Sunrise Assisted Reproduction Centre (IVF)

The Fallopian tubes are ‘pipe like’ structures on either side of the uterus which connect the inside of the uterus to the surface of the ovaries. Eggs released from the ovary are travel into the tubes at the time of ovulation. When a woman has sexual intercourse, the sperms travel from the vagina to the uterus and then to the tubes. If this happens close to the time of ovulation, one of the many sperms can ‘fertilise’ the egg leading to a pregnancy. This pregnancy then travels to the uterus and gets attached to the wall of the uterus and grows there.

Since the tubes have a vital role in conception, damage to the tubes or a block in the tubes can cause infertility. Tubal damage can cause the pregnancy from moving normally to the uterus and to abnormally grow inside the tube – this is called an ‘ectopic pregnancy’.

The most common cause for tubal damage is infection. Tubal damage can be caused by sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. Infections like tuberculosis can cause severe damage to the tubes. Appendicitis or infection from other pelvic organs can also cause tubal damage. Using a surgical technique to ‘cut and separate the tubes’ is a method of permanent contraception (sterilisation). This needs to be reversed if a woman desires to conceive. Scarring of the tubes can happen due to endometriosis, a previous tubal pregnancy and surgery to the tubes. A rare condition called ‘salpingitis isthmica nodosa’ can cause blockage of the tube and prevent its normal functioning.

Most doctors rely on three tests to assess the functioning of the tubes: a hysterosapingogram (HSG), a hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy) and a diagnostic laparoscopy. A hysterosalpingogram is an x-ray study in which a liquid, dye-like solution is injected through the cervix to assess the inside shape of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This procedure is performed before ovulation to avoid x-ray exposure to a fertilized egg. An HSG is performed while the patient is awake and causes moderate cramping. Using the HSG, your doctor may be able to tell whether the tubes are open or damaged, and whether the uterine cavity is normal. A hystero contrast salpingography is similar to a HSG, but ultrasound is used instead of x-ray to assess the tubes. Diagnostic laparoscopy is considered the ‘gold standard test’ as it can determine the patency and the outer condition of the tubes as well as the cause of tubal damage. This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The doctor inserts a laparoscope – which is a long, thin, telescope through an incision in the navel (belly button) into the abdominal cavity. Other small incisions in the abdomen may be made to insert various instruments to aid visualization of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other pelvic contents. Laparoscopy is usually combined with hysteroscopy – a procedure where a very thin telescope like instrument is put through the cervix into the cavity of the uterus to assess it. A dye is flushed into the uterus up through the tubes to determine if they are open. A problem which is diagnosed during laparoscopy is usually treated at the same sitting, which is a major advantage compared to the other tests.

Damage to the tubes can sometimes be corrected by surgery. This is not always possible and depends on the cause of the damage and the extent to which the damage has occurred. A block to the tube at the point of attachment to the uterus can be corrected by a procedure called as trans-cervical cannulation, which is done at the time of a hysterolaparoscopy. If the tubes are damaged because of a sterilisation operation, they can be ‘re-connected’ by a surgery called as ‘microtubal re-anastomosis’. If there are adhesions to the tube or in certain other cases of tubal damage, microsurgical procedures can be used to correct this. Most of these surgeries were historically performed by an open surgery, but are now performed laparoscopically – giving both good success rates and early recovery.

In many cases, damage to the tubes cannot be treated by medicines or by surgery because of the extensive nature or severity of the disease. In such situations, the best option is IVF – where medications are given to stimulate egg growth, the eggs are collected under anaesthesia and fertilised with the man’s sperms. The resulting embryos are then put back in the uterus.

We offer state-of-the-art IVF services, which involve the fertilization of eggs with sperm outside the body. Our experienced team of fertility specialists and embryologists guide patients through each step of the IVF process, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilization, embryo development, and embryo transfer. We strive to provide personalized care and optimize success rates while ensuring the well-being of our patients.

IUI is a fertility treatment in which prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus during the woman's fertile window. Our specialists carefully monitor the woman's menstrual cycle, administer necessary hormonal treatments, and perform the insemination procedure with precision and care. IUI is a less invasive and more affordable option for certain fertility issues.

ICSI is a specialized technique used in conjunction with IVF. It involves the injection of a single sperm directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization. This technique is particularly beneficial for couples facing male factor infertility, where sperm quality or quantity may be a challenge. Our skilled embryologists perform ICSI with precision and expertise, increasing the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development.

We offer advanced genetic testing techniques to assess the genetic health of embryos before they are transferred into the uterus. PGT helps identify genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and gender-related conditions, allowing for the selection of the healthiest embryos for transfer. This helps increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduces the risk of certain genetic diseases.

For individuals and couples who require donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, we provide a comprehensive donor program. Our program adheres to strict ethical guidelines and ensures the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity. We work closely with reputable donor banks and offer support in the selection process, counseling, and coordination of treatment cycles.

We understand that some individuals may wish to preserve their fertility for future family-building efforts. Our department provides options for fertility preservation, including egg freezing, sperm freezing, and embryo cryopreservation. These techniques allow individuals to preserve their reproductive cells or embryos for future use, providing peace of mind and reproductive options.

We recognize the emotional and psychological impact that fertility challenges can have on individuals and couples. Our department offers supportive care and counseling services to help navigate the emotional aspects of fertility treatment. Our team of compassionate counselors and support staff is available to provide guidance, address concerns, and offer emotional support throughout the entire journey.

We offer advanced genetic testing techniques to assess the genetic health of embryos before they are transferred into the uterus. PGT helps identify genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and gender-related conditions, allowing for the selection of the healthiest embryos for transfer. This helps increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduces the risk of certain genetic diseases.

PESA is a procedure performed for men who are having sperm retrieved for IVF/ICSI who have obstructive azoospermia from either a prior vasectomy or infection. It is done with local anesthesia in the operating room or office and is coordinated with their female partner’s egg retrieval.