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August 2026

Life During and After IVF Treatment: What Patients Should Know

Fertility Treatment /

Beginning the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) process is one of the most important choices couples can take in their adventure towards parenthood. While the most focus goes to the medical process itself, in reality, the patients may want to understand what happens during their everyday life in the course of treatment and also after it is over. Knowing what each phase involves can be very beneficial in terms of alleviating anxiety around the process. Understanding the IVF Journey: An Overview IVF is a multi-step process that typically spans four to six weeks per cycle. It involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization in a laboratory, and embryo transfer. While the science behind IVF has advanced tremendously, every patient’s experience is unique, shaped by their medical history, age, and underlying fertility challenges.   Many patients searching for guidance turn to a trusted infertility specialist in Siliguri to better understand their treatment options and what lies ahead. Having the right medical support during this time makes a meaningful difference-not just in success rates, but in how manageable the entire experience feels. Life During IVF Treatment 1. The Stimulation Phase The process normally starts with hormone injections aimed at stimulating the ovary to release many eggs. This phase lasts for 8-14 days, during which the patient is supposed to:   Have frequent visits to the clinic to undergo blood and ultrasound tests for follicles’ measurement Experience bloating, sore breasts, or mood changes resulting from the effects of hormones Need to inject regularly in a timely manner It is crucial to communicate openly with your fertility doctors during this stage. Any symptoms, such as severe stomach pain or weight gain, should be reported immediately since they may indicate Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). 2. Egg Retrieval and Fertilization After the eggs have attained the right size, a small surgery is conducted to collect the eggs, which only takes one or two days for the patient to recover, although there may be some cramping and light bleeding. The collected eggs are then combined with sperm in the lab through insemination or ICSI. 3. Embryo Transfer and the Two-Week Wait Three to five days after the development of the embryo, the embryos are implanted in the uterus. The following process is referred to as the infamous “two-week wait,” which is the waiting period from implantation to the pregnancy test. This period is known as the most difficult emotional stage of IVF.   Some tips for this period are: Do not engage in strenuous exercises but keep your routine activities light Take the prescribed progesterone medications regularly Use stress management strategies such as walking or meditation Do not look out for signs, since symptoms of pregnancy and side effects of medicines are alike Managing the Emotional Rollercoaster IVF is a process which can prove quite emotional. Patients tend to feel a variety of emotions such as fear, hope, disappointment, among others and all on one single day. This is very normal.   Some ways of coping include:   Creating a network of supporters. You can talk to a partner, friend or a support group which will make you feel less alone. Try counseling. More often than not, many clinics will have counselors in place for their patients to help cope with fertility related stress. Set boundaries with those people who do not seem to appreciate the emotional toll that comes with the process. Be patient with your body. Hormones will play a big role in affecting your moods and energy level. What Happens After a Positive Pregnancy Test? A positive beta hCG result means that it’s time for happiness and peace of mind, but there is much more ahead. Some steps still need to be taken during the first trimester after conception through IVF procedure:   Continuing hormonal therapy: Estrogen and progesterone therapies continue until week 8-12 of the pregnancy period. Early ultrasound scans: They detect pregnancy position (check for ectopic pregnancy) and detect the fetal heart rate at week 6-7 of pregnancy. Regular monitoring: An IVF pregnancy requires slightly more regular examinations due to the presence of preconditions like PCOS or an advanced age of patients. Once the pregnancy becomes stable and is passed from the first trimester stage, a normal OB/GYN schedule can be followed. What If the Cycle Is Unsuccessful? Not every in vitro fertilization cycle leads to pregnancy, and that is one of the most difficult facts patients have to cope with. When a cycle does not work, it should be remembered that:   One failure does not automatically mean future failures Your fertility doctor usually analyzes the cycle thoroughly and makes adjustments necessary Having more frozen embryos will give you an opportunity to conduct another cycle without conducting the whole stimulation again It is completely natural to take some time to mourn and recover before making the next step Communicating openly with your doctors about what did not work well and what should be adjusted is one of the key points of the process. Long-Term Physical Health After IVF In addition to the immediate consequences, women have concerns over what IVF means for their health in the future. According to recent scientific studies, IVF does not harm a person and causes only temporary physical consequences linked to hormonal therapy. But keeping up a healthy lifestyle – eating properly, exercising moderately, and avoiding stress – helps you stay in good reproductive and general condition, regardless of the treatment result.   It is important to have regular check-ups even when the treatment has been successful or unsuccessful. Practical Tips for Patients Undergoing IVF Maintain a treatment calendar: Log in medications, appointments, and test results to keep track. Schedule recovery periods: This is particularly important around the time of retrieval and transfer. Consult with work if necessary: Some patients choose to discuss their situation with the employer for scheduling, and others prefer not to-it depends on your personal choice. Do not hesitate to ask questions: Any and all questions are relevant in the case of your

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Can Endometriosis Cause Infertility? Understanding the Connection

Fertility Treatment /

Being diagnosed with endometriosis, or perhaps even suspecting that you may have it, will bring up a number of questions in your mind, but one in particular that will definitely be prominent is whether endometriosis causes infertility. This is a legitimate worry, as there are quite a few cases where women are facing this issue and don’t get the right information or help from anyone. But the thing is that endometriosis-induced infertility is not something unknown in medical circles, and, if you consult an expert fertility doctor, you will be able to become pregnant successfully.. What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is an illness wherein tissues like that lining the uterus are found outside the uterus – most likely growing on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the lining tissues of the pelvis. But unlike the uterine lining tissue that sheds itself during the menstrual period, this tissue has nowhere to go once it is shed. Hence, it causes inflammation, scarring, and adhesions (scar tissues that make the organs bind to each other).   There are millions of sufferers of endometriosis all around the world, but many of them remain undiagnosed for several years as the symptoms are usually dismissed as just menstrual pains. Common Symptoms of Endometriosis Periods (dysmenorrhea) that cause severe pain that increases with time Sexual pain Pelvic pain that is not limited to periods Severe period bleeding or bleeding outside of periods Digestion problems like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, particularly during your periods Fatigue Difficulty becoming pregnant These are some of the signs and symptoms that indicate you may need to see an infertility specialist. So, Can Endometriosis Cause Infertility? Absolutely, because endometriosis is one of the main reasons for women’s infertility. The researches show that there is a certain percentage of women who have trouble with conception, ranging from 30 to 50%. But it should be taken into account that not all women suffering from endometriosis will face the problem of infertility, because it does not necessarily depend on the severity of endometriosis. Let’s see how endometriosis can prevent conception. 1. Distorted Pelvic Anatomy With the growth of endometrium-like tissue and formation of scar tissue, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus may get displaced. This displacement of organs will make it hard for the egg cell to move from the ovary to the fallopian tube, thus preventing fertilization. 2. Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes In the most severe case, endometriosis will lead to the development of adhesions which will block the fallopian tubes completely, thus preventing the sperm cell from getting to the egg or vice versa. 3. Inflammation Affecting Egg and Sperm Quality Endometriosis can cause chronic inflammation in the pelvic cavity. This inflammation might affect not only the egg and sperm cells but also the embryo itself. 4. Ovarian Reserve Reduction Chocolate cysts, which are also known as endometriomas, are one form of ovarian cysts related to endometriosis. Endometrioma can destroy normal ovarian tissue and decrease the woman’s ovarian reserve, meaning the amount of good quality eggs that can be used in conception. 5. Implantation Issues Although fertilization might happen, endometriosis can make the uterus not receptive enough for the implantation of the embryo. Diagnosing Endometriosis-Related Infertility In case you have been struggling with conception problems and think that you may have endometriosis, meeting an expert in infertility would be your initial move. The diagnostic procedure usually includes:   Detailed medical history and symptom review Pelvic examination Ultrasound imaging to detect cysts or abnormalities Laparoscopy, considered the gold standard for confirming endometriosis, which allows direct visualization and, in many cases, treatment during the same procedure Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, as timely intervention can significantly improve fertility outcomes for women with endometriosis. Treatment Options for Endometriosis and Infertility The correct treatment depends on the severity of the disorder, the woman’s age, and the duration of her efforts to get pregnant. The following treatment modalities are commonly used: Medication Treatment It helps to control pain and to slow down the progression of endometriosis; however, hormonal therapy is usually avoided while a woman is trying to conceive because most medications affect the ovulation process. Laparoscopy This minimally invasive procedure allows for the removal of endometrial tissue, cysts, and adhesions and increases fertility, especially if endometriosis is mild to moderate. Ovulation Induction Fertility drugs and controlled ovulation may assist in getting pregnant naturally in the case of mild endometriosis. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) In some cases, intrauterine insemination is indicated along with ovulation induction. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) If a woman has endometriosis to the extent that she has problems conceiving by other methods, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) will be the most appropriate method for her. In vitro fertilization will avoid many of the issues that the condition causes in conception.   An experienced fertility specialist will design a personalized treatment program for each woman. Living with Endometriosis While Trying to Conceive However, having endometriosis does not automatically exclude a woman from pregnancy. There are many cases where women with this disease have successfully conceived both naturally and artificially. Here are some pieces of advice that might come in handy when attempting to conceive with endometriosis:   Do not waste time. Seek professional help immediately if you cannot conceive for six months to a year (or even before, if you are older than 35 years). Monitor your symptoms. Your doctor will need to know your experience of pain and the menstrual cycle in order to make the right diagnosis. Try every possible treatment. Whether it is lifestyle adjustment or complex assisted reproductive technologies, there are numerous ways to get pregnant. Look for psychological support. Dealing with fertility problems may be psychologically stressful, and discussing your issues with people who can listen is very important. Why Choose Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar Tackling infertility associated with endometriosis demands a sensitive, experienced, and meticulous method. Being an infertility specialist with extensive experience in dealing with women experiencing fertility problems, Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar is well equipped to provide personalized treatment

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Fertility After 35: Challenges and Treatment Options

Fertility Treatment /

Numerous women enter a consultation room and tell their doctor some variation of, “I thought I had more time.” Typically, she is 36, maybe 38, or sometimes 41 – and has realized that having children at her age is not quite as easy as she had hoped.   This confusion is no mystery. The advice that women have received for many years is nebulous, telling women only that “fertility decreases with age.” It does not explain why or what the alternatives are after 35. So let’s discuss it. What Actually Changes After 35 Women are born with all the eggs they’ll ever have – roughly one to two million at birth, down to about 300,000 by puberty. From there, the number keeps dropping every single month, whether or not someone is trying to conceive. By the mid-30s, both the quantity and the quality of the remaining eggs have declined noticeably. This isn’t a guess or a scare tactic; it’s basic reproductive biology, and it’s the reason fertility specialists talk about 35 as a turning point rather than a magic cutoff.   Egg quality matters just as much as quantity. As eggs age, they become more prone to chromosomal abnormalities, which is part of why miscarriage rates climb after 35 and why conditions like Down syndrome become more common in pregnancies conceived at older maternal ages. None of this means pregnancy after 35 is unlikely – it isn’t – but the odds do shift, month by month, in a way they don’t in the late 20s.   There’s also the practical reality that fertility issues aren’t always about eggs alone. Conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and hormonal imbalances become more common with age too, and they can complicate conception independently of egg quality. Why this Catches so Many Women off Guard So many women were doing everything “right” according to the advice that was given to them – they were focusing on their careers, saving enough money, and finding the right person. All of these things are not wrong. However, the problem with information about fertility timelines is that it is not delivered to women in an honest way, and by the time they start thinking about having children, they have lost years they didn’t realize could be so important.   This is not intended to make women feel guilty, as guilt doesn’t contribute to conception. Instead, this is to help people understand that knowing the biology of the process helps people approach treatment differently. When to See a Specialist It is generally advised that younger women under the age of 35 seek the expertise of a fertility specialist if conception does not occur within 12 months of trying. For women over the age of 35, the window is narrowed to six months. Women over the age of 40 are urged not to wait until then, and an initial consultation once ready for conception can serve to set the benchmark while there is still more time to work with.   These are indications that warrant early consultation, irrespective of age. Testing: What Actually Gets Checked Before jumping to treatment, real information is needed. For women, that typically includes an ovarian reserve assessment – usually AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) bloodwork paired with an antral follicle count on ultrasound – along with hormone panels and imaging to check the uterus and fallopian tubes. For male partners, a semen analysis is standard, since roughly a third of fertility issues involve male factors and it’s often overlooked early on.   Testing isn’t about assigning blame. It’s about building an accurate map so treatment decisions aren’t a guessing game. Treatment Options After 35 There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. It all boils down to the results of your tests, the diagnosis, and what you personally feel comfortable with. Here is a practical example of what usually comes into the equation. Changes to your lifestyle are the very first step taken, not because they cure everything, but because they eliminate certain barriers that are in your hands to control. Losing extra pounds, stress management, less alcohol and cigarettes, treatment for thyroid disorders – all this can make a real difference, sometimes even sufficient in itself. Of course, this will not help you increase the egg reserve, but it is worth starting with. Ovulation induction and IUI (intrauterine insemination) are usually the first medical steps when the fallopian tubes are open and the partner’s sperm count is normal. Medication stimulates egg release, and sperm is placed directly into the uterus around ovulation. It’s less invasive and less expensive than IVF, though success rates drop more steeply with age than they do for younger patients, so this route isn’t usually recommended indefinitely if it isn’t working. In vitro fertilization (IVF) emerges as the more straightforward method for many women who are above 35 years of age, especially those whose ovarian reserve is depleted or if other techniques have not proved effective. Eggs are collected, fertilized in the laboratory, and then one or more embryos are implanted back into the womb. The chances of success for IVF fall with age, but are considerably better compared to those of natural conception at the same age, and that is precisely why it comes up early in the discussion. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an option that could be incorporated into an IVF treatment cycle to detect chromosomal abnormalities in embryos before their transfer. Although this technique does not enhance the quality of eggs, it may decrease the risk of miscarriage as the embryo which is most viable is selected. Donor eggs become a genuine, and often successful, option when a woman’s own egg reserve or quality has declined significantly. It isn’t the first choice most people imagine for themselves, and it deserves an honest conversation rather than being avoided. For many patients, donor egg IVF offers by far the highest success rates of any option available after 40. Egg freezing, ideally done earlier, is worth mentioning too, since women in their late 30s often

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What Is Egg Rupture? Understanding Ovulation and Its Role in Pregnancy

Fertility Treatment /

Someone who has ever attempted to determine the best days for conception has likely come across the word egg rupture. It may sound clinical and perhaps a bit frightening. It is actually a normal monthly occurrence, however, and once you understand it, keeping track of your cycle isn’t very complicated.   If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, let’s take a look at what it is, how it feels, and its importance. What is Egg Rupture? Egg rupture is the actual breaking of a ruptured egg from its follicle within the ovary. This is also commonly referred to as ovulation. If it occurs, the egg sinks into the fallopian tube and waits for a sperm cell. Fertilisation occurs if this happens; that is the beginning of a pregnancy.   It’s not random. You work up to it for days, but your body works on a behind-the-scenes kind of level, altering hormones. Then, in a short time, everything falls into place at once, and your fertile window magically ceases to be a mystery. The Ovulation Process This whole process begins in the brain – not the ovary – a lot of people are surprised. The hypothalamus tells the pituitary to make hormones that instruct the ovary to prepare an egg. It goes something like this: Follicle growth: Each cycle, a few follicles begin to grow within the ovary and each contains an immature egg. Imagine that you are a few candidates running for one job. Most won’t make it past this early stage. Dominant follicle: After a few days, one follicle usually leads the others; it is called the dominant follicle. It’s the fastest and biggest of them and the others gradually wither away while it grows. This one will be the one that your body will stake a claim to for the month. Hormone surge: When the follicle starts to grow to a certain size, the blood level of luteinizing hormone (LH) rises dramatically. This is the red light, green light, but instead of that being the vehicle, it is actually the work. Most ovulation predictor kits are made to detect this very same surge. Follicle rupture: The dominant follicle then finally cannot withstand the pressure, about a day or two after the LH surge. It bursts open and releases the egg when it has reached maturity. When this happens, some women feel a slight twinge, while most women don’t feel a thing. Egg release: The release takes place when the egg is released into the fallopian tube with the help of tiny hair-like projections called cilia. It then floats on by, waiting for its next destiny, which may be to meet a sperm cell, or just for it to run out of time. This process repeats about once a month until menopause, pregnancy, or medical issues interfere. Any stress, sickness, or rapid weight loss can do the trick. Signs of Ovulation Your body isn’t silent about any of this. It usually drops a few hints when this moment is getting close, and learning to notice them can make tracking your cycle a lot easier. Some of the more common ones: A mild pain on one side of the belly Cervical mucus that turns clear and stretchy A slight bump in body temperature A stronger sex drive than usual Light spotting Some women feel a sharp little twinge right around this time. Doctors have a name for it: mittelschmerz. It’s common, harmless, and honestly kind of interesting once you know what’s causing it. Plenty of other women feel nothing at all, and that’s completely normal too. Egg Rupture Symptoms Not everyone experiences this the same way. Some women barely notice anything. Others feel small, unmistakable changes.   A few of the more typical ones:   Cramping low in the belly A bit of bloating Sore or tender breasts Shifts in mood Light spotting Most of these fade within a day or two on their own. If the pain feels severe, or it just won’t let up, it’s worth calling a doctor. Mild discomfort is normal; sharp, lingering pain usually isn’t. Ovulation and Pregnancy Here’s the simple truth: without this natural release, pregnancy can’t happen on its own. The egg only survives for about 12 to 24 hours after it’s released. Sperm, on the other hand, can hang around for up to five days.   That gap is exactly why timing matters so much. Couples trying to conceive are often better off tracking their cycle closely rather than guessing. This narrow window really is the most fertile stretch in a woman’s entire month.   Miss it by even a day or two, and the odds of conceiving drop noticeably. That’s part of why many fertility specialists suggest tracking ahead of time, not just waiting for the “expected” day to arrive. Pregnancy After Egg Rupture Once pregnancy has occurred, the only thing that remains is fertilization. Once sperm is in the fallopian tube, the egg can be fertilized. The fertilised egg then moves towards the uterus and embeds itself in the uterine lining.   When there is no sperm in time, the egg just disintegrates on its own. A few weeks later, the lining of your uterus will shed, and you will have your period.   If couples pay attention to this event, they are likely to gain a much better indication of their best days to conceive and thus improve their chances over time. Why Tracking This Matters Many women just want to get to know their bodies better, and understanding their period is an incredibly useful way to do this.   It can help with things like:   Planning a family on your own terms Natural birth control Making sense of irregular cycles Catching fertility issues early Apps, temperature charts, and ovulation kits all work by picking up on the LH surge in the days beforehand. Some women just keep a simple notebook of symptoms instead, jotting things down month to month until a pattern starts to emerge. Ways to

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