Exploring Treatments and Choices That Fit Your Fertility Journey

ByDeepshikha Singh
Updated: 29 Oct 2025, 1:00 pm

Exploring fertility treatments can feel overwhelming, especially with the variety of options available today. This guide breaks down the most common procedures in simple language, helping you understand how each works, who it best suits, and what you can expect. Use this as a roadmap to find the path that feels right for you.

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The journey of fertility can often feel like standing at a crossroads with multiple paths before you. In India, where family holds deep cultural value, exploring fertility treatments is becoming more common and accessible. However, the choices, ranging from natural interventions to advanced medical procedures, can feel overwhelming.
In this article:
You deserve clarity before making a decision. By understanding how these treatments work, who they are suited for, and what each involves, you can take informed steps forward. Let’s explore different fertility treatments and procedures in detail, so you can find the path that truly resonates with you.

Understanding Fertility Treatments

Before diving into the options, it is important to remember that fertility treatments are not one-size-fits-all. Your needs may depend on factors like:
Every option comes with its own advantages, timelines, and considerations. Exploring them with a fertility specialist enables you to create a personalised and effective plan.

1. Lifestyle and Natural Interventions

Sometimes, small lifestyle changes can play a powerful role in improving fertility before moving towards medical treatments.
What you can focus on:
  • Balanced diet: Include seasonal fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Indian staples, such as dal, roti, rice, and ghee, in moderate amounts, support overall health.
  • Weight management: Both underweight and overweight conditions may affect fertility. Aim for a healthy balance through mindful eating.
  • Exercise: Yoga and light workouts improve circulation and reduce stress, which is linked to reproductive health.
  • Stress management: Practices such as meditation and pranayama help calm the mind and balance the body.
  • Avoiding harmful substances: Minimise alcohol, smoking, and processed food intake.
Once a foundation of healthy living is established, you and your specialist may discuss whether medical treatments are needed. Next, let's examine the benefits that medications can offer.

2. Fertility Medications

If natural approaches are not enough, fertility specialists may prescribe medications to stimulate reproductive processes.
Common medications include:
  • Ovulation stimulants: Help in releasing eggs regularly.
  • Hormonal therapies: Balance hormone levels to improve reproductive function.
  • Supplements: Provide nutrients that may support reproductive health.
Considerations:
  • These medicines usually come with clear dosage instructions.
  • Side effects, such as mood swings or bloating, are possible but manageable.
  • Monitoring through regular check-ups is essential to avoid complications like multiple pregnancies.
If medications alone don’t lead to results, the next step may involve procedures like IUI. Let's see how IUI fits into the treatment landscape.

3. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is one of the simpler fertility procedures and is often recommended early in treatment plans.
How it works:
  • Healthy sperm is collected and placed directly into the uterus.
  • This reduces the distance sperm travels and increases the chances of reaching the egg.
When it is considered:
  • Unexplained fertility challenges
  • Mild issues with sperm count or motility
  • Cases where cervical mucus creates difficulties
Benefits:
  • Less invasive compared to advanced procedures
  • Relatively cost-effective in India
  • Quick process with minimal recovery time
If more assistance is needed, IVF may be suggested. Here’s what to know about IVF and why it’s a widely chosen path.

4. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

IVF is one of the most well-known fertility treatments, often considered when other options have not worked.
Process:
  • Fertility medications stimulate the ovaries to release multiple eggs.
  • Eggs are retrieved and combined with sperm in a laboratory.
  • Once fertilisation occurs, embryos are monitored.
  • Healthy embryos are transferred into the uterus.
Why IVF is chosen:
  • Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
  • Severe sperm-related challenge
  • Endometriosis
  • Unexplained infertility after trying simpler treatments
Things to note:
  • IVF requires multiple steps and careful monitoring.
  • Success rates depend on various factors, including age, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions.
  • Emotional preparation is as necessary as physical readiness.
For some, IVF may still present challenges. In these scenarios, further advanced techniques, such as ICSI, may offer additional hope.

5. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI is often performed as part of the IVF process, especially when sperm-related factors are present.
How it works:
  • A single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg in the laboratory.
  • This bypasses barriers where sperm may not be able to penetrate naturally.
When it is recommended:
  • Very low sperm count
  • Poor sperm motility
  • High levels of sperm abnormalities
  • Previous failed fertilisation attempts with IVF
Benefits:
  • Provides a higher chance of fertilisation in challenging cases.
  • Beneficial for individuals with severe male-factor infertility.
When the use of your own eggs or sperm is not possible, donor programmes become an essential next option.

6. Donor Programmes

Sometimes, donor eggs, sperm, or embryos may be used as part of fertility treatment.
When it is considered:
  • If the ovaries are not producing healthy eggs.
  • If sperm quality is severely compromised.
  • When there is a risk of passing on genetic conditions.
How it works:
  • Donor eggs or sperm are carefully screened.
  • Fertilisation and embryo transfer follow similar steps to IVF.
Considerations:
  • In India, donor programmes are regulated to ensure ethical practices.
  • Emotional readiness is vital when considering donor-based treatment.
For some, surrogacy is the best option when carrying a pregnancy is not possible. Let’s explore when and how this pathway works.

7. Surrogacy

Surrogacy involves another individual carrying a pregnancy on your behalf.
When surrogacy may be suggested:
  • If medical conditions make pregnancy unsafe.
  • If the uterus is absent or structurally unsuitable.
  • In cases of repeated IVF failures due to uterine factors.
Process:
  • IVF is performed using eggs and sperm from intended parents or donors.
  • Embryos are transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.
Legal framework in India:
  • Altruistic surrogacy (where the surrogate is not paid beyond medical expenses) is permitted.
  • Only specific categories of individuals are eligible under Indian law.
Surrogacy is a complex decision that requires clarity on legal, emotional, and medical fronts.

8. Advanced Procedures and Techniques

With advancements in reproductive medicine, several new techniques are being explored in India:
  • Frozen embryo transfer (FET): Embryos created during IVF are frozen (preserved at very low temperature) and transferred to the uterus in a later menstrual cycle.
  • Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): A process in which embryos are checked for specific genetic conditions or chromosome issues before being transferred to the uterus.
  • Laser-assisted hatching: A laboratory technique where a small opening is made in the outer shell of the embryo using a laser, which may help the embryo implant more effectively into the uterus.
While these methods address physical factors, emotional health is also crucial during fertility treatments. Support makes a difference; let's see how.

9. Emotional and Psychological Support

Fertility treatments can feel emotionally heavy. It is not just a physical process but also a journey that affects mental well-being.
How you can support yourself:
  • Join support groups, both online and offline.
  • Speak openly with loved ones about your needs and concerns.
  • Seek professional counselling if stress feels overwhelming.
  • Practise self-care routines like journalling, meditation, or walking in nature.
Emotional strength often plays a key role in navigating treatments successfully.
Costs vary widely depending on the treatment and city. Some procedures, like IUI, are relatively affordable, while advanced options like IVF may require greater investment.
Fertility treatments and procedures are not just about science—they are about giving you choices and hope. From natural approaches to advanced technologies, the options available in India today are diverse and growing.
Your path may involve small lifestyle shifts, simple procedures, or advanced medical treatments. Each step you take is a step closer to your dream.
Remember, there is no single “correct” journey. The correct path is the one that aligns with your needs, values, and circumstances. With the proper support, both medical and emotional, you can approach this journey with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.

FAQs on Your Fertility Roadmap: Exploring Treatments and Choices That Fit You

  1. How long should you try naturally before seeking fertility treatments?
    If you are under 35, it is recommended to try for at least a year before consulting a specialist. If you are over 35, consider seeking advice after six months.
  2. Are fertility treatments consistently successful?
    Success depends on factors like age, health conditions, and the type of treatment. Even with advanced procedures, multiple attempts may be needed.
  3. Are there side effects of fertility treatments?
    Some treatments may cause side effects, such as bloating, mood changes, or discomfort. These are usually temporary and manageable with medical guidance.
  4. Can lifestyle changes alone improve fertility?
    For many, lifestyle improvements, such as adopting a balanced diet, reducing stress, and engaging in regular exercise, can make a significant difference. However, medical support may still be required in some instances.
Disclaimer: Approved by Dr Sumiti Mehta Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram

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