Know More About Your Treatment
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
What is IUI?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is one of the most common and less invasive fertility treatments. It is often recommended as the first-line option for couples facing mild fertility challenges. It is a fertility procedure where processed and concentrated sperm are directly placed into the woman's uterus around the time of ovulation. This increases the chances of the sperm meeting the egg.
Who Is IUI Recommended for?
- •Unexplained infertility
- •Mild male factor infertility (low motility or count)
- •Cervical mucus issues
- •Ovulatory dysfunction (e.g., PCOS)
- •Donor sperm insemination
- •Couples with sexual dysfunction
IUI Treatment Process
Medications like Letrozole or Gonadotropins are used to stimulate egg growth.
Transvaginal scans track follicle size and endometrial thickness.
hCG injection is given when the follicle reaches maturity (~18-20 mm).
Partner provides semen on the day of procedure. The sample is washed and concentrated.
A thin catheter is used to insert sperm into the uterus. It is a quick, painless OPD procedure.
Luteal phase support may be given. Pregnancy test is done after 14 days.
Success Rate of IUI
- Success increases if ovulation is properly timed.
- 3–4 cycles are often recommended before switching to IVF.
Tips to Improve IUI Success
- 1Maintain healthy BMI
- 2Avoid smoking, alcohol
- 3Treat thyroid or PCOS if present
- 4Ensure semen washing is done in an experienced lab
- 5Stay stress-free and follow your doctor's instructions
IUI is an affordable, simple fertility treatment with decent success in selected cases. Early consultation and timely cycles improve the chances significantly.
Ovulation Induction & Timed Intercourse
Ovulation Induction with Timed Intercourse (OI + TI) is a gentle way to assist your body in conceiving. At ASCAS, we believe in starting with the most natural and least invasive fertility treatments.
What is Ovulation Induction + Timed Intercourse?
- •Ovulation Induction (OI): Uses oral tablets or injections to stimulate egg growth.
- •Timed Intercourse (TI): Couples are guided to have intercourse around the woman's most fertile window, based on scan findings.
In many cycles, we use a trigger injection (hCG) to help the egg release at the right time. But in some women, natural ovulation occurs without any trigger — the follicle ruptures on its own. In such cases, timed advice is still effective without additional medication.
Who is it ideal for?
- •Women with irregular cycles (e.g., PCOS)
- •Couples with unexplained infertility
- •Those preferring a natural start before IUI/IVF
- •Male partners with normal or mildly reduced semen parameters
How is Ovulation Induction Performed?
Step-by-Step Process at ASCAS
Baseline scan + start ovulation medicine
Follicular monitoring
If follicle growth is good:
➤ Either trigger injection is given
➤ Or natural rupture is observed
Based on follicle size or ovulation
(if needed)
14–15 days after ovulation
Success Rate
- 15%–20% per cycle in well-selected couples
- Higher success in women under 35 with regular follow-up
- After 3–6 cycles, further steps like IUI or IVF may be advised
Why Choose OI + TI?
Most natural approach to fertility treatment
Minimal medical intervention required
Cost-effective starting point for fertility treatment
Can be combined with lifestyle changes for better results
What is IVF?
IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps individuals or couples become pregnant. "In vitro" literally means "in glass," indicating that fertilization occurs outside the body, in a laboratory dish.
Who is recommended for IVF/ICSI?
IVF is recommended for a variety of infertility issues and can be a suitable option for:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Ovulation disorders
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Male factor infertility
- Unexplained infertility
- Advanced maternal age
- Genetic disorders
- Preserving fertility
- Unsuccessful attempts with other fertility treatments
It's important to have a thorough medical evaluation by a fertility specialist to determine if IVF is the right treatment option for your specific situation.
IVF/ICSI: A Step-by-Step Guide
Baseline Scan & Initial Injections
Your journey begins with a baseline scan on Day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle. Blood tests for Estradiol (E2) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) might also be performed. Following this, you'll start your fertility injections, usually involving two to three different formulations. These can be administered comfortably at home or at the ASCAS clinic.
Follicular Monitoring & Stimulation
Around Day 5 or 6 of stimulation, we'll monitor your follicle growth through an ultrasound. Additional blood tests for E2 and LH may be conducted if necessary. Your next scan will typically be on Day 8 or 9. During Day 6, 7, or 8, you'll complete necessary consent forms, and arrangements for semen freezing or packaging will be made.
Trigger Injection for Egg Maturation
Once your follicles reach the optimal size, you'll receive a 'trigger' injection. This injection helps the eggs mature fully. Approximately 35 hours after the trigger, egg collection will take place. Blood tests for E2, LH, and Progesterone (P4) will be done on the trigger day, and surgical fees will be collected.
Egg Retrieval
Egg retrieval is a day care procedure, typically lasting 10-20 minutes under general anesthesia. We recommend using a fresh semen sample on this day. Any necessary add-on procedures will be performed. You'll generally be discharged within 6 hours. Full payment for the procedure will be completed at this stage.
ICSI on Egg Collection Day
On the day of egg collection, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) will be performed. This involves injecting a single sperm directly into each mature egg. This process leads to the formation of embryos, which will be monitored for development to either a Day 3 or Day 5 embryo.
Embryo Formation & Culture
You'll receive an update on fertilization success the day after egg collection. By default, embryos are cultured to the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or 6) for optimal development. If there's any deviation from the expected development, embryos might be frozen on Day 3. You'll receive a detailed update on your embryo development (DMO update) on Day 5 or 6.
Break Cycle
After egg retrieval and embryo formation, a one-month break cycle is usually recommended. You will continue with prescribed medications during this period. Further procedures like hysteroscopy or laparoscopy will only be performed if specifically needed. This break allows your body to recover before the embryo transfer.
Embryo Transfer Preparation
Preparation for embryo transfer involves taking estrogen tablets and other supplements. The goal is to achieve a uterine lining thickness of 7.5-8 mm, which is ideal for implantation. A P4 blood test will be conducted, and progesterone medication will be started to further prepare the uterus. If you have a Day 3 embryo, the transfer will occur on Day 4. For a blastocyst, the transfer is typically on Day 6.
Embryo Transfer Procedure
The embryo transfer procedure is similar to an Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and generally does not require anesthesia unless specifically requested. It's a quick and relatively comfortable procedure.
Post-Transfer Care
After the embryo transfer, it's crucial to continue all prescribed medications. We encourage you to watch informative videos and prioritize relaxation. Approximately 15 days after the transfer, you will take a pregnancy test. Please book your Metro Lab test by calling +91-8610798355.
Result Outcome
If the pregnancy test is positive: Congratulations! You can collect your prescription from the attender. If the pregnancy test is negative: Please discontinue your medications and schedule a review appointment at ASCAS to discuss the next steps.
Process Duration
The entire IVF/ICSI process, from initial scans to the pregnancy test, typically spans 90 days. However, this duration can vary based on individual patient factors and specific treatment protocols.
IVF vs ICSI
At ASCAS, patients often ask: "Do I need IVF or ICSI?" While both are fertilization methods used in IVF treatment, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is now the most commonly performed technique.
| Method | How Fertilization Happens |
|---|---|
| IVF | Eggs and sperm are mixed in a dish – fertilization occurs naturally |
| ICSI | A single healthy sperm is directly injected into each egg |
Why ICSI Is Preferred in Most Cases
- Failed fertilization is more likely with standard IVF (5–15%)
- With ICSI, the risk drops to <2–3%
- ICSI improves control, especially in:
- • Male factor infertility
- • PCOS or endometriosis
- • Previous failed IVF
- • Use of frozen/testicular sperm
- • Advanced age or poor egg quality
- • Genetic testing (PGT) cycles
According to ASRM and ESHRE guidelines, ICSI significantly reduces the chance of total fertilization failure.
When Is IVF (Standard Insemination) Still Used?
In select cases, where:
- Male fertility parameters are normal
- There is no history of failed fertilization
- The consultant believes natural sperm–egg interaction is beneficial
Standard IVF may be advised – this decision is always individualized by your fertility consultant.
At ASCAS
- ICSI is routinely performed to optimize fertilization
- IVF is offered selectively, only when appropriate
- The method is chosen based on your fertility profile – not one-size-fits-all
Pregnancy & Fertility Nutrition Guides
Comprehensive diet charts and checklists for various pregnancy and fertility scenarios
1.A Complete Diet Plan for Pregnant Women
This diet chart provides a well-balanced daily routine including nutritious meals from morning to night. It outlines healthy options like vegetables, proteins, fruits, and snacks for each time slot.
2.Diet Plan for Diabetic Pregnant Women
This chart offers a carefully tailored meal guide to manage blood sugar during pregnancy. It includes suitable food options across all meals while listing items to avoid.
3.Male Fertility Boosting Diet Chart
A structured diet plan to naturally enhance male fertility and reproductive health. It covers balanced meals with fertility-boosting ingredients and key lifestyle tips.
4.Female Fertility Support Diet Plan
This chart outlines a daily meal routine to boost female fertility and hormonal health. It includes nutritious foods, seed cycling tips, and lifestyle habits for better results.
5.Postpartum Diet Plan for New Mothers
This diet chart supports recovery, strength, and lactation after childbirth with nutritious meals. It includes balanced foods, herbal supplements, and essential lifestyle guidance.
6.Balanced Diet Plan for PCOS Management
This chart provides a daily diet tailored to support hormonal balance and weight control for PCOS. It includes healthy meals, seed intake, and foods to avoid for better symptom control.
7.Essential Packing List for Delivery Day
A complete checklist of items needed for both mother and baby during hospital delivery. Includes clothing, hygiene, feeding essentials, and comfort items for a smooth experience.
Hysteroscopy: A Simple Day Care Procedure
Clear View, Clear Diagnosis – At ASCAS
Hysteroscopy is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that allows direct visualization of the uterus using a thin camera called a hysteroscope...
✅ What Is Hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscope is a slim, lighted instrument inserted through the vagina...
🔍 When Is Hysteroscopy Advised?
- •Irregular or heavy bleeding
- •Suspected polyps, fibroids, or uterine adhesions
- •Thin or abnormal endometrial lining
- •Recurrent pregnancy loss
- •Pre-IVF or embryo transfer assessment
- •To confirm the shape and clarity of the uterine cavity
🏥 What to Expect – Day Care Format at ASCAS
Required for 6 hours before procedure
Short general anaesthesia or sedation used
Around 15–30 minutes
Rest in recovery area for 2–4 hours
Same-day discharge for most patients
Mild cramps or spotting for a day or two; normal activities can resume by next day
📌 Insurance & Admission Note
If you are coming under insurance coverage, you may be admitted for 24 hours...
Our team will help with necessary paperwork and guidance.
🌸 Why Choose ASCAS?
- •Fertility-focused hysteroscopy
- •High-resolution imaging and accurate reports
- •Experienced, compassionate care team
- •Quick recovery and personalized follow-up
PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) in IVF
Know Your Embryos Before Transfer – Science Meets Selection
At ASCAS, we believe in giving every embryo the best chance at life. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) allows us to check the genetic health of embryos before transferring them into the uterus.
✅ What Is PGT?
PGT is a lab test done on embryos created through IVF. A few cells are carefully taken from the embryo (usually on Day 5 or 6) and sent for genetic analysis to check for:
- •Chromosomal number errors (aneuploidy)
- •Inherited genetic diseases
- •Structural rearrangements in chromosomes
The goal: To choose the healthiest embryo with the highest chance of implantation and a healthy baby.
🔍 Types of PGT
| Test Type | What It Detects |
|---|---|
| PGT-A | Abnormal chromosome number (e.g., Down syndrome) |
| PGT-M | Specific inherited genetic conditions (e.g., Thalassemia) |
| PGT-SR | Structural rearrangements (translocations/inversions) |
🎯 Who Should Consider PGT?
- •Women over 35 years of age
- •Couples with repeated IVF failures
- •History of recurrent miscarriages
- •Previous pregnancy with genetic disorders
- •Male partners with abnormal karyotype or DNA fragmentation
- •Known carriers of single-gene disorders (for PGT-M)
🧩 What Are Mosaic Embryos?
Sometimes, PGT shows mosaic embryos – where some cells are normal (euploid) and others are abnormal (aneuploid).
The embryo has a mix of normal and abnormal cells
- 🔸Some mosaic embryos may still lead to healthy pregnancies
- 🔸Transfer is considered only when no fully normal embryos are available
- 🔸Pregnancy and miscarriage risks may be slightly higher
- 🔸Requires careful genetic counselling
⚠️ Limitations of PGT
- •Cannot guarantee a healthy baby – only increases chances
- •Embryo biopsy may slightly affect embryo quality (though rare with modern methods)
- •May reduce the number of embryos available for transfer
- •False positives/negatives are possible in rare cases
- •Mosaicism may complicate decision-making
🌸 ASCAS Approach
- •Partnered with leading genetic labs for accurate reporting
- •Biopsies done only at blastocyst stage (Day 5/6) for safety
- •PGT offered only when truly indicated – never routinely pushed
- •Detailed counselling on mosaic embryos and result interpretation
Fertility Diet for Women – Tamil Traditional Plan with Modern Science
Support Ovulation, Egg Quality & Hormonal Balance – Naturally with ASCAS
At ASCAS, we encourage fertility-focused diets rooted in Indian RDA and local South Indian food wisdom. Balanced nutrition improves ovulation, egg health, and uterine lining naturally — before or during treatment like IUI or IVF.
Indian RDA (ICMR/NIN) – Daily Nutritional Requirements for Women (19–45 yrs)
Energy
1900–2200 kcal
Protein
45–55 g
Iron
21 mg
Folate
400 mcg
Calcium
1000 mg
Vitamin B12
1 mcg
Zinc
12 mg
Fiber
25–30 g
Sample South Indian Diet Chart (~2000 kcal)
With Tamil food names + English in brackets
6:30 AM - Start
வெந்தயம் தண்ணீர் (Fenugreek water) OR சீரகம் தண்ணீர் (Jeera water)
0 kcal
7:30 AM - Breakfast
தோசை (Dosa) × 2 + சாம்பார் (Sambar) + பச்சை பயறு (pink gram sprouts) or 1 முட்டை (Egg)
400 kcal
10:00 AM - Mid-morning
பப்பாளி / கொய்யா / மாதுளை (Papaya / Guava / Pomegranate) + 5 பாதாம் (Almonds) or பூம்பட்டாணி விதை (Pumpkin seeds)
150 kcal
12:30 PM - Lunch
கைமான் அரிசி (Hand-pounded rice) + கீரை கூட்டு (Keerai + dal curry) + வெஜ் பொரியல் (Veg stir-fry) + தயிர் (Curd) + 1 tsp நெய் (Ghee)
550 kcal
3:30 PM - Snack
சுண்டல் (Sundal) OR ராகி கூழ் (Ragi malt) OR 1 முட்டை (Egg)
200 kcal
6:30 PM - Dinner
சாமை / கேழ்வரகு சாதம் (Foxtail / Finger millet rice) + காய்கறி குழம்பு (Vegetable curry) + நாட்டு கோழி (Country chicken) OR ப்ராய்லர் கோழி (Broiler chicken – grilled)
500 kcal
8:00 PM - Bedtime
வெதுவெதுப்பான பால் (Warm milk) + 1 tsp ஆளி விதை தூள் (Flaxseed powder) OR 1 அத்திப்பழம் (Fig)
50 kcal
Recommended Oils
Daily cooking
நிலக்கடலை எண்ணெய் (Groundnut oil)
Heat-stable, heart-healthy
Stir-fry/roast
ரைஸ் பிரான் எண்ணெய் (Rice bran oil)
Rich in oryzanol, supports liver and metabolism
Raw or salad use
ஆலிவ் எண்ணெய் (Olive oil – unheated)
Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory
Tempering
தேசி நெய் (Desi ghee – small quantity)
Helps with fat-soluble vitamin absorption
� Avoid: Mustard oil and gingelly oil daily during fertility planning.
Seed Cycling – Gentle Hormonal Support (Optional)
Day 1–14 (Follicular)
ஆளி விதை (Flax) + பூம்பட்டாணி விதை (Pumpkin)
Supports estrogen
Day 15–28 (Luteal)
எள் (Sesame) + சூரியகாந்தி விதை (Sunflower)
Supports progesterone
• Mix in curd, porridge, or sprinkle on salad
Non-Vegetarian Add-ons – Optional (2–4x/week)
முட்டை (Egg)
Rich in choline, omega-3, and protein – improves egg quality
நாட்டு கோழி (Country Chicken)
Lean, natural protein – preferred in fertility
ப்ராய்லர் கோழி (Broiler Chicken)
Acceptable if cooked lightly, avoid deep-frying
மீன்கள் (Fish) – வஞ்சிரம் (Seer Fish), செம்மீன் (Red Snapper), சாம்பல் மீன் (Sardine)
High in omega-3 and Vitamin D – supports lining and hormone health
Common Myths – Reality Check
"Eggs heat the body, avoid during planning"
❌ Whole eggs (with yolk) are fertility superfoods
"Only country chicken is good"
❌ Broiler chicken is fine if cleaned and grilled in moderation
"Curd/milk thickens uterus or blocks tubes"
❌ Curd supports calcium, gut flora, hormone metabolism
"Papaya or banana causes infertility"
❌ Ripe papaya, banana are safe and nutritious
"Ragi causes PCOS or cysts"
❌ Ragi is rich in iron, calcium, fiber – helpful in PCOS
"Ghee causes weight gain, avoid completely"
❌ Small amount of ghee improves lining and nutrient absorption
Final Takeaway from ASCAS
Your fertility doesn't need exotic diets. Tamil traditional foods + scientific guidance = your best natural foundation for pregnancy.
Let food be your gentle ally.