Deciding to undergo IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is both an emotional and empowering step in your fertility journey. For many women and couples in Tamil Nadu, IVF offers hope after months or even years of trying to conceive naturally. But it’s natural to feel anxious: Will it work the first time? How do I prepare? Is there anything I should avoid?
At Mithran Fertility Center in Chidambaram, we’ve helped hundreds of women achieve first-time IVF success. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what every woman in Tamil Nadu should know—from preparation to treatment—to increase her chances of getting pregnant on the very first IVF attempt.
Understanding IVF – What Happens?
Section 1: Understanding IVF – What Happens?
IVF is an advanced fertility treatment where a woman’s eggs are retrieved, fertilized with sperm in a lab, and then transferred into the uterus as embryos. The process typically involves:
- Ovarian stimulation (with hormone injections)
- Egg retrieval (under light anesthesia)
- Fertilization and embryo culture
- Embryo transfer
- Pregnancy testing after 10–14 days
- Your success depends on several factors like age, hormone levels, egg and sperm quality, lifestyle, and the expertise of the fertility center.
Key Factors That Impact First-Time IVF Success
- Age of the Woman
Women under 35 have higher chances of success (up to 40–50% per cycle), while success declines gradually after age 35. - Egg Quality & Quantity
Your AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels and antral follicle count help assess your ovarian reserve. Good egg quality improves embryo development. - Sperm Quality
Even if male infertility is mild, sperm health can affect embryo quality. A semen analysis is part of your initial evaluation. - Endometrial Health
A healthy uterine lining (7–12 mm thickness) is ideal for implantation. Poor lining or infections like endometritis can reduce success rates. - Lifestyle & Stress
Unhealthy habits, stress, obesity, smoking, or poor sleep can negatively affect hormone levels and IVF outcomes.
✓ 1. Get All Tests Done
Before starting IVF, complete your fertility profile: AMH, FSH, LH, TSH, prolactin, ultrasound scan, and semen analysis. Address any thyroid, PCOS, or endometriosis issues first.
✓ 2. Follow a Fertility-Boosting Diet
- Eat local, fresh foods: keerai (greens), millets, nuts, eggs, and drumstick.
- Avoid maida, deep-fried snacks, sugar, and excess caffeine.
- Drink warm water and include turmeric, methi, and jeera in cooking.
✓ 3. Maintain Healthy Weight
Being overweight or underweight can affect hormone balance and ovulation. Aim for a BMI between 20–25.
✓ 4. Manage Stress with Yoga & Meditation
Stress hormones like cortisol interfere with IVF hormones. Gentle yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation can improve relaxation and outcomes.
✓ 5. Avoid Alcohol, Smoking & Late Nights
These lifestyle habits can harm egg and sperm health and reduce the chances of successful implantation.
✓ 6. Follow Medication Schedule Strictly
During stimulation, injections are time-sensitive. Always take medications at the correct time and dosage, and attend all scans as advised.
✓ 7. Choose an Experienced IVF Center
Your success also depends on the clinic’s laboratory, equipment, embryologist expertise, and quality of care. At Mithran Fertility Center, our advanced IVF lab and experienced team ensure maximum embryo success and personalized care.
What to Expect During Your First IVF Cycle at Mithran Fertility Center
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Day 2–3: Begin hormone injections (daily)
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Day 5–9: Scan to monitor follicle growth
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Day 10–12: Egg retrieval (minor procedure under sedation)
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Day 13–15: Embryo development in lab
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Day 17–19: Embryo transfer (painless)
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Day 31: Blood test to confirm pregnancy
Note: You may be advised to rest for 1–2 days post-embryo transfer, though full bed rest is not medically required.
IVF Myths Common in Tamil Nadu – Busted
Myth 1: IVF is only for rich couples.
Truth: With flexible payment plans and government schemes, IVF is more affordable today.
Myth 2: IVF babies are weak or unnatural.
Truth: IVF babies are as healthy as naturally conceived babies.
Myth 3: One must be on complete bed rest after embryo transfer.
Truth: Light activity is fine. What matters is mental calm and a healthy body.
Myth 4: IVF always causes twins.
Truth: Single embryo transfers are common and preferred to reduce risk.
- Even with the best planning, not every IVF cycle results in pregnancy. This doesn’t mean failure—it simply means your body may need a different protocol or support. With every cycle, doctors learn more about how your body responds
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Fertility journeys can feel lonely, especially in smaller towns and tight-knit families. At Mithran Fertility Center, we offer counseling, support groups, and personalized care to help you cope emotionally during IVF.
FAQs
Success depends on age and health. Women under 35 can expect a 40–50% success rate per cycle at good fertility centers.
Usually 1 or 2, depending on your age and embryo quality. Transferring more increases the chance of twins.
You can walk, do light chores, and go to work if stress is low. Just avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, or long travel.
The injections are small and usually well tolerated. Your doctor may guide you or your partner to administer them at home.
Yes, high stress can interfere with hormone balance and implantation. Practicing meditation and yoga helps reduce stress levels.
Conclusion
Your first IVF cycle can feel overwhelming—but with the right preparation, support, and lifestyle changes, you can significantly increase your chances of success.
At Mithran Fertility Center in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, we walk with you every step of the way—combining modern science with holistic care and emotional support to give you the best chance at motherhood.
Remember: You’re not alone, and one cycle can change your life.
