Lucknow: On this women’s day we spoke exclusively to Dr Gita Khanna, Clinical director, Ajanta Hospital & IVF Centre, an IVF expert and noted gynaec, who had a roller coaster ride in a successful career and created a name for herself which inspires hundrerds of gyanecs to follow her footsteps.
Inspiration Behind Specializing in IVF and Reproductive Medicine
In the early 1990s, I witnessed many women leading fulfilling married lives but unable to complete their families due to infertility. One such case in my own family deeply moved me, inspiring me to explore solutions in the field of IVF. This passion led me to embark on a journey in reproductive medicine, culminating in the birth of my first IVF baby, Prarthana, in 1997. Prarthana herself conceived naturally and became a mother, making national headlines. Since then, there has been no turning back. Over the past 28 years, I have dedicated myself to helping childless couples experience the joy of parenthood. At Ajanta Hospital, a pioneer in IVF, we have delivered over 8,000 IVF babies. Apart from clinical practice, we are actively involved in academics, training numerous MS Gynecologists in reproductive medicine through government-recognized IVF fellowship programs.
Experience and Success Rate in IVF
I have been practicing gynecology for more than 38 years and specializing in IVF for 28 years. At Ajanta Hospital, we have successfully handled cases where the chances of conception were nearly impossible. With the blessings of advanced technology and expertise, we have helped many childless women, including those around 45 years old, to become mothers. Our success rate is on par with international standards, supported by a state-of-the-art IVF lab, modern equipment, and highly qualified staff.
One common myth about infertility is that all patients require IVF. In reality, many conceive through counseling, medication, ultrasound follicular monitoring, IUI, and other procedures. Factors such as late marriages, career priorities, and sedentary lifestyles contribute significantly to infertility.
The IVF Process: Step by Step
The IVF process involves several crucial steps:
- Initial Consultation: A comprehensive evaluation of fertility and overall health, including medical history, blood tests, and ultrasounds. The process, costs, time commitment, and success rates are explained.
- Ovarian Stimulation: Daily hormonal injections for 10-13 days to stimulate multiple egg production.
- Egg Retrieval: Under anesthesia, eggs are retrieved, ensuring patient comfort in a homely environment.
- Sperm Collection and Preparation: Sperm is collected and processed in the lab to select the most viable ones.
- Fertilization: The selected sperm fertilize the eggs through IVF/ICSI procedures.
- Embryo Culture: The embryos develop in a controlled incubator to optimize growth.
- Embryo Transfer: A painless procedure under ultrasound guidance to place the best embryos into the uterus.
- Post-Transfer Care: Medications are prescribed to support the pregnancy, followed by a pregnancy test after two weeks.
Advancements in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology)
The field of ART has seen remarkable advancements, including:
- Personalized ovarian stimulation protocols
- Advanced sperm selection techniques like microfluidics
- Enhanced embryo culture and freezing methods
- Electronic witnessing systems to prevent human error
Role of AI in IVF Advancements
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing IVF by optimizing embryo selection, predicting pregnancy likelihood, and personalizing treatment plans. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast datasets to improve decision-making. AI helps embryologists assess embryo quality with greater precision, leading to better outcomes and reduced human error.
Patient Selection for IVF and Counseling
Choosing the right patients for IVF involves assessing multiple factors:
- Age: Women over 35 face declining egg quality and quantity.
- Ovarian Reserve: Determines the number and quality of eggs available for fertilization.
- Male Factor Infertility: Issues like low sperm count or DNA fragmentation.
- Tubal Factor Infertility: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
- Obesity and Medical Conditions: Conditions like PCOS, diabetes, and thyroid disorders impact success rates.
- Uterine and Endometrial Factors: Prior IVF failures, recurrent pregnancy loss, and uterine abnormalities are evaluated.
Counseling is crucial in setting realistic expectations, discussing alternative treatments, and ensuring emotional support throughout the journey.
Future of IVF and Reproductive Medicine
Over the next 5-10 years, reproductive medicine is poised for groundbreaking advancements. The integration of AI, genetics, and regenerative medicine will enhance treatment precision, boost success rates, and address complex infertility causes. Emerging technologies like stem cell therapy, genetic editing, and artificial wombs could offer new hope. As these innovations evolve, ethical and regulatory frameworks must keep pace to ensure responsible application.
The future of IVF holds immense promise, offering more personalized treatments, improved accessibility, and higher success rates. These advancements will continue to bring joy to countless couples longing for parenthood.
