Reviewed By: Dr. G. Praveena Ragunanthan, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) — Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Chennai; Diploma in Reproductive Medicine (DRM) — Kiel University, Germany. Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Director & Managing Partner, Rathimed Speciality Hospital. 10+ years of experience in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.Difficulty conceiving is more common than many couples realise, and in many cases it can be evaluated and treated. This guide explains what fertility treatment in Chennai involves at Rathimed Fertility Centre, Anna Nagar: when to see a specialist, the tests and treatments available, how age affects planning, the risks, the factors that decide cost, and questions worth asking any clinic before you decide.
Outcomes vary between patients, and no treatment can guarantee a pregnancy. Your doctor can explain what applies to you. This page is meant to help anyone looking into fertility in Chennai understand the process before booking a consultation.
Understanding infertility
The World Health Organization describes infertility as a disease of the male or female reproductive system (WHO fact sheet). It is usually defined as not conceiving after 12 months or more of regular unprotected intercourse. Causes can lie with the woman, the man or both, and in some couples no cause is found even after full testing.
Common causes include ovulation disorders such as PCOS, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine fibroids or polyps, low sperm count or poor sperm movement, hormonal imbalances, and age-related decline in egg quantity and quality. Because male factors contribute to a substantial share of cases, both partners should be evaluated.
When should you see a fertility specialist?
Consider a consultation if:
- you have been trying to conceive for over a year, or for six months if the woman is over 35
- menstrual cycles are irregular or absent
- there have been one or more miscarriages
- either partner has a known condition linked to fertility, such as PCOS, endometriosis or low sperm count
- an earlier fertility treatment did not result in pregnancy
Earlier evaluation gives you more time and more options to consider.
Tests and evaluation
Evaluation usually begins with a detailed history and examination of both partners, followed by targeted tests chosen by your doctor:
- Hormone tests, including AMH and other markers of ovarian reserve where appropriate
- Pelvic ultrasound to examine the uterus and ovaries and count antral follicles
- Semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility and shape
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) or sonohysterography to check the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity
- Laparoscopy or hysteroscopy when a structural problem is suspected
Fertility treatment in Chennai: options at the centre
Which treatment is suitable depends on the cause, your age, your ovarian reserve, your sperm parameters and your history. Your doctor will explain the benefits, risks and costs before you decide.
| Treatment | What it involves | Commonly considered for |
|---|---|---|
| Ovulation induction and cycle monitoring | Medicines to stimulate ovulation, with ultrasound monitoring | Irregular or absent ovulation, such as PCOS |
| IUI (intrauterine insemination) | Prepared sperm placed in the uterus around ovulation | Mild male factor, unexplained infertility, cervical factor |
| IVF (in vitro fertilisation) | Eggs collected and fertilised in the laboratory; embryo transferred to the uterus | Blocked tubes, low ovarian reserve, unexplained infertility, after unsuccessful IUI |
| ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) | A single sperm injected into an egg during IVF | Low sperm count or motility, or fertilisation problems in a previous cycle |
| Frozen embryo transfer | Embryos frozen and transferred in a later cycle | Staggered treatment timelines, surplus embryos |
| Egg or sperm freezing | Gametes stored for future use | Delaying parenthood, medical reasons such as cancer treatment |
| Male infertility treatment | Semen analysis, sperm retrieval, varicocele treatment | Male factor causes |
| Surgery | Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, fibroid or polyp removal | Structural causes |
| Treatments after unsuccessful IVF | Further evaluation and selected add-on techniques | Repeated unsuccessful cycles |
Pages with details: IUI · IVF · ICSI · Egg freezing · Male infertility treatments · Ovulation induction
Laboratory and clinical techniques for fertility treatment in Chennai
The IVF and andrology laboratory offers the following:
- time-lapse embryo monitoring
- blastocyst culture
- laser-assisted hatching
- cryopreservation of eggs, sperm and embryos
- preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
- frozen embryo transfer protocols
Some of these are used only for selected patients. Evidence of benefit varies for several add-on techniques, including time-lapse monitoring, assisted hatching, embryo glue and endometrial receptivity testing, and none of them is necessary for everyone. PGT screens embryos for chromosomal or specific genetic conditions, and whether it is appropriate depends on your situation. Your doctor will explain what the evidence shows, what each technique costs and what the alternatives are before you choose.
Your treatment journey, step by step
- Initial consultation: a review of medical history, previous treatment and lifestyle factors for both partners.
- Diagnostic testing: hormone tests, scans, semen analysis and other tests as needed.
- Treatment planning: a plan based on your results, with timeline and costs explained.
- Procedure: the chosen treatment, carried out by the clinical and embryology teams.
- Follow-up: monitoring after the procedure, medicines if needed, and a review consultation.
How age affects fertility treatment in Chennai
Age is among the most important factors in planning, but test results, not age alone, decide the plan. Two women of the same age can have very different ovarian reserves.
- Under 35: evaluation focuses on finding a specific cause. IUI may be tried before IVF unless the diagnosis, such as blocked tubes or severe male factor infertility, points directly to IVF or ICSI.
- 35 to 40: ovarian reserve testing becomes a larger part of the evaluation, since egg quantity and quality decline more noticeably. IVF may be discussed sooner, because per-cycle IUI success falls faster with age.
- Over 40: planning centres on realistic expectations, since egg quality is the dominant factor. Options such as embryo screening or donor eggs may be discussed, within the legal framework described below, alongside the option of continuing with your own eggs.
Success rates in fertility treatment in Chennai: what the numbers mean
Success rates are not a single number. They change with age, diagnosis, ovarian reserve, sperm quality, embryo quality and the treatment protocol. Many couples need more than one cycle, and some do not conceive.
When reading any clinic’s figures, ask what is being counted, for which age group, over what period and how many cycles. Your doctor can discuss what to expect for your own situation after evaluation.
Risks and considerations
- Multiple pregnancy (twins or more), which carries higher risks for the mother and babies
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): uncommon but serious, linked to stimulation medicines
- Medicine side effects: bloating, headache or mood changes, which are usually temporary
- Procedure-related risks: bleeding or infection after egg collection or surgery
- Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, which can occur after any conception
- Emotional stress for both partners during treatment
- The possibility that treatment does not result in pregnancy
Your doctor will discuss the risks specific to your treatment and obtain your informed consent before starting.
What affects the cost of fertility treatment in Chennai
Fertility treatment cost in Chennai depends on:
- the type of treatment (IUI costs less than IVF or ICSI)
- the number of cycles needed
- the medicine protocol, which varies with your response
- add-on techniques such as PGT, laser hatching or frozen embryo transfer
- pre-treatment tests and any donor gametes
| Treatment | Indicative range (₹, per cycle or procedure) |
|---|---|
| Consultation | 500–2,000 |
| IUI | 10,000–20,000 |
| IVF | 90,000–1,50,000 |
| ICSI (includes the IVF cycle) | 1,10,000–1,70,000 |
| Frozen embryo transfer | 30,000 – 70,000 |
| Egg freezing | 50,000 – 1,20,000 |
Fees may change, and medicines, extra tests and add-ons may be charged separately. A written, itemised estimate is explained after your diagnostic consultation and before treatment begins.
Treating doctors
- Dr G. Praveena Ragunanthan, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Chennai; Diploma in Reproductive Medicine (DRM), Kiel University, Germany. Areas of practice: obstetrics, gynaecology, reproductive endocrinology and infertility; laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures; laparoscopic myomectomy.
The embryology and laboratory team works alongside the clinical team. See the team page for details.
Your first visit
Bring previous fertility test results, ultrasound reports and treatment records, a list of current medicines, and details of any earlier surgery. This helps the doctor avoid repeating tests. Both partners are encouraged to attend. Teleconsultation may be available for a first discussion if you are travelling from outside Chennai. Tests and treatment need in-person visits.
Questions worth asking any fertility clinic
- Who are the treating doctors, and what are their qualifications and registration numbers?
- Is the clinic registered under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021? [add the centre’s registration details]
- How are outcomes reported, and what do the figures count?
- Which techniques are available on site, and which are only add-ons?
- Are costs itemised in writing, including medicines and add-ons?
- How is consent taken, and is counselling available?
Conclusion
Choosing where to begin fertility treatment in Chennai is a significant decision. A careful evaluation of both partners, a clear explanation of the options and their risks, and a written cost estimate help you decide at your own pace. Treatment may involve IUI, IVF, ICSI or other approaches depending on your results, and outcomes vary. To discuss your situation, you can book a consultation at Rathimed Fertility Centre, Anna Nagar.
Contact
Rathimed Fertility Centre, Q/102, 3rd Avenue, Anna Nagar, Chennai – 600040 Phone: +91 98414 47007 Email: info@rathimedhospital.com