IVF and ICSI in Kerala

Once our decision to have a baby was taken strongly, we looked up our various options to do IVF and ICSI in Kerala, and based on our convenience and our friends' advice about the expertise of the infertility specialist there, we zeroed in on Lakshmi Hospital, and started our regular visits to Dr. Tity Chacko. During the first visit he collected a semen sample, and showed us through the microscope how the count and motility are tested. We actually saw the tiny sperms move! I had ultrasound scans which showed poly-cystic ovaries, but DrTC said they do not matter at all. In fact these cysts might be helpful in the treatment, he said. I do not know how that was possible, but it was very encouraging nevertheless. Then he gave us a brief about the treatment procedure. He said he would have suggested three months of attempting conception naturally, but in our case he found it best to start with IUI right away. In the next two months we tried regular IUIs, and in the third month he used a hormone injection. We also had hsG test to see if my fallopian tubes have any blockage. The test was supposed to be very painful, but since it did not involve any needles (at least none that I could see), I found the test to be okay. The results showed very much unblocked tubes. Afterwards he decided it was time to start IVF. 

We said we needed a break, especially because I was dead scared of injections. He said fine, anyway it was better not to do it in February-March due to the heat. Best to do in June-July. So we went back to our life and jobs. Meanwhile I had applied for my post graduation under quality improvement program and got admission at Chennai. So I had to leave in August (2010). We took a long break from the treatment (it hadn't even started properly!) and I immersed myself in studies. Ramesh stayed back at Kochi, with occasional visits to Chennai. My semester break after second semester came in June- one whole month of holidays-June 2011. The first two semesters went exceptionally well, I enjoyed the new place, new college, new-found thirst for knowledge, new friendships, new energy. My colleague and senior during my undergraduate course was also there, and she stayed in the same paying guest accommodation as me. In November 2010 my father had a severe cardiac arrest, and I came back and stayed at the hospital for a few days. We decided that we should continue the treatment- at least that much we should do for our parents, who are really desperate for a grandchild.

So I am home for the June vacation now. The day after I reached, we went and met DrTC, and asked if we could do IVF in the next year, after my course. He said it is always better to do it as early as possible- with each passing day, the success chances diminish. So we reasoned that if we do it now, and if I indeed get pregnant, I can still go back next month and complete the course. My delivery might come sometime in March, and may be I can take a month's leave then. My course might end sometime in May. I can still complete the course, and join back in June, and then again take a loss of pay leave for a few months to raise my baby. So we decided to go for it this June.

I think IVF and ICSI are such a routine procedures now, that I do not need to elaborate on them. Injections started. Everyday one injection for 10 days. Now I am numb to the pain. The needle does not scare me anymore. Quite used to it by now. So  had my last injection of the ten on 12th June 2011, late at night. I don't actually remember why it had to be around midnight. There has to be a day's gap between last injection day and egg collection day. My egg collection day was 14th. I was so scared and nervous. There was a waiting room next to an IVF operation theater where around ten of us ladies sat and waited our turn. My turn was third. I was taken inside, cleaned up like for surgery, and was given general anesthesia. When I woke up I felt no pain. Everything went wonderfully well. I was kept under observation till late afternoon, was allowed to eat only after a few hours (I felt very hungry), but other than that, nothing particular. We got back home late in the evening. Next day Ramesh went and gave collected semen for artificial insemination. They said the procedure would be ICSI.

On 16th we went again, and an IUI like procedure where the embryos were transferred back to my uterus. I asked DrTC how many eggs and how many embryos, and he said there were eight eggs, eight embryos, two were discarded, six were used, three transferred back to me and three are being kept frozen, so they can use it in the next cycle if this cycle is a failure.

Ramesh's cousin- Akka- is a pediatrician at the same hospital, and this was a blessing. She was there to help us and give advice whenever needed. DrTC kept saying during our entire treatment duration that I was extremely fertile, one of the best possible cases he has ever seen. If he was excited about it before IVF, now after embryo transfer he was absolutely happy that everything went so well, and said I have 99% success chance. I will know only on 28th, after the blood test.

NEXT.....Waiting and Hoping