Frequently Asked Questions

In standard IVF, thousands of sperm are placed around the egg. In ICSI, a single carefully selected sperm is directly injected into the egg by an embryologist under a high-powered microscope. ICSI is recommended when sperm count, motility, or morphology is poor, or when previous IVF cycles had low fertilisation rates.

ICSI is recommended for severe male factor infertility (very low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology), previous IVF failure due to poor fertilisation, use of surgically retrieved sperm (TESA/PESA), frozen sperm samples, or when PGT (genetic testing) is planned.

ICSI significantly improves fertilisation rates in cases of male factor infertility, often achieving 70–85% fertilisation per egg injected. Overall pregnancy success depends on multiple factors including embryo quality, uterine receptivity, and the woman's age. Our embryology team at Kondapur has extensive experience with this procedure.

IUI is a fertility treatment where washed and concentrated sperm is directly placed into the uterus around the time of ovulation. It is suitable for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, ovulation disorders such as PCOS, or cervical mucus problems. IUI is less invasive and less expensive than IVF.

Most fertility specialists recommend trying 3 to 4 IUI cycles before considering IVF, provided there are no contraindications. If IUI is unsuccessful after 3–4 cycles, or if your diagnosis indicates IVF would be more appropriate (blocked tubes, severe male factor), Dr. Swapna Naik may recommend moving to IVF sooner.

IUI success rates per cycle typically range between 10–20%, and cumulative success rates over 3–4 cycles can reach 40–50% in well-selected patients. The exact rate depends on your age, diagnosis, sperm parameters, and whether ovarian stimulation is used.

IUI is a simple, quick, and generally painless procedure. It takes only a few minutes and feels similar to a routine gynaecological examination. Most patients return to their daily routine immediately after. Mild cramping for a few hours post-procedure is normal.

Yes, many women with PCOS can conceive naturally, especially with lifestyle modifications and weight management. However, irregular ovulation is the main challenge. If natural conception is not happening within 6–12 months, fertility treatments such as ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF may be recommended. Dr. Swapna Naik specialises in PCOS management at our Kondapur centre.

At Sree Swapna Fertility Centre, Dr. Swapna Naik begins with a comprehensive hormonal evaluation, ultrasound, and lifestyle assessment. Treatment options include ovulation induction with oral medications (letrozole or clomiphene), monitored cycles with timed intercourse or IUI, and IVF with ICSI for complex cases. Lifestyle changes are always part of the plan.

Women with PCOS typically produce a high number of eggs during IVF stimulation, which can be an advantage. However, there is a higher risk of OHSS if stimulation is not carefully controlled. Dr. Swapna Naik uses a gentle, personalised stimulation protocol to minimise OHSS risk while optimising egg quality. PCOS patients often have excellent IVF outcomes when carefully managed.

Absolutely. A low-glycaemic index (low-GI) diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy BMI can restore regular ovulation in many women with PCOS. Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can significantly improve hormonal balance and chances of conception. Our team provides dietary and lifestyle guidance as part of every PCOS treatment plan.

Male infertility is caused by low sperm count (oligospermia), poor motility (asthenospermia), abnormal morphology (teratospermia), or absence of sperm (azoospermia). Other causes include hormonal imbalances, varicocele, infections, genetic factors, and lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol, heat exposure). At Sree Swapna, a thorough semen analysis and andrology evaluation are the first steps.

Azoospermia is a condition where no sperm are present in the ejaculate. Obstructive azoospermia can often be treated by surgically retrieving sperm using TESA or PESA procedures, which can then be used with ICSI for IVF. Non-obstructive azoospermia requires more detailed evaluation. Dr. Swapna Naik will evaluate your case and guide you on the best available options.

TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) and PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) are minimally invasive procedures to retrieve sperm directly from the testis or epididymis. These are recommended in cases of azoospermia, obstruction, or previous vasectomy. Retrieved sperm is used with ICSI to achieve fertilisation.

Egg freezing is a process where mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, vitrified (flash-frozen), and stored for future use. It allows women to preserve their fertility at a younger age. It is recommended for women who are not yet ready for pregnancy, those undergoing cancer treatment, or those with a family history of early menopause. Sree Swapna uses the latest vitrification technology at our Kondapur lab.

The ideal age for egg freezing is between 25 and 35 years. Eggs frozen at a younger age are of higher quality and have better chances of resulting in a successful pregnancy when used later. After 35, the number and quality of eggs declines more rapidly. A personalised assessment by Dr. Swapna Naik will determine the best approach for you.

With modern vitrification technology, eggs and embryos can be stored safely for many years without significant deterioration. In India, the ART (Regulation) Act 2021 governs storage duration. Our team will fully inform you of legal guidelines and storage options during your counselling session at Sree Swapna Fertility Centre.

A couple should consult a fertility specialist if trying to conceive for 12 months (under age 35) or 6 months (age 35 and above) without success. Earlier evaluation is needed if the woman has irregular periods, a history of PCOS, endometriosis, pelvic infections, or previous miscarriages, or if the man has a known history of low sperm count.

A fertility evaluation at Sree Swapna includes detailed medical history, hormonal blood tests (FSH, LH, AMH, oestradiol, thyroid, prolactin), transvaginal ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve and uterine structure, and semen analysis for the male partner. Additional tests such as HSG, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or genetic testing may be recommended based on findings.

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a blood test that measures ovarian reserve — an estimate of the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries. A higher AMH indicates a better reserve. AMH is one of the key markers used by Dr. Swapna Naik to personalise your IVF stimulation protocol and predict your response to fertility treatment.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can cause pelvic pain, painful periods, and infertility by creating adhesions and damaging the ovaries or tubes. Dr. Swapna Naik has extensive experience managing endometriosis-related infertility through laparoscopic surgery and/or IVF, depending on severity.

RPL is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses before 20 weeks. Causes include chromosomal abnormalities, uterine structural problems, hormonal imbalances, blood clotting disorders, and immunological factors. At Sree Swapna, a thorough RPL workup identifies the cause, with treatment options including PGT-A, uterine surgery, hormonal supplementation, or immunological therapies.

Yes, age is one of the most significant factors. A woman's egg quantity and quality naturally decline with age, particularly after 35, and more significantly after 40. Fertility treatments such as IVF can still be successful in older women, especially when using donor eggs if necessary. Dr. Swapna Naik will provide an honest, personalised prognosis based on your age and test results.

Ovarian stimulation uses hormone injections to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in one cycle. It is generally safe and well-tolerated. The main risk is OHSS, especially in women with PCOS. At Sree Swapna, we use individualised, evidence-based stimulation protocols with close monitoring to minimise OHSS risk.

Dr. Swapna Naik is the Clinical Director and Chief IVF Consultant at Sree Swapna Fertility Centre. She holds MBBS, DGO, DRM (Diploma in Reproductive Medicine – Germany), DFM, and a Fellowship in Advanced ART. She is also a trained Laparoscopic Surgeon with over 15 years of dedicated experience in reproductive medicine and personally consults at our Kondapur centre.

Kondapur (Flagship): 2nd Floor, GT/5, 1-51/192, Masjid Banda Road, Above Ratnadeep Building, Kondapur, Hyderabad – 500084. Accessible from Gachibowli, Madhapur, HITEC City, and Miyapur.

Attapur Centre: Serving patients from Attapur, Mehdipatnam, and surrounding areas of South Hyderabad.

You can book an appointment by calling us directly, using the WhatsApp button on our website, or clicking the "Book Appointment" button at the top of the page. Consultations are available at both our Kondapur and Attapur centres. Dr. Swapna Naik personally consults at Kondapur — please mention your preferred centre when booking.

Our Kondapur flagship centre is equipped with a CLIA-certified embryology laboratory with the latest vitrification and time-lapse imaging technology, an operation theatre, ultrasound suites, an andrology lab, fertility pharmacy, and dedicated counselling rooms. All major fertility services — IVF, ICSI, IUI, egg freezing, laparoscopy, and diagnostic investigations — are available under one roof.

Yes. Patient confidentiality is our highest priority. All personal, medical, and treatment information is strictly protected and never shared with third parties without your consent. You can discuss your concerns openly with Dr. Swapna Naik and our team in a completely private and judgement-free environment.

Diagnostic laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where a thin camera is inserted through a small abdominal incision to directly visualise the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. It is recommended when ultrasound findings are inconclusive, or when endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts, or fibroid-related infertility is suspected. Dr. Swapna Naik is a trained laparoscopic surgeon.

In many cases, yes. Treating endometriosis lesions, removing pelvic adhesions, unblocking fallopian tubes, or removing fibroids through laparoscopic surgery can significantly improve natural conception rates. Dr. Swapna Naik will advise you on the likelihood of natural conception after surgery versus proceeding directly to IVF, based on your specific findings.

A semen analysis evaluates sperm count, motility (percentage of moving sperm), morphology (percentage of normally shaped sperm), volume, and pH. Results are compared against WHO reference values. A single abnormal result should be confirmed with a repeat test before any diagnosis is made. Our andrology lab at Sree Swapna provides accurate, detailed semen analysis reports.

An HSG is an X-ray procedure where a contrast dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes to check if the tubes are open (patent) and if the uterine cavity is normal. It is one of the most important initial investigations for women with infertility. It is usually done between Day 7 and Day 10 of the menstrual cycle and takes about 15–20 minutes.

The antral follicle count (AFC) is an ultrasound measurement of the small follicles visible in both ovaries at the start of the menstrual cycle (typically Day 2–3). It is a direct indicator of ovarian reserve. A higher AFC suggests a good ovarian reserve and a better response to IVF stimulation. AFC is used alongside AMH by Dr. Swapna Naik to plan your personalised stimulation protocol.

Chronic stress can affect hormonal balance and ovulation. However, stress alone is rarely the sole cause of infertility. Many couples find fertility treatment stressful, which is completely normal. At Sree Swapna Fertility Centre, our dedicated counsellors provide emotional support throughout your journey. Mindfulness, yoga, and light exercise can also be beneficial during treatment.

Key lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy BMI, eating a balanced diet rich in folate, antioxidants, and omega-3s, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, reducing caffeine, sleeping 7–8 hours per night, and managing stress. Both partners should adopt these changes ideally 3 months before starting IVF, as sperm takes approximately 74 days to mature.

Yes. We understand that an unsuccessful cycle can be emotionally devastating. Dr. Swapna Naik personally reviews every cycle, explains the findings, and discusses the next steps. Our counselling team is available to provide emotional support and guidance. You are never alone in this journey at Sree Swapna Fertility Centre.