Understanding Advanced IVF Techniques in India: From ICSI to Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

By Author : Suryani Dutta
  calender 22 July,2025
Understanding Advanced IVF Techniques in India: From ICSI to Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

In recent years, advanced fertility treatments in India have significantly evolved, offering new hope to couples struggling with infertility. With the rise of world-class embryology labs in India, state-of-the-art technologies, such as ICSI treatment in India and PGT India in IVF, are transforming reproductive care. These advanced techniques are beneficial for individuals dealing with complex fertility issues, such as severe male factor infertility, recurrent IVF failure, or genetic disorders.

This blog explores the workings of advanced IVF techniques, their benefits, and why India has emerged as a global leader in affordable and effective fertility care.

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The Evolution of IVF in India

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has been available in India since the 1980s, but the introduction of ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) has made it possible to diagnose and treat even the most challenging infertility cases. 

Modern Indian fertility clinics now combine clinical excellence with advanced technologies to improve success rates and patient outcomes.

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What is ICSI Treatment in India?

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is one of the most widely used advanced fertility treatments in India, especially in cases of male infertility. 

Unlike traditional IVF, where sperm and eggs are combined in a petri dish and allowed to fertilize naturally, ICSI involves injecting a single, healthy sperm directly into a mature egg.

When is ICSI Recommended?

  • Very Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia): When the male partner produces very few sperm, natural fertilization becomes difficult. ICSI allows even a single viable sperm to be used directly for fertilization.
  • Poor Sperm Movement or Shape (Motility/Morphology Issues): Sperm that move poorly or have abnormal shapes often struggle to reach or penetrate the egg. ICSI bypasses this issue by injecting a selected sperm directly into the egg.
  • Previous Failed IVF Attempts: If conventional IVF cycles have failed due to fertilization issues, ICSI provides a more controlled approach to enhance fertilization success.
  • Use of Frozen, Surgically Retrieved, or Donor SpermWhen sperm is retrieved through surgical methods (e.g., TESA, PESA) or used from a donor or frozen sample, ICSI ensures the best chance of fertilization with limited or delicate sperm
  • Unexplained Infertility: In cases where standard fertility tests don’t identify a cause, ICSI is often used as a proactive approach to enhance fertilization outcomes.

ICSI has revolutionized male infertility care and is now standard in many Indian IVF protocols. The availability of ICSI treatment in India has made high-quality care more accessible to a wider population due to its affordability, which is comparable to that in Western countries.

The Role of Embryology Labs in India

The success of ICSI and PGT heavily depends on the quality of embryology labs in India. These labs must maintain highly controlled environments to support fertilization, embryo culture, and genetic testing.

  • Clean and Safe Environment: HEPA-filtered clean rooms ensure a contaminant-free environment for sensitive procedures, such as ICSI and PGT.
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Advanced micromanipulation tools and AI-powered embryo monitoring improve precision and embryo selection.
  • Cryopreservation Services: State-of-the-art freezing techniques help preserve embryos, eggs, and sperm safely and securely.
  • Quality Certifications: ISO and NABL accreditations guarantee high lab standards and safety.
  • Expert Embryologists: Globally trained specialists ensure IVF outcomes that rival top international centers.

Certified embryologists in India are often trained internationally, ensuring high laboratory standards and the precise execution of complex procedures, such as ICSI and PGT.

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What is PGT in IVF?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a technique that examines embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation. This ensures that only healthy, chromosomally normal embryos are transferred into the uterus. PGT in IVF has become increasingly common among patients with:

  • Recurrent IVF Failure: For individuals who have experienced multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, genetic issues in embryos may be a contributing factor. PGT in IVF helps identify and select chromosomally normal embryos, thereby improving success rates.
  • Advanced Maternal Age (35+): As women age, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs increases. PGT-A (Aneuploidy Testing) helps ensure only healthy embryos are transferred, reducing miscarriage risk and improving implantation chances.
  • Family History of Genetic Diseases: Couples with a known inherited condition, such as thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, or sickle cell disease, can benefit from PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Diseases) to prevent passing the disorder to their child.
  • Recurrent Miscarriage: Frequent pregnancy losses may be linked to undetected chromosomal abnormalities. PGT in IVF can screen embryos to select the ones most likely to result in a healthy, full-term pregnancy.
  • Known Chromosomal Rearrangements: If one or both partners have structural changes in their chromosomes (such as translocations or inversions), PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements) can identify embryos without these defects for safer implantation.

Types of PGT in India

  • PGT-A (Aneuploidy Testing): Checks for abnormal chromosome numbers (e.g., Down syndrome)
  • PGT-M (Monogenic Disease Testing): Screens for specific inherited diseases like cystic fibrosis or thalassemia
  • PGT-SR (Structural Rearrangement Testing): Detects translocations or inversions in chromosomes

With an increasing number of accredited genetic laboratories and specialized embryology labs in India, PGT in IVF is now more reliable, faster, and cost-effective than ever.

How ICSI and PGT Work Together in IVF? 

When combined, ICSI and PGT offer powerful advantages in embryo selection. ICSI ensures the highest chance of fertilization, while PGT helps identify the healthiest embryos for transfer. This combination significantly increases the likelihood of a successful, full-term pregnancy.

Steps in the Combined IVF + ICSI + PGT Process:

  • Ovarian Stimulation: Hormones stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
  • Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected under ultrasound guidance.
  • ICSI Fertilization: Each mature egg is injected with a selected sperm.
  • Embryo Culture: Embryos are monitored in the lab for 5–6 days.
  • Embryo Biopsy & PGT: A few cells are taken from each embryo and tested for abnormalities.
  • Embryo Freezing: Healthy embryos are frozen until results are available.
  • Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): A healthy, screened embryo is transferred into the uterus.

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Cost of ICSI and PGT in India

India is known for providing high-quality fertility care at a lower cost compared to Western countries.

Procedure

Estimated Cost (USD)

Standard IVF Cycle

2,000 USD – 3,000 USD

IVF + ICSI

3,000 USD– 4,500 USD

PGT (per embryo)

200 USD – 400 USD

Full IVF + ICSI + PGT Package

4,000 USD – 6,000 USD

Many clinics also offer package deals that include consultation, diagnostics, medication, laboratory procedures, embryo freezing, and follow-up care.

Success Rates for Advanced IVF in India

The success of advanced fertility treatments in India depends on factors such as age, underlying medical conditions, and the quality of the fertility lab. However, when ICSI is combined with PGT, the chances of a healthy pregnancy increase significantly.

  • ICSI Fertilization Rate: 70%–85%
  • IVF with PGT (under 35 years): Up to 65% success rate
  • Implantation Rate with PGT-A Embryos: 60%–70%

IVF Success Rates by Age Group (With and Without PGT-A)

This chart highlights how PGT-A significantly improves IVF success rates, especially in women over 35. It ensures chromosomally normal embryos are transferred, reducing the chances of miscarriage and increasing the likelihood of a full-term pregnancy.

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Why Choose India for Advanced IVF Treatments?

  1. Global-Standard Embryology Labs: India boasts some of Asia's most advanced IVF laboratories, which hold international certifications (e.g., ISO, NABH).
  2. Expert Fertility Specialists: Many Indian IVF doctors and embryologists are trained in the US, UK, or Australia.
  3. Affordable Packages: Patients save 50–70% compared to costs in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia.
  4. Medical Tourism Support: Clinics often assist with travel, accommodation, and post-treatment follow-ups.
  5. Low Wait Times: Unlike in many Western countries, advanced IVF treatment in India can usually begin almost immediately.

Insurance and Financing Options

Historically, IVF and fertility treatments were not covered by most health insurance policies in India. However, some private insurers now offer limited coverage, usually as part of premium plans or maternity add-ons. 

Coverage varies widely: some plans may include partial IVF benefits, while others exclude it entirely. Even with coverage, waiting periods, caps, and exclusions are common. It’s crucial to review your policy carefully to understand what’s included.

For those without insurance coverage, many clinics also offer EMI plans or financing options to make treatment more accessible.

Final Thoughts 

India has rapidly advanced fertility clinics, making it a global destination for couples seeking effective, affordable, and reliable reproductive care. Techniques like ICSI treatment in India and PGT India in IVF are no longer experimental; they are well-established components of a modern fertility journey. With world-class embryology labs in India and experienced reproductive specialists, success rates continue to rise, giving couples renewed hope for building families.

The advanced fertility treatments in India now provide the best solutions to the people who are facing male infertility, advanced maternal age, or recurrent IVF failure.

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Author

B.Sc in Media Science, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata, 2019-2022

Suryani Dutta is a passionate content writer with a background in media studies, equipping her with a deep understanding of storytelling, audience engagement, and digital trends.

Reviewer

Dr. Parul Katiyar is a renowned and experienced IVF Specialist with an experience of 21 years. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of areas including PCOS, Reproductive Endocrine disorders, Male infertility, Endometriosis, Fertility Preservation, ICSI...

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