IVF Cycle: What It Is, Who It’s For, and What It Really Costs

When people talk about an IVF cycle, a medical process where eggs are fertilized outside the body to help achieve pregnancy. Also known as in vitro fertilization, it’s one of the most common fertility treatments used today in India and around the world. An IVF cycle isn’t just one step—it’s a series of timed actions, from hormone shots to embryo transfer, all designed to give you the best shot at having a baby when natural conception hasn’t worked.

Not everyone needs an IVF cycle. It’s often recommended for couples dealing with blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, unexplained infertility, or age-related fertility decline. But it’s not a magic fix. Success rates drop sharply after 35, and even the best clinics don’t guarantee results. Some people use their own eggs and sperm. Others rely on donor eggs, eggs from a healthy young donor used when a woman’s own eggs aren’t viable or sperm donation, sperm from a screened donor used when male fertility is a factor. And yes—this changes the genetic link. If you use donor gametes, the baby won’t carry your DNA. That doesn’t make you any less a parent, but it’s something to think about before starting.

The cost of one IVF cycle in India? Between ₹2.2 lakh and ₹3.5 lakh. That includes scans, medications, egg retrieval, lab work, and embryo transfer. But hidden costs add up—like freezing embryos, genetic testing, or extra cycles if the first one fails. Most insurance plans in India still don’t cover IVF, though a few state mandates and corporate plans are starting to change that. If you’re thinking about it, check your policy now. And if you’re wondering if you can pick twins? You can’t. Clinics now transfer just one embryo to reduce risks. Twins happen when more than one embryo sticks, and that’s luck, not choice.

There’s also the emotional side. IVF cycles are physically draining and mentally exhausting. You’re waiting. You’re hoping. You’re managing side effects from hormones, doctor visits, and the fear of failure. That’s why so many people turn to clinics in Bangalore or Mumbai—not just for the tech, but for the support. And if you’ve had a failed cycle, you’re not alone. Many need more than one try. Some go three, four, or even five rounds. Each cycle is a new chance, but it’s not cheap, and it’s not easy.

What you’ll find below are real, practical answers to the questions no one tells you about before starting: How much does one round really cost? Can your insurance help? What happens if you use donor eggs? Is an IVF baby genetically yours? And why do some clinics now avoid transferring more than one embryo? These aren’t theoretical questions. They’re the ones people ask in waiting rooms, in online forums, and in quiet moments after a negative test. We’ve gathered the clearest, most honest answers from real experiences and medical facts—no fluff, no hype, just what you need to know before you decide.