginning to include partial coverage. Check with your insurance provider. Treatment costs may also qualify for tax deductions under Section 80D in some cases — I would suggest consulting your tax advisor for specifics.

Yes, we offer financing options and EMI plans through partnered financial services, so you can spread the cost over several months. Call us at +91 97700 00911 to discuss available options. I believe financial stress should never prevent someone from accessing the care they need.

IVF in India costs 60 to 70% less than in Western countries, but this reflects lower operational costs — not lower quality. We use the same advanced technology, medications, and protocols as leading clinics worldwide. This is one reason many NRI patients return to India for treatment.

Your first consultation is a relaxed, private conversation. I will listen to your story — how long you have been trying, what you have been through, what worries you most. We will review any previous tests or treatments, discuss next steps for testing if needed, and talk honestly about your options. There is absolutely no pressure to commit to any treatment on the spot. Many patients tell me they left the first consultation feeling relieved — because having a plan feels better than uncertainty.

I typically spend 30 to 45 minutes with new patients. I do not rush consultations because fertility is complex and you deserve time to ask every question on your mind.

Having both partners present is ideal, especially since we may recommend testing for both of you. But if your partner cannot attend — or if you would prefer to come alone first — that is completely fine. Many patients come for their first consultation alone before bringing their partner.

Absolutely. All consultations and treatments are completely confidential. I understand the sensitivity of fertility care, especially in our cultural context where there can be social pressure and stigma. Your medical information is shared only with the clinical team directly involved in your care. We take privacy very seriously.

Completely normal. Research shows that the emotional intensity of infertility can equal losing a family member. You are not being dramatic or weak — you are having a natural human response to an incredibly difficult situation. I encourage patients to be open about what they are feeling, and I can refer you to a counselor who specializes in fertility-related emotional support if you would find that helpful.

This is one of the most common situations I see. In our culture, there can be added sensitivity around the suggestion that a male partner might need testing. What I tell couples is this: male factor accounts for 40% of infertility cases, and a semen analysis is the simplest, least invasive fertility test that exists. Starting with male testing can actually save months of unnecessary procedures for the female partner. You are welcome to come for a consultation first on your own — sometimes hearing it from a doctor helps.

There is absolutely no shame in needing help to have a family. One in six couples experiences difficulty conceiving — it is far more common than most people realize. You do not have to tell anyone about your treatment if you prefer not to. Many of my patients keep their treatment private, and I completely respect that choice. What matters is that you are taking a brave step for your family.

This is a very common concern. Large studies involving millions of IVF babies show that children conceived through IVF are as healthy as naturally conceived children. The rates of birth defects are essentially the same. With genetic testing (PGT-A), we can even screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer, which may actually reduce certain risks.

Very normal — and very human. Almost every patient I have worked with has experienced this, even though they often feel guilty about it. You can be genuinely happy for someone else and feel pain about your own situation at the same time. Those two feelings can coexist, and neither one makes you a bad person.

Never. Financial constraints are real, and I would never judge a patient for making a decision based on what they can afford. Part of my job is helping you make the most of the resources you have — whether that means choosing the most cost-effective treatment path, discussing EMI options, or being honest about when continuing treatment is unlikely to help. You deserve honesty and respect, regardless of your budget.