Egg Freezing & IVF in India

India is currently enjoying a surge in private hospitals specially geared towards serving the needs of medical tourists. More and more healthcare establishments are getting accreditations from international organizations. Historically, ancient Indian practices in healing and medicine such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Siddha have greatly influenced Western perspectives on health.

In modern times, the country has put careful emphasis on medical research and surgery such as robotic surgery ever since the ancient Indian physician Susruta gained fame as the national "Father of Surgery." The majority of reputable hospitals have received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). Several hospitals are also accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI).

Medical tourists are often led to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai because these are in proximity to major hospitals and fertility centres. Delhi is the main place to go for reproductive medicine treatments because this is where the cost is most economical, where amenities and technologies are ultra-modern, and where the most competent fertility specialists are.

For relaxing during the recuperation stage, medical travellers head to the tranquil region of the Himalayas and the beaches of Goa. Portuguese architecture, cuisine, and culture make Goa an exciting place rich in historical significance. The beaches of North Goa enjoy the most popularity and this is a prime choice for extroverts who love partying and water sports. South Goa is quieter and ideal for families and nature lovers. Meanwhile, the Himalayas are a haven for mountaineers. Aside from trekking the woodlands, valleys, and wilderness, the area also has calm-inducing lakes and mountain streams that especially appeal to water lovers.

During their stay for IVF treatment with or without ovarian stimulation in India and other fertility treatments, medical travellers must carefully review the guidelines posted in the Code and Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism. Public displays of affection are well-tolerated in urban cities but are frowned upon in rural areas. Avoid making loud noises, getting drunk in public, and anything that may be considered vandalism. Buying and carrying in and out beef and its byproducts is prohibited in this land where cows are respected.

Women travellers must take extra precautions because sexual harassment is commonly reported in India. Do not accept food and drinks from strangers because there are criminals who spike them for robbery and assault. Motorbike snatchers also target those who wear expensive jewellery and handbags. Arrange your tours only with registered travel agencies and avoid being misled by fake tour guides. Be on alert for major weather disruptions like heatwaves and dust storms. Use insect repellent because malaria, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and other mosquito-borne diseases are very common. Choose your dining venues meticulously because foodborne, waterborne, and other infectious diseases are also prevalent. E-cigarettes or vapes are not allowed to be imported to the country. Observe strict behaviour and dress codes when visiting religious sites.

To explore the vast country of India, domestic flights and train travel are the general options. Avoid renting a car because driving in India can be very chaotic. The buses are not very comfortable because they can get too packed with passengers and they generally lack comfort rooms. For those on a budget, auto-rickshaws with three wheels are the most accessible and affordable. Taxi drivers waiting outside hotels typically charge exorbitant fees for tourists.

As many as 74% of women exhibit a lack of fertility treatment awareness

Egg freezing and frozen embryo transfer is a new technology in India and is usually done for medical reasons. However, more women are choosing to freeze their eggs for personal reasons. The Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR) estimates that the number of women who go to a fertility specialist opting for egg freezing has increased by 50% in the last three years. The average age of women who go for egg freezing is within the range of 30 to 35 years old who are at the peak of their careers.

Marriage is sacred in Indian tradition and is considered a union of obligations, property and assets, physical desire, and joint spiritual journey. The patriarchal society frequently influences the older generations to have large expectations to have grandchildren. Those who have infertility problems face blame, shame, and superstitious beliefs. The subject of infertility is a taboo topic and infertile people suffer from social stigma. Depression coupled with romantic and sexual frustrations arise from female and male infertility.

As high as 74% of female respondents in a study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences exhibited a lack of awareness concerning infertility treatment. They wrongly believed that they could still get pregnant when they turn 50 years old via the natural way or with ART using their oocytes. The study calls for the increase of women's health, family planning, and infertility treatment awareness education especially among the masses. The British Fertility Society, together with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, have started the Fertility Education Initiative (FEI) to aid the Indian people in making enlightened fertility planning decisions.

There are 22 official languages recognised by the Constitution, however, Hindi and English are considered the two official national languages. Some of the other official languages in the list of 22 are Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, and Kashmiri.