What Is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)?

IUI is a simple, painless OPD procedure. The husband’s semen sample is washed and concentrated in the lab, and the best sperm are placed directly into the uterus through a thin catheter around the time of ovulation. It takes a few minutes and you can go back to work the same day.

Who is IUI suitable for?

• Women generally under 35 to 37 with at least one open fallopian tube
• Mild male factor (slightly low count or motility)
• Unexplained infertility
• Ovulation problems such as PCOS, combined with ovulation induction
• Couples with intercourse difficulties or cervical factor
• IUI with donor sperm when needed

IUI success rate and cost

Success rates for IUI are commonly quoted at around 10 to 20% per cycle, higher in younger women and lower after 38. Most specialists suggest 3 to 4 cycles before moving on. The procedure itself is affordable, usually in the range of a few thousand to around ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per cycle in Chandigarh, plus medicines and scans.

What Is IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)?

In IVF, the ovaries are stimulated with injections to produce several eggs. The eggs are collected in a short procedure under anesthesia, fertilised with sperm in the embryology lab, and the best embryo is transferred into the uterus after 3 to 5 days. Extra good embryos can be frozen for future use.

Who is IVF suitable for?

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Low AMH or reduced egg reserve (see our low AMH guide)
• Moderate to severe endometriosis
• Women above 37 to 38 who cannot afford to lose time
• Three to four failed IUI cycles
• Couples wanting embryo freezing or genetic testing

IVF success rate and cost

IVF success depends strongly on the woman’s age and embryo quality. Per-transfer pregnancy rates are generally much higher than IUI, especially under 35, and decline with age. A standard cycle in Chandigarh typically costs ₹1.4 lakh to ₹2.25 lakh at our centre. See the full IVF cost in Chandigarh breakdown.

What Is ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)?

ICSI is an advanced form of IVF. Instead of placing eggs and sperm together in a dish, the embryologist picks a single healthy sperm and injects it directly into each mature egg. Everything else, stimulation, egg collection and embryo transfer, is the same as IVF.

Who needs ICSI?

• Very low sperm count, poor motility or abnormal shape
• Zero sperm in semen, where sperm are retrieved surgically through PESA or TESA
• Poor or failed fertilisation in a previous IVF cycle
• Frozen sperm or a limited number of eggs

ICSI adds an extra lab charge. If sperm parameters are normal, conventional IVF is often equally effective, so ICSI should be advised for a reason. Male partners can learn more in our article on andrology and male fertility.

IUI vs IVF vs ICSI: Side-by-Side Comparison

How Do We Decide the Right Treatment for You?

There is no single “best” treatment. We decide based on four key factors:

1. The woman’s age: after 37 to 38, moving to IVF sooner is often wiser.
2. Tubal status: blocked tubes mean IUI will not work.
3. Egg reserve: AMH and antral follicle count guide the urgency.
4. Sperm quality: normal, mildly reduced or severely reduced decides IUI, IVF or ICSI.

Duration of infertility, previous treatments, finances and your personal preferences also matter. A good plan respects all of these.

Common Myths About IUI and IVF

• “IVF babies are not normal.” Babies born through IVF and ICSI are healthy children. Millions have been born worldwide since 1978.
• “IUI is a waste of time.” For the right couple, IUI is effective and far more affordable.
• “IVF always means twins.” Transferring a single good embryo greatly reduces the chance of twins.
• “IVF requires full bed rest.” Most women return to normal routine within a day or two after transfer. Stress management matters more; see managing your mind during IVF.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can consult Dr. Shikha Sardana at Vivant Clinic, SCO 290/1, Sector 32D, Chandigarh, or at Milann Fertility Centre, Sector 46-A, Chandigarh, Monday to Saturday by appointment. Locate the IUI and IVF centre in Chandigarh on Google Maps.

This article is for general awareness and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Treatment plans, costs and outcomes vary from person to person.

What Is PCOS?

In PCOS, the ovaries do not release an egg regularly. Many small follicles collect in the ovaries, which gives the “polycystic” appearance on ultrasound. These are not true cysts and do not need surgery. Hormone imbalance, especially higher androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance, drives most of the symptoms.

PCOS vs PCOD: in everyday use in India, both terms are used for the same condition. Doctors usually prefer PCOS, because it is a syndrome affecting hormones and metabolism, not just the ovaries.

Common PCOS Symptoms

How Is PCOS Diagnosed?

PCOS is usually diagnosed when at least two of these three features are present, after ruling out other causes such as thyroid or prolactin problems:

1. Irregular or absent ovulation, seen as irregular periods.
2. Signs of high androgens, either on blood tests or as acne and excess hair.
3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

Your gynecologist may also check blood sugar, insulin, lipid profile, thyroid, prolactin and AMH. AMH is often high in PCOS, which is different from low AMH.

PCOS Treatment Options

There is no one-size-fits-all PCOS treatment. The plan depends on your main concern: regular periods, skin and hair symptoms, weight, or pregnancy.

1. Lifestyle changes (the foundation)

Even a 5 to 10% weight loss in women who are overweight can restore regular ovulation in many cases. Focus on balanced meals with fewer refined carbohydrates, regular physical activity and good sleep. Our article on yoga poses for fertility offers a gentle way to start.

2. Medicines to regulate periods and hormones

For women not trying to conceive, hormonal pills or cyclical progesterone can regulate periods and protect the uterine lining. Anti-androgen treatment may help acne and hair growth.

3. Insulin-sensitising treatment

Metformin and supplements such as myo-inositol are used in selected women to improve insulin resistance and cycle regularity. Learn more about the role of myo-inositol in PCOS.

4. Fertility treatment for PCOS

If you are trying to conceive, treatment moves step by step:

• Ovulation induction with timed intercourse: tablets such as letrozole help the ovary release an egg, with scans to time intercourse. This is the first-line treatment for most women with PCOS.
• IUI: combined with ovulation induction when there is also mild male factor or unexplained delay.
• IVF: when simpler treatment does not work or other factors exist. Women with PCOS need careful, gentle stimulation to avoid ovarian hyperstimulation. See IUI vs IVF vs ICSI.
• Laparoscopic ovarian drilling: occasionally used in selected cases that do not respond to medicines. Read about laparoscopy services.

PCOS and Pregnancy: What to Expect

Most women with PCOS who receive ovulation treatment conceive. Once pregnant, PCOS slightly increases the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and early pregnancy loss, so good antenatal care matters.

• Get blood sugar checked early in pregnancy
• Keep weight gain healthy; see healthy pregnancy weight gain
• Stay active with doctor-approved pregnancy exercise
• Attend regular check-ups with your obstetrician

Long-Term Health with PCOS

PCOS is not only about periods and fertility. Women with PCOS have a higher long-term risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and, if periods stay very irregular for years, thickening of the uterine lining. Regular check-ups and simple lifestyle measures lower these risks significantly. Our preventive health care services can help you stay on track.

Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS

You can consult Dr. Shikha Sardana at Vivant Clinic, SCO 290/1, Sector 32D, Chandigarh, or at Milann Fertility Centre, Sector 46-A, Chandigarh, Monday to Saturday by appointment. Find the best gynecologist in Chandigarh on Google Maps.

This article is for general awareness and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Treatment plans, costs and outcomes vary from person to person.

What Is AMH?

AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) is produced by the small follicles in your ovaries. Since each follicle holds an egg, the AMH level gives an estimate of your ovarian reserve, or how many eggs remain. It is a simple blood test that can be done on any day of the cycle.

What AMH does not tell you is equally important. It does not measure egg quality, it does not predict whether you can conceive naturally this month, and on its own it cannot say you are infertile.

AMH Levels: What Does Your Number Mean?

Labs may use slightly different reference ranges, so always read your result with your doctor. As a general guide:

What Causes Low AMH?

• Age: the most common reason; egg reserve falls faster after 35
• Endometriosis and ovarian cysts (endometriomas)
• Previous ovarian surgery
• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Autoimmune conditions
• Genetic factors and early menopause in the family
• Smoking
• Sometimes no clear cause is found

Can You Get Pregnant with Low AMH?

Yes. Many women with low AMH conceive, some even naturally, because only one good egg is needed each month. Your chances depend mostly on:

Low AMH Treatment Options in Chandigarh

There is no medicine that reliably increases AMH. Treatment focuses on making the best use of the eggs you have.

1. Complete fertility evaluation

We check tubes, uterus, thyroid, prolactin and the husband’s semen analysis, so no other problem is missed. Tube testing can be done comfortably with HSG under anesthesia.

2. Natural trying or ovulation induction

For younger women with low AMH but regular cycles, a short period of timed intercourse or ovulation induction may be reasonable, with a clear time limit.

3. IVF with an individualised protocol

IVF is often the most effective option for low AMH because each egg collected can be fertilised and assessed in the lab. Protocols are tailored to the woman, sometimes milder stimulation, sometimes higher doses. Understand the process and budget in our guides on IUI vs IVF vs ICSI and IVF cost in Chandigarh.

4. Embryo banking

For women with very few eggs per cycle, embryos from two or more stimulation cycles can be frozen and then transferred, improving the overall chance of pregnancy.

5. Egg or embryo freezing for the future

If you are not ready for pregnancy yet, freezing eggs or embryos while reserve remains can protect your options. Read more on fertility preservation.

6. Donor eggs

When the reserve is extremely low or IVF with own eggs has repeatedly failed, donor eggs offer high success rates. This is a personal decision we discuss with full counselling.

Lifestyle Steps That Support Egg Quality

• Stop smoking and limit alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet rich in vegetables, protein and healthy fats
• Correct vitamin D and thyroid levels if low
• Regular gentle exercise and good sleep
• Avoid self-medicating with supplements; ask your doctor which ones, if any, suit you

These steps help overall health and egg quality, but they do not replace timely treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low AMH

You can consult Dr. Shikha Sardana at Vivant Clinic, SCO 290/1, Sector 32D, Chandigarh, or at Milann Fertility Centre, Sector 46-A, Chandigarh, Monday to Saturday by appointment. Reach the fertility specialist in Chandigarh on Google Maps.

This article is for general awareness and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Treatment plans, costs and outcomes vary from person to person.

How Long Should You Try Before Seeing a Fertility Doctor?

Infertility is medically defined as not conceiving after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. The time you should wait depends mainly on the woman’s age, because egg quantity and quality naturally fall with age.

Signs You Should See an Infertility Specialist Without Waiting

Male Infertility: Why Both Partners Should Be Tested

A common myth in our society is that infertility is “the woman’s problem.” In reality, male factors contribute in a large share of couples. A semen analysis is simple, non-invasive and inexpensive, and it should be done at the very start, not after months of tests for the wife.

Low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal shape, erection or ejaculation problems, past mumps, varicocele or long hours in heat can all play a role. Learn more about andrology and male reproductive health.

What Happens at Your First Fertility Consultation?

Many couples feel nervous about the first visit. It is simply a detailed conversation followed by a few basic tests.

1. Detailed history: how long you have been trying, cycle pattern, past pregnancies, medical conditions, medicines and lifestyle.
2. Examination and ultrasound: a transvaginal ultrasound to look at the uterus, ovaries and antral follicle count.
3. Test plan: blood tests for the wife and a semen analysis for the husband.
4. Review visit: once results are ready, we discuss the likely cause and a step-by-step plan.

Common Fertility Tests and What They Show

What Treatment Options Might Be Suggested?

Treatment is always step by step. Many couples need only simple treatment:

• Lifestyle and timing advice plus correcting thyroid, prolactin or vitamin deficiencies.
• Ovulation induction with timed intercourse for women who do not ovulate regularly.
• IUI for mild male factor or unexplained infertility.
• IVF or ICSI for blocked tubes, low egg reserve, severe male factor or after failed simpler treatment. See IUI vs IVF vs ICSI and our IVF cost guide.

How to Choose the Right Infertility Specialist in Chandigarh

• Formal training in reproductive medicine and years of hands-on IVF experience
• Testing of both partners from the first visit
• A step-by-step plan rather than jumping straight to IVF
• Transparent, written cost estimates
• Personal follow-up by the same doctor through your cycle

Dr. Shikha Sardana is an alumna of PGIMER Chandigarh, an Executive Member of the Indian Fertility Society (Chandigarh Chapter), and has 16+ years of experience in fertility care. She sees couples from Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Zirakpur, Kharar and nearby towns. You can read patient experiences on the testimonials page.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can consult Dr. Shikha Sardana at Vivant Clinic, SCO 290/1, Sector 32D, Chandigarh, or at Milann Fertility Centre, Sector 46-A, Chandigarh, Monday to Saturday by appointment. Find the infertility specialist in Chandigarh on Google Maps.

This article is for general awareness and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Treatment plans, costs and outcomes vary from person to person.

What Is Included in One IVF Cycle?

An IVF cycle is not one procedure. It is a sequence of steps over roughly four to six weeks, and each step has its own cost. When you compare quotes from different IVF centres in Chandigarh, check that they cover the same steps.

1. Consultation and fertility tests: hormone tests such as AMH, TSH and prolactin, a pelvic ultrasound, semen analysis for the husband, and sometimes an HSG test to check the fallopian tubes.
2. Ovarian stimulation: daily hormone injections for about 9 to 12 days to help the ovaries grow several eggs, with regular follicle scans.
3. Egg retrieval (ovum pick-up): a short day-care procedure under anesthesia to collect the eggs.
4. Fertilisation and embryo culture: eggs and sperm are combined in the lab (conventional IVF or ICSI) and embryos are grown for 3 to 5 days.
5. Embryo transfer: the best embryo is gently placed into the uterus, followed by progesterone support.
6. Pregnancy test: a beta hCG blood test about two weeks after transfer.

IVF Cost Breakdown in Chandigarh (2026)

The figures below are typical ranges seen across the Tricity. They are meant to help you understand where the money goes, not as a fixed price list.

What Makes IVF Cost More or Less?

Add-ons: Which Ones Do You Actually Need?

Many couples feel pressured to choose every add-on, thinking more equals better. In reality, each add-on should have a clear medical reason.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. It is very useful for male factor infertility or when eggs failed to fertilise earlier. If sperm parameters are normal, conventional IVF often works just as well. I explain the difference in detail in IUI vs IVF vs ICSI.

Embryo freezing

If you have extra good-quality embryos, freezing them can save you the cost of a full new stimulation cycle later. For many couples this is the most cost-effective add-on.

PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing)

PGT is helpful for known genetic conditions, repeated miscarriages or selected cases of repeated IVF failure. It is not routinely needed for every couple.

Honest Ways to Manage Your IVF Cost

• Do not skip the basic workup. Finding a thyroid problem, a polyp or a sperm issue before IVF prevents a wasted cycle.
• Ask whether a simpler step suits you first. Some couples conceive with ovulation induction or IUI at a fraction of the cost.
• Ask for an itemised estimate. A good centre will separate the cycle cost, medicines and optional add-ons in writing.
• Plan for frozen embryos. Freezing surplus embryos often lowers the cost of a second attempt.
• Check EMI options with your bank or medical finance partners, and confirm what your health insurance covers. Most policies in India still cover IVF only partially or not at all.

Is a Cheaper IVF Package a Good Idea?

A very low headline price is not always cheaper in the end. Some packages exclude medicines, anesthesia, ICSI or freezing, which then get added later. Others use a single fixed protocol for every woman. What matters most is the quality of the embryology lab, an individual protocol and a doctor who follows your cycle personally. Comparing clinics on these points protects both your money and your chances.

IVF in Chandigarh for Couples from Mohali, Panchkula and Nearby

We regularly see couples from Mohali, Zirakpur, Kharar and Panchkula, as well as from Ambala, Ropar and Himachal. Monitoring scans can be scheduled to reduce travel, and Sunday consultations are available for working couples on request. To understand the full process step by step, you can also read everything you need to know about IVF.

Frequently Asked Questions About IVF Cost in Chandigarh

You can consult Dr. Shikha Sardana at Vivant Clinic, SCO 290/1, Sector 32D, Chandigarh, or at Milann Fertility Centre, Sector 46-A, Chandigarh, Monday to Saturday by appointment. Find the best IVF centre in Chandigarh on Google Maps.

This article is for general awareness and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Treatment plans, costs and outcomes vary from person to person.