Charu Bhatia, Senior News Editor, Business Remedies, in conversation with Dr. Ruchi Singh, Leading IVF Specialist and Gynecologist at Vasundhara IVF, Jaipur
From advances in assisted reproductive technology to the importance of counselling couples through their fertility journey, reproductive medicine has undergone remarkable transformation in recent years. In this exclusive talk with Business Remedies, Dr. Ruchi Singh, Leading IVF Specialist and Gynecologist at Vasundhara IVF, Jaipur, speaks about her path into fertility care, the services offered at the centre, the future of IVF, and why informed decision-making remains the foundation of successful treatment.
Question: You are working as a leading IVF specialist and gynecologist at Vasundhara IVF Centre, Jaipur. What has been your journey till now?
Answer: My journey in the field of reproductive medicine has been driven by a single goal, to help couples achieve the joy of parenthood.
I completed my MBBS and MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, which gave me a strong academic and clinical foundation. During my postgraduate training, I developed a keen interest in infertility and reproductive medicine, and I decided to dedicate my career exclusively to this field.
To strengthen my expertise, I underwent advanced training in Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) at Vasundhara IVF, Jodhpur. I further enhanced my skills through specialized training in South Korea, where I gained exposure to advanced fertility treatments and international IVF practices. In addition, I received training in advanced gynecological endoscopic (laparoscopic and hysteroscopic) surgeries in Mumbai, enabling me to manage many infertility-related conditions with minimally invasive techniques.
For the past 10 years, I have been working exclusively in the field of infertility. During this journey, I have had the privilege of helping numerous couples overcome complex fertility challenges through evidence-based, ethical, and personalized treatment.
Today, at Vasundhara IVF Centre, Jaipur, my focus is not only on achieving successful pregnancy outcomes but also on providing compassionate care. I believe every couple’s fertility journey is unique, and they deserve honest guidance, individualized treatment, and emotional support at every step. Seeing the happiness on a couple’s face when they become parents is the greatest reward of my profession, and it continues to inspire me every day.
Question: What are the services that you offer at Vasundhara IVF Centre in Jaipur?
Answer: We provide comprehensive fertility care for both men and women because infertility is never limited to only one partner. Every couple undergoes a thorough evaluation before deciding the most appropriate treatment plan.
For women, we manage conditions such as irregular ovulation, hormonal disorders including PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, abnormalities of the uterus or cervix, and problems related to egg development. We offer follicular monitoring, hysterosalpingography (HSG), saline sonography (SSG), IVF, ICSI, blastocyst transfer, embryo freezing, laser-assisted hatching and fertility preservation through egg freezing. We also provide PGD, diagnostic and therapeutic hysteroscopic and laparoscopic procedures.
For male infertility, we evaluate low sperm count, poor sperm motility, blocked reproductive ducts and other conditions affecting fertility. Treatments include intrauterine insemination (IUI), donor insemination, surgical sperm retrieval techniques including TESA, MESA and PESA, along with vas recanalisation wherever suitable.
Besides infertility treatment, we also function as a women’s wellness centre, providing comprehensive gynaecological care and counselling for women’s reproductive health.
Question: What do you think about the success rate of IVF in patients?
Answer: The success of IVF depends on several medical and biological factors, and it is important to understand that IVF is not the first or only treatment for every couple facing infertility. A common misconception is that all infertile couples require IVF, whereas many can achieve pregnancy through medications, lifestyle modifications, ovulation induction, or other fertility treatments.
The success rate of IVF is influenced by factors such as the woman’s age, egg quality, sperm quality, the cause and duration of infertility, and overall reproductive health. As age increases, particularly in women, the quantity and quality of eggs decline, which can reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, diminished ovarian reserve, and male factor infertility also play a significant role in determining treatment outcomes.
Before advising IVF, a comprehensive evaluation is carried out to identify the exact cause of infertility. Based on the findings, the most appropriate treatment plan is recommended. IVF is generally considered when simpler treatment options are unlikely to be effective or have not produced the desired results. Since every couple’s fertility journey is different, the treatment approach should always be personalised to maximise the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy.
Question: Since patients visiting an IVF centre are often under emotional pressure, how do you support them emotionally?
Answer: Emotional counselling is an inseparable part of fertility treatment. Couples often come to us carrying years of disappointment, anxiety and social pressure. Before discussing treatment, it is important to simply listen to them. Understanding their fears and expectations helps us establish trust.
Many patients arrive believing that IVF is their only option without understanding the actual cause of infertility. Proper counselling allows us to explain every stage of diagnosis and treatment in simple language, reducing unnecessary fear.
Unfortunately, our society continues to place the burden of infertility almost entirely on women, despite the fact that male infertility contributes significantly to infertility cases. Even today, many women continue to face blame and emotional distress when conception does not occur. As doctors, we have a responsibility to educate families that infertility is a medical condition affecting both partners.
I also encourage patients, especially women, to continue pursuing their interests, maintain social interactions, practise yoga or meditation and engage in regular physical activity. Managing stress alone may not cure infertility, but emotional well-being certainly helps patients navigate treatment more confidently.
Question: What are some of the common misconceptions people have about infertility treatment?
Answer: There are several myths that continue to discourage people from seeking timely medical help.
The first misconception is that visiting an IVF centre automatically means IVF treatment will be advised. In reality, fertility centres provide complete evaluation and multiple treatment options. Many couples conceive without requiring IVF at all.
The second myth is that IVF is an extremely painful procedure. Modern IVF techniques have become minimally invasive. Most procedures involve very fine needles, and patient comfort is always prioritised. Pain perception varies from person to person, but overall, IVF today is much less uncomfortable than people imagine.
Another common misunderstanding is that IVF guarantees pregnancy. No medical treatment offers a 100 per cent success rate. The quality of eggs, sperm, embryo development and the uterus’ ability to accept implantation all influence the final outcome. During egg retrieval, not every follicle contains a mature egg, and not every fertilised egg develops into a healthy embryo. Therefore, several biological factors determine success.
Setting realistic expectations through counselling is extremely important because informed patients are better prepared for every stage of treatment.
Question: What are some of the recent research developments in fertility treatments?
Answer: Fertility medicine has witnessed significant progress over the past decade, with innovations making treatments more precise, effective and patient-centric. Today, advances in reproductive technology are helping improve success rates while making the treatment process safer and more convenient for patients.
One of the major breakthroughs is the use of recombinant hormonal injections. These bioengineered hormones closely mimic naturally occurring hormones in the body and are highly purified, ensuring greater consistency and better treatment outcomes compared to older hormonal preparations.
Another noteworthy advancement is the introduction of oral GnRH antagonists for selected IVF patients. Traditionally, women undergoing IVF required multiple daily injections to prevent premature ovulation. In suitable cases, oral medications can now achieve the same objective, reducing the number of injections, improving patient comfort and lowering treatment costs.
Laboratory technologies have also advanced considerably. Modern sperm sorting techniques enable embryologists to identify the healthiest and most motile sperm, thereby improving the chances of successful fertilisation. Similarly, time-lapse embryo incubators continuously monitor embryo development without disturbing the culture environment. This allows specialists to closely assess embryo growth and select embryos with the highest developmental potential for transfer.
Personalised fertility care has become another important focus. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, treatment plans are now customised according to a patient’s age, ovarian reserve, hormone profile, underlying medical conditions and overall reproductive health.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also emerging as a valuable tool in assisted reproductive technology. AI-assisted systems help embryologists analyse embryo quality more accurately, supporting clinical decision-making and improving embryo selection while complementing, rather than replacing, the expertise of fertility specialists.
In addition, fertility preservation through egg, sperm and embryo freezing has become increasingly accessible. This has opened new possibilities for individuals who wish to postpone parenthood for personal or professional reasons, as well as for patients undergoing cancer treatment or other therapies that may affect fertility.
While research continues to introduce newer technologies, fertility specialists remain committed to offering treatments supported by robust scientific evidence. These ongoing advancements are making fertility care more personalised, less invasive and increasingly successful, giving renewed hope to couples and individuals aspiring to build a family.
Question: What lifestyle choices negatively affect fertility?
Answer: Lifestyle has a significant influence on reproductive health. One of the most noticeable trends today is delayed marriage and delayed parenthood. While individuals understandably prioritise education and career, fertility naturally declines with age, particularly after the mid-thirties in women and after forty in men.
Lifestyle disorders such as obesity, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to hormonal imbalance and reduced fertility. Conditions like PMOS (formerly PCOS) and endometriosis have become increasingly common and are often associated with modern lifestyle patterns.
Maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake can positively influence fertility. Equally important is seeking medical evaluation early instead of postponing consultation for years.
Question: Do you think IVF treatment has become affordable for the common person today?
Answer: Compared to previous decades, fertility treatment has certainly become more accessible. Medical technology has become more widely available, and treatment options have expanded across different cities.
Government health schemes such as CGHS and several state-supported programmes also provide financial assistance for eligible patients, helping reduce the economic burden in many cases. Additionally, improved purchasing power and growing awareness have encouraged more couples to seek professional fertility care rather than delaying treatment.
Although affordability may still vary depending on individual circumstances and treatment requirements, IVF today is significantly more accessible than it was in the past.
Question: What options are available for fertility preservation among men and women?
Answer: Fertility preservation has emerged as one of the most valuable developments in reproductive medicine. For women who wish to delay pregnancy because of career goals, personal choices or medical reasons, egg freezing provides an opportunity to preserve fertility while they are younger. Frozen eggs can be stored safely for several years and used later when pregnancy is planned. Similarly, sperm freezing is also available for men.
Question: How do you see the future of IVF over the next decade, and what can be done to bridge the rural-urban awareness gap?
Answer: The future of fertility treatment is extremely promising. With continuous advancements in reproductive medicine, improving laboratory technologies and growing clinical expertise, IVF success rates are expected to continue improving over the coming years.
However, technology alone cannot solve the problem. Awareness remains equally important, especially in rural communities where infertility continues to be surrounded by stigma and misinformation. Many women continue to experience social pressure despite infertility being a condition that can affect both men and women.
We need more awareness campaigns, educational programmes and community outreach initiatives to build trust between patients and healthcare providers.
I also believe that age-appropriate reproductive and sexual health education should become more widely accepted. Educating young people about fertility, reproductive health and family planning can help reduce myths, shame and hesitation around seeking medical care. As awareness increases, more couples will approach fertility treatment with confidence, and society will gradually move towards a more informed and compassionate understanding of infertility.
