What is AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)?

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a blood test that measures ovarian reserve — your remaining egg supply. Normal AMH range is 1–3.5 ng/mL. A low AMH (<1 ng/mL) indicates diminished ovarian reserve and is used to personalise the IVF stimulation protocol. It does not predict natural conception ability and can be tested on any day of the menstrual cycle.

What is IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)?

IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is the gold-standard fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus. At Mother Hospitals Hyderabad, IVF is available at ₹99,000 all-inclusive, led by Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy with 19+ years of experience.

What is PGT-A in IVF?

PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies) is a procedure where 5–8 cells are biopsied from a blastocyst and tested for chromosomal errors before transfer. Only chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos are transferred. PGT-A is recommended for women over 37, those with recurrent miscarriage, or recurrent implantation failure.

What is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) — now also referred to as PMOS (Polycystic Ovarian Morphology Syndrome) since the Endocrine Society's 2026 renaming — is a hormonal disorder affecting approximately 10% of women. It is characterised by irregular periods, elevated androgens, polycystic-appearing ovaries, and often insulin resistance. PCOS is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility and is treated at Mother Hospitals with medications, lifestyle management, and IVF when needed.

What is the implantation window?

The implantation window (also called Window of Implantation or WOI) is the narrow 24–48 hour period during each cycle when the endometrium is receptive to an embryo. In standard FET protocols, this is assumed to fall on progesterone day 5–6 — but in approximately 25% of women it is displaced earlier or later. The ERA test identifies each woman's personalised implantation window.

What is a follicle in fertility treatment?

A follicle is a fluid-filled sac in the ovary that contains a developing egg. Each month, multiple follicles begin growing but usually only one reaches full maturity (the dominant follicle) and releases an egg at ovulation. In IVF, stimulation medications cause multiple follicles to grow simultaneously so that more eggs can be retrieved.

What is vitrification in IVF?

Vitrification is the modern flash-freezing technique used to preserve embryos and eggs in IVF. It uses ultra-rapid cooling with liquid nitrogen at -196°C, achieving embryo survival rates of over 95% on thawing. Vitrification has replaced older slow-freeze methods and allows embryos to be stored for years without loss of quality, enabling future frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles.

Fertility & IVF Glossary — Medical Terms Explained

A–Z Reference

Fertility & IVF Medical Terms

Use the alphabetical navigation below to jump to any term. Click a term card to expand the full definition.

A

AMH Anti-Müllerian Hormone Tap to read definition ▾

AMH is a blood test that measures your ovarian reserve — the quantity of eggs remaining in your ovaries. It is produced by small resting follicles. Normal range: 1–3.5 ng/mL. Low AMH (<1 ng/mL) indicates diminished ovarian reserve and does not predict natural conception ability, but is critical for planning IVF stimulation dose. AMH can be tested on any day of the menstrual cycle — it does not fluctuate significantly across the month.

→ Low AMH Treatment at Mother Hospitals

AFC Antral Follicle Count Tap to read definition ▾

AFC is an ultrasound count of the small resting (antral) follicles visible in both ovaries at the start of a cycle. Normal range: 10–20 total follicles. A low AFC (fewer than 7) suggests poor ovarian reserve. AFC is used alongside AMH to assess fertility potential and to calculate the starting dose of IVF stimulation medications.

→ IVF at Mother Hospitals

ART Assisted Reproductive Technology Tap to read definition ▾

ART refers to all fertility treatments in which eggs or embryos are handled outside the body. This includes IVF, ICSI, Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), and embryo donation. In India, ART is regulated under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act 2021, which mandates clinic registration, consent protocols, and donor anonymity. Mother Hospitals & IVF Center is ART Act 2021 certified.

→ ART Services at Mother Hospitals

Azoospermia Absence of sperm in ejaculate Tap to read definition ▾

Azoospermia is the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate. It has two forms: obstructive azoospermia (blocked ducts — sperm are produced but cannot exit, treatable with TESA or PESA surgical retrieval) and non-obstructive azoospermia (testicular production failure). Even with non-obstructive azoospermia, sperm can sometimes be retrieved from testicular tissue and used for ICSI to achieve pregnancy.

→ ICSI Treatment for Male Factor Infertility

B

Beta hCG Pregnancy Blood Test Tap to read definition ▾

Beta hCG is a blood test measuring Human Chorionic Gonadotropin — the hormone produced by the developing embryo after implantation. It is performed 14 days after embryo transfer. A level above 25 mIU/mL is considered positive. Serial testing every 48 hours is used to confirm a healthy continuing pregnancy: a doubling of hCG within 48 hours is a reassuring sign.

→ IVF Treatment & Monitoring

Blastocyst Day-5 Embryo Tap to read definition ▾

A blastocyst is a day-5 or day-6 embryo containing 80–120 cells. It has two distinct parts: the inner cell mass (ICM), which develops into the baby, and the trophectoderm, which forms the placenta. Blastocysts have significantly higher implantation rates than day-3 embryos. They are graded using the Gardner scale — for example, 4AA means fully expanded with excellent ICM and trophectoderm. 3AB = good quality. 2BC = fair quality.

→ IVF & Embryo Culture at Mother Hospitals

C

Cryopreservation Vitrification / Embryo Freezing Tap to read definition ▾

Cryopreservation is the preservation of biological material at ultra-low temperatures. In fertility treatment, it refers to the freezing of eggs and embryos using modern vitrification — a flash-freezing technique using liquid nitrogen at -196°C. Modern vitrification achieves embryo survival rates of over 95% on thawing. This allows surplus embryos from one IVF cycle to be stored for future use, eliminating the need for repeat egg retrieval.

→ Egg & Embryo Freezing at Mother Hospitals

D

DHEA Dehydroepiandrosterone Tap to read definition ▾

DHEA is a mild androgen supplement sometimes prescribed to women with low AMH or poor ovarian reserve to improve egg quality and ovarian response before IVF. Typically taken for 6–12 weeks before beginning an IVF cycle. Current evidence suggests improved embryo quality and live birth rates in poor responders. It is usually taken at 25–75 mg per day under medical supervision.

→ Low AMH & Poor Ovarian Reserve Treatment

DFI DNA Fragmentation Index Tap to read definition ▾

DFI measures the percentage of sperm in a sample that have damaged (fragmented) DNA. Normal DFI: below 15%. Elevated DFI (above 30%) is associated with reduced fertilisation rates, poor embryo development, and recurrent miscarriage. Critically, DFI is not detected by routine semen analysis — a separate sperm DNA fragmentation test is needed. High DFI can sometimes be improved with antioxidants and lifestyle changes before ICSI.

→ ICSI & Male Factor Infertility

E

Endometrium Uterine Lining Tap to read definition ▾

The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus — the tissue where an embryo implants and pregnancy is established. For successful implantation, the endometrium must be at least 7 mm thick and show a trilaminar (three-layer) appearance on ultrasound. Endometrial thickness and pattern are monitored closely during IVF cycles. A thin endometrium (<7 mm) may be treated with estrogen, PRP, or hysteroscopic evaluation.

→ IVF Monitoring at Mother Hospitals

ERA Endometrial Receptivity Analysis Tap to read definition ▾

The ERA test is a small biopsy of the endometrial lining that analyses the expression of 248 genes to determine each woman's personalised window of implantation (WOI). In a standard FET protocol, embryo transfer is timed to progesterone day 5–6 — but in approximately 25% of women, the WOI is displaced earlier or later. ERA identifies the displacement and allows transfer to be re-timed, improving success in recurrent implantation failure cases. Recommended after 2+ failed transfers with good-quality embryos.

→ ERA & Recurrent Implantation Failure

Embryo Transfer ET Tap to read definition ▾

Embryo transfer is the final step of an IVF cycle, where a selected embryo is loaded into a fine catheter and gently placed inside the uterus under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is usually painless and takes around 15 minutes — no anaesthesia is needed. Day-5 blastocyst transfers are now standard at Mother Hospitals as they offer higher implantation rates. A single embryo is typically transferred to minimise multiple-pregnancy risk.

→ IVF & Embryo Transfer

F

Fertilisation Egg + Sperm Union Tap to read definition ▾

Fertilisation is the union of an egg and a sperm to form a zygote — the earliest stage of an embryo. In IVF, fertilisation occurs in the laboratory: either by placing eggs and sperm together (conventional IVF) or by injecting a single sperm directly into each egg (ICSI). Fertilisation is confirmed the next morning by observing two pronuclei (2PN stage) under the microscope — one from each parent.

→ IVF Laboratory at Mother Hospitals

Follicle Egg-containing sac in the ovary Tap to read definition ▾

A follicle is a fluid-filled sac within the ovary that contains a developing egg. At the start of each cycle, several follicles begin to grow, but normally only one (the dominant follicle) reaches full maturity and releases an egg at ovulation. In IVF stimulation, hormone injections are used to encourage multiple follicles to grow simultaneously so several eggs can be retrieved in one cycle. Follicle size is monitored by ultrasound — a follicle of 17–20 mm is considered mature and ready for retrieval.

→ Ovarian Stimulation in IVF

FET Frozen Embryo Transfer Tap to read definition ▾

FET is the transfer of a previously vitrified (frozen) embryo after thawing. The embryo is thawed in the laboratory, checked for survival, and transferred to the uterus in a subsequent cycle. Research shows FET cycles often have comparable or better success rates than fresh transfers, because the uterine lining is not exposed to the high hormone levels generated during ovarian stimulation. FET is the standard approach for patients following a freeze-all strategy.

→ Frozen Embryo Transfer at Mother Hospitals

FSH Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Tap to read definition ▾

FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles each month. A day-2 or day-3 FSH level above 10–12 IU/L suggests diminished ovarian reserve (the pituitary is working harder to stimulate the ovaries). FSH is also the active ingredient in many IVF stimulation injections (e.g., Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur). In men, FSH drives sperm production.

→ Ovarian Reserve Testing

G

Gardner Scale Blastocyst Grading System Tap to read definition ▾

The Gardner scale is the standard grading system for day-5 blastocysts. It uses three components: First number (1–6): expansion grade — 1 is early, 6 is fully expanded and hatching. Second letter (A/B/C): quality of the inner cell mass (ICM) that becomes the baby — A = tightly packed, B = loosely grouped, C = few cells. Third letter (A/B/C): quality of the trophectoderm that becomes the placenta. A 4AA blastocyst is fully expanded with excellent ICM and trophectoderm — the highest quality grade.

→ IVF Laboratory & Embryo Grading

GnRH Agonist / Antagonist IVF Stimulation Control Medications Tap to read definition ▾

GnRH agonists and antagonists are medications that prevent a premature LH surge during IVF stimulation — which would trigger early ovulation before egg retrieval. Antagonists (e.g., Cetrorelix/Cetrotide, Ganirelix) are taken from day 5–6 of stimulation and act immediately. They are used in the most common "antagonist protocol." Agonists (e.g., Leuprorelin/Lupron, Buserelin) are used in "long agonist protocols" to down-regulate the pituitary before stimulation begins.

→ IVF Protocols at Mother Hospitals

H

Hysteroscopy Uterine Camera Examination Tap to read definition ▾

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin telescopic camera (hysteroscope) is passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity without any external incisions. It allows direct visualisation of the uterine lining and can diagnose and treat: endometrial polyps, uterine septa, submucosal fibroids, and intrauterine adhesions (Asherman's syndrome). Hysteroscopy is a key investigation in recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage workups.

→ Recurrent Implantation Failure Investigations

hCG Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Tap to read definition ▾

hCG serves two roles in fertility treatment. As a trigger shot, synthetic hCG (e.g., Ovitrelle/Pregnyl) is injected 34–36 hours before egg retrieval to cause final maturation of eggs. As a pregnancy hormone, hCG is naturally produced by the embryo after implantation and is what pregnancy tests detect. Levels are measured via the Beta hCG blood test 14 days after embryo transfer.

→ IVF Process at Mother Hospitals

I

ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Tap to read definition ▾

ICSI is a specialised IVF laboratory technique in which a single sperm is selected under high magnification and injected directly into the centre of a mature egg using a fine glass needle. It bypasses the need for sperm to penetrate the egg naturally, making it the standard treatment for male factor infertility (low sperm count, poor motility, poor morphology, or surgically retrieved sperm). ICSI is included in Mother Hospitals' ₹99,000 all-inclusive IVF package.

→ ICSI Treatment at Mother Hospitals

Implantation Embryo attachment to the uterus Tap to read definition ▾

Implantation is the process by which a blastocyst attaches to and embeds itself in the endometrium (uterine lining), establishing a connection with the mother's blood supply. This occurs approximately 5–7 days after the embryo transfer (or 8–10 days after ovulation in a natural cycle). Successful implantation triggers hCG production, which causes a positive pregnancy test. Failure to implant is one of the most common causes of IVF cycle failure.

→ Improving Implantation Rates

Implantation Window Window of Implantation (WOI) Tap to read definition ▾

The implantation window is the narrow 24–48 hour period during each cycle when the endometrium is receptive and ready to accept an embryo. In standard FET protocols, this window is assumed to fall on progesterone day 5–6 — but in approximately 25% of women, the window is displaced earlier or later (called a "displaced WOI"). The ERA test analyses endometrial gene expression to identify each woman's personalised WOI, allowing the transfer to be retimed for maximum success.

→ ERA Test & Implantation Window

IUI Intrauterine Insemination Tap to read definition ▾

IUI is a simpler fertility procedure where a prepared sperm sample (washed and concentrated in the laboratory) is placed directly into the uterus using a thin catheter at the time of ovulation. It is less invasive and less expensive than IVF. IUI is a first-line treatment for mild male factor infertility, cervical factor, or unexplained infertility. Success rate: approximately 10–20% per cycle. Typically attempted 3 cycles before considering IVF.

→ IUI Treatment at Mother Hospitals

IVF In Vitro Fertilisation Tap to read definition ▾

IVF is the gold-standard fertility treatment in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is cultured for 3–5 days before being transferred to the uterus. IVF is recommended for blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, unexplained infertility after simpler treatments fail, endometriosis, PCOS, and advanced maternal age. At Mother Hospitals, IVF is ₹99,000 all-inclusive — covering medications, egg retrieval, ICSI, embryo culture, and transfer.

→ IVF Treatment — ₹99,000 at Mother Hospitals

L

LH Luteinising Hormone Tap to read definition ▾

LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation — the release of a mature egg from the dominant follicle. In IVF, a natural LH surge before egg retrieval would be problematic (causing premature ovulation), so GnRH antagonists or agonists are used to suppress it. Instead, a controlled "trigger shot" (hCG or GnRH agonist) is given at the precise time to cause final egg maturation exactly 34–36 hours before planned egg retrieval.

→ IVF Stimulation & Monitoring

Laparoscopy Keyhole Pelvic Surgery Tap to read definition ▾

Laparoscopy is minimally invasive keyhole surgery of the pelvis, performed through tiny incisions using a telescope (laparoscope) and a camera. In fertility care, it is used to diagnose and treat: endometriosis, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts (endometriomas), uterine fibroids, and pelvic adhesions. It is both diagnostic and therapeutic in the same procedure. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy is trained in advanced laparoscopy (Satwalekar Institute of Endoscopy) and performs laparoscopic fertility surgery at Mother Hospitals.

→ Fertility Surgery at Mother Hospitals

M

Mini-IVF Minimal Stimulation IVF Tap to read definition ▾

Mini-IVF (Minimal Stimulation IVF) uses lower doses of stimulation medications than conventional IVF, typically producing 2–5 eggs per cycle rather than 10–15. The rationale is that with lower stimulation, each egg retrieved may be of higher quality — particularly relevant for women with low AMH or poor ovarian reserve. Mini-IVF also reduces the risk of OHSS in high-responder patients (e.g., PCOS). It involves fewer injections and is often less costly per cycle, though multiple cycles may be needed.

→ IVF Protocols at Mother Hospitals

Have Questions About Your Fertility?

Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy — MBBS, DGO, PG Diploma in ART (Kiel University, Germany) — offers personalised consultations at Mother Hospitals & IVF Center, Boduppal, Hyderabad.
OPD: 10:30 AM–1:30 PM, All Days

💬 WhatsApp: 90520 74999 📞 Call: 97059 93366

N

Needleless IVF Injection-free IVF Protocol Tap to read definition ▾

Needleless IVF replaces conventional daily hormone injections with oral medications (such as Letrozole and Clomiphene) or transdermal/intranasal hormone delivery during the stimulation phase. This makes the entire IVF stimulation process free of daily injections, significantly reducing patient anxiety, discomfort, and the burden of self-injection. Success rates are comparable to conventional IVF in appropriate candidates. Mother Hospitals is one of the few centres in Hyderabad offering this protocol.

→ Needleless IVF at Mother Hospitals

O

OHSS Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Tap to read definition ▾

OHSS is a complication of IVF stimulation where the ovaries over-respond to hormone medications, becoming enlarged and leaking fluid into the abdomen. Mild OHSS (bloating, mild discomfort) is relatively common. Severe OHSS is rare but can cause significant abdominal fluid accumulation, breathing difficulty, and blood clots. High-risk patients are those with PCOS, high AFC, or previous OHSS. Prevention strategies include GnRH antagonist protocols, lower stimulation doses, GnRH agonist trigger (instead of hCG), and a "freeze-all" strategy.

→ PCOS & OHSS Risk Management

OPU Ovum Pick-Up / Egg Retrieval Tap to read definition ▾

OPU (Ovum Pick-Up) is the procedure in which mature eggs are aspirated from the ovarian follicles using a fine needle guided by transvaginal ultrasound. It is performed under short-acting intravenous sedation — you are asleep and feel nothing. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. The eggs collected are immediately handed to the embryologist in the IVF laboratory. The trigger shot is given exactly 34–36 hours before OPU to time final egg maturation.

→ Egg Retrieval Procedure at Mother Hospitals

Ovarian Reserve Egg Supply Assessment Tap to read definition ▾

Ovarian reserve refers to a woman's remaining supply of eggs — both quantity and quality. It declines naturally with age and cannot be increased. It is assessed by three main tests: AMH (blood test), AFC (ultrasound follicle count), and FSH (day-2/3 blood test). A diminished ovarian reserve does not mean pregnancy is impossible — specialised IVF protocols (mini-IVF, natural cycle IVF, DHEA supplementation) can often work with the remaining reserve.

→ Low Ovarian Reserve Treatment

P

PCOS / PMOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Polycystic Ovarian Morphology Syndrome Tap to read definition ▾

PCOS is a hormonal disorder affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. The Endocrine Society renamed it PMOS (Polycystic Ovarian Morphology Syndrome) in May 2026 to better reflect its heterogeneous nature. It is characterised by irregular or absent periods, elevated male hormones (androgens) causing acne or excess hair, polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound, and often insulin resistance or elevated blood sugar. PCOS is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility (failure to ovulate). Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications (Metformin, Letrozole, Clomiphene), and IVF when needed.

→ PCOS Treatment at Mother Hospitals

PGT-A Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies Tap to read definition ▾

PGT-A is a genetic test performed on blastocysts before embryo transfer. A small biopsy of 5–8 trophectoderm cells is taken from each blastocyst and sent for chromosomal analysis. Only embryos with the correct number of chromosomes (euploid embryos) are selected for transfer. Chromosomally abnormal (aneuploid) embryos are the leading cause of IVF failure and miscarriage. PGT-A is recommended for women over 37, those with recurrent miscarriage, recurrent implantation failure, or a known chromosomal translocation in either partner.

→ PGT-A Genetic Testing at Mother Hospitals

Progesterone Implantation & Pregnancy Hormone Tap to read definition ▾

Progesterone is the hormone that prepares the endometrium for implantation and supports early pregnancy. After ovulation (or after egg retrieval in IVF), progesterone rises to make the uterine lining receptive. In FET cycles, progesterone is administered from a set day to create an artificial luteal phase. After embryo transfer, progesterone supplementation (pessaries, injections, or vaginal gel) is continued for 10–14 weeks until the placenta produces sufficient progesterone on its own.

→ IVF Medications & Progesterone Support

PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma Tap to read definition ▾

PRP therapy uses a patient's own blood, which is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets and growth factors, and then infused into the uterine cavity (for thin endometrium) or injected into the ovaries (for poor ovarian reserve). PRP is an emerging add-on treatment used when standard approaches have failed — particularly for thin endometrium that does not respond to estrogen, or for women with very low AMH seeking to improve egg quality. Evidence is still growing but some patients show improved outcomes.

→ Advanced IVF Treatments at Mother Hospitals

R

RIF Recurrent Implantation Failure Tap to read definition ▾

RIF is defined as 2 or more failed embryo transfers using good-quality embryos. It is one of the most frustrating challenges in IVF and warrants a comprehensive investigation. The standard RIF workup at Mother Hospitals includes: ERA test (personalised implantation window), hysteroscopy (uterine cavity assessment), PGT-A (embryo chromosomal testing), sperm DNA fragmentation test, immune panel (NK cells, antiphospholipid antibodies), thrombophilia screen, and full protocol review. A cause is identified in the majority of cases.

→ Recurrent IVF Failure Treatment at Mother Hospitals

S

Semen Analysis Basic Male Fertility Test Tap to read definition ▾

Semen analysis is the foundational male fertility test. It measures: sperm count (normal: >16 million/mL), total motility (normal: >42% moving sperm), progressive motility (normal: >30% swimming forward), and morphology (normal: >4% normal-shaped sperm by Kruger strict criteria). Important caveat: semen analysis does NOT detect sperm DNA fragmentation — a separate DFI test is required to assess sperm DNA quality, particularly in unexplained IVF failure or recurrent miscarriage.

→ Male Fertility Assessment at Mother Hospitals

Stimulation Protocol IVF Medication Plan Tap to read definition ▾

The stimulation protocol is the personalised medication plan used during IVF to encourage the ovaries to develop multiple mature follicles. Common protocols include: Antagonist protocol (most common — GnRH antagonist added from day 5–6 of stimulation to prevent early ovulation), Long agonist protocol (down-regulation with GnRH agonist before stimulation begins), Minimal stimulation / Mini-IVF (lower doses for poor responders or OHSS-risk patients), and Natural cycle IVF (no stimulation medications). Protocol choice is personalised based on age, AMH, AFC, and any prior IVF response.

→ Personalised IVF Protocols at Mother Hospitals

T

TESA / PESA Surgical Sperm Retrieval Tap to read definition ▾

TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) and PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) are minimally invasive surgical procedures to retrieve sperm for use in ICSI when no sperm is present in the ejaculate (azoospermia). PESA: A fine needle is inserted into the epididymis (the coiled tube behind the testis) to aspirate sperm. Suitable for obstructive azoospermia (blocked ducts). TESA: A fine needle is inserted directly into the testis to retrieve sperm from testicular tissue. Used for both obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. Both are done under local anaesthesia or sedation.

→ ICSI with Surgical Sperm Retrieval

Trigger Shot Final Egg Maturation Injection Tap to read definition ▾

The trigger shot is a single injection given at a precisely timed moment during an IVF cycle to cause final maturation of the eggs before retrieval. It mimics the natural LH surge that would normally trigger ovulation. Two types are used: hCG trigger (e.g., Ovitrelle, Pregnyl) — the standard trigger; GnRH agonist trigger (e.g., Buserelin) — preferred in high-risk OHSS patients (PCOS) as it significantly reduces OHSS risk. Egg retrieval (OPU) is scheduled exactly 34–36 hours after the trigger.

→ IVF Stimulation Process

V

Vitrification Flash-Freezing of Eggs and Embryos Tap to read definition ▾

Vitrification is the modern ultra-rapid freezing technique used to preserve eggs and embryos in IVF. The biological material is cooled at an extremely fast rate (thousands of degrees per minute) using liquid nitrogen at -196°C, converting it to a glass-like state without ice crystal formation. Ice crystals are the main cause of cell damage with older slow-freeze methods. Modern vitrification achieves embryo survival rates above 95% on thawing. Vitrified embryos can be stored for years without deterioration in quality.

→ Embryo & Egg Freezing at Mother Hospitals

W

Window of Implantation WOI — see also: Implantation Window Tap to read definition ▾

The Window of Implantation (WOI) is the personalised 24–48 hour window during each cycle when the endometrium is optimally receptive to an embryo. While most women's WOI falls on progesterone day 5–6 in a standard FET protocol, approximately 25% of women have a displaced WOI (pre-receptive or post-receptive). The ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis) test identifies the individual WOI through endometrial gene expression analysis, allowing embryo transfer to be retimed for maximum implantation success in recurrent implantation failure cases.

→ ERA Test for Displaced Implantation Window

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Fertility Questions

Plain-English answers to the most common fertility and IVF questions — reviewed by Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy.

What is AMH and what does a low AMH result mean?+

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) measures your ovarian reserve — the quantity of eggs remaining. A low AMH (below 1 ng/mL) indicates diminished ovarian reserve. This does not mean pregnancy is impossible: it means you may need a tailored IVF protocol. AMH does not predict natural conception ability. It can be tested on any day of your cycle. Call 97059 93366 to discuss your AMH result with Dr. Prashanthi Reddy.

What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?+

IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is the overall process: eggs retrieved, fertilised in the lab, embryo transferred. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is the specific fertilisation technique used within IVF: a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. ICSI is the standard approach at most IVF centres, including Mother Hospitals, and is included in the ₹99,000 all-inclusive package. It is particularly important for male factor infertility.

What does PGT-A test for, and when is it recommended?+

PGT-A tests embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. Only chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos are transferred, reducing the risk of IVF failure and miscarriage. It is recommended for women over 37, those with recurrent miscarriage, recurrent implantation failure, or a known chromosomal translocation in either partner. PGT-A is available at Mother Hospitals — speak to Dr. Prashanthi Reddy to assess whether you are a candidate.

What is a blastocyst and why does day-5 transfer have better results?+

A blastocyst is a day-5 or day-6 embryo with 80–120 cells, where the inner cell mass (future baby) and trophectoderm (future placenta) are clearly defined. Day-5 transfers have higher implantation rates than day-3 transfers because the embryo is at a more advanced stage matching the natural uterine environment. Culturing to blastocyst also allows natural selection — only the strongest embryos reach day 5. Mother Hospitals performs day-5 blastocyst transfers as standard.

What is the ERA test and who needs it?+

The ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis) test is a biopsy of the uterine lining that analyses 248 genes to find your personalised window of implantation. It is recommended after 2 or more failed IVF transfers with good-quality embryos. In approximately 25% of women who have recurrent implantation failure, the window of implantation is displaced — and retiming the transfer based on ERA results can significantly improve success rates.

What is PCOS and does it affect fertility?+

PCOS (now also called PMOS) is a hormonal condition affecting ~10% of women, causing irregular periods, elevated androgens, and polycystic ovaries. It is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility (not ovulating). Most women with PCOS can conceive with treatment: medications like Letrozole can induce ovulation, and IVF is highly effective for those who need it. PCOS patients are at higher OHSS risk during IVF and need a tailored protocol. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy specialises in PCOS management at Mother Hospitals.

How does the implantation window work and can it be tested?+

The implantation window is the 24–48 hour period when the uterus is ready to accept an embryo. In standard FET protocols, this is assumed to be progesterone day 5–6. However, in ~25% of women, this window falls earlier or later — called a displaced WOI. This displacement is one of the most common (and under-investigated) causes of recurrent IVF failure. The ERA test measures endometrial gene expression to pinpoint the exact timing of your personal window, allowing the transfer to be rescheduled for success.

What is a follicle and how many are needed for IVF?+

A follicle is a fluid-filled sac in the ovary containing a developing egg. In IVF, stimulation medications encourage multiple follicles to grow simultaneously. A good response is 8–15 follicles; a modest response is 4–7. Even 2–3 mature follicles can be sufficient for a successful cycle. Follicle growth is monitored every 2–3 days by transvaginal ultrasound during the stimulation phase. A follicle reaches maturity at approximately 17–20 mm diameter.

What is vitrification and how long can embryos be frozen?+

Vitrification is the modern ultra-rapid flash-freezing technique for eggs and embryos, achieving >95% survival rates on thawing. It has completely replaced older slow-freeze methods. Vitrified embryos maintain their quality indefinitely in liquid nitrogen storage. Babies have been born from embryos frozen for over 10 years. At Mother Hospitals, surplus embryos from an IVF cycle are vitrified and stored, available for future frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles.

When should I see a fertility specialist?+

See a fertility specialist if you have been trying to conceive for 12 months (under 35) or 6 months (over 35). See Dr. Prashanthi Reddy sooner if you have: known PCOS, irregular periods, prior pelvic surgery, endometriosis, two or more miscarriages, known low sperm count, or if you are 38 or older. Early consultation is always better — ovarian reserve declines with age and earlier intervention improves outcomes significantly. Call 97059 93366 to book.

Fertility & IVF Medical Glossary —
40+ Terms Explained in Plain English

Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy

Fertility & IVF Medical Terms

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Frequently Asked Fertility Questions

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IVF & Fertility Guides

Fertility & IVF Medical Glossary —40+ Terms Explained in Plain English

Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy

Fertility & IVF Medical Terms

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Have Questions About Your Fertility?

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Frequently Asked Fertility Questions

Explore Related Pages

IVF & Fertility Guides

Fertility & IVF Medical Glossary —
40+ Terms Explained in Plain English