Exploring India’s IVF Market: Innovations, Regulations, and Growth Prospects

India's in vitro fertilization (IVF) industry is witnessing a dramatic shift, fuelled by the growing rate of infertility, technology, and enhanced awareness of fertility procedures. As the market is anticipated to increase from USD 900 million in 2024 to USD 1874 million in 2029, at a CAGR of 15.8%, the nation is becoming a major player in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The confluence of affordability, extremely skilled medical doctors, and pro-government policies has made India a world centre for fertility treatments.

Chart 1: IVF Market in India (USD million)

Source: Mordor Intelligence, CareEdge Research

Market Growth and Key Drivers

Growth Drivers for the IVF Industry

1. The affordable IVF facilities make India the hub for reproductive tourism.

2. IVF in India costs around USD 3,00 - USD 5,000 as compared to the U.S. or Europe, which costs around USD 15,000 - USD 20,000.

3. Competitive pricing along with options of surrogacy, egg donation, and gender selection attract clients from all over the world.

4. Couples coming from high-cost or restrictive countries opt for advanced fertility solutions from India.

5. Latest IVF technologies, such as AI tools, vitrification, and assisted hatching increase the success rate.

6. Government initiatives, such as low-interest loans and streamlined medical visas, attract patients from all over the world.

7. Increasing infertility rates, delayed parenthood, and awareness of assisted reproduction are driving demand.

Medical Innovations Enhancing IVF Success Rates

Technological innovations are revolutionizing fertility treatments in India. Among the major developments, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) IVF is the fastest-growing segment in the IVF market. This method, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, has been found to be especially useful for cases of severe male infertility. In 2024, the ICSI IVF market is worth USD 634 million and is expected to grow to USD 1.33 billion by 2029, at a 16.1% CAGR.

With its increased success rates over traditional IVF procedures, fertility experts are adopting ICSI IVF more and more. Other technologies like AI-driven embryo selection and time-lapse imaging have also enhanced success rates. AI algorithms assist embryologists in selecting the healthiest embryos for implantation, minimizing the risk of failed pregnancies. Time-lapse imaging allows for the uninterrupted monitoring of embryos, ensuring more accurate selection. In the meantime, improvements in cryopreservation methods, especially vitrification, have enhanced the survival rate of frozen embryos. The increased application of Thawed IVF cycles (Frozen Embryo Transfer - FET) has given increased flexibility in pregnancy planning and better treatment outcomes.

Regulatory Framework and Government Initiatives

The government of India has launched various policies to control and promote the fertility industry. The ART (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, have laid down stringent regulations to ensure ethical practice and safety in assisted reproduction. Further, schemes like the increase in Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) intend to provide access to fertility treatments. By March 2025, the count of PMBJK centres will stand at 10,500 and will offer a wide array of affordable fertility-associated drugs and machinery.

The government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme is also promoting domestic pharmaceutical production, lowering the reliance on imports for IVF drugs and medical devices. These efforts together strengthen India's position as a regulated and patient-friendly IVF destination.

Segmentation of the Indian IVF Market

The IVF market in India is segmented into various categories based on procedure type. The ICSI IVF segment, with its superior success rates, is the largest and fastest-growing category. The non-ICSI IVF segment, which relies on natural fertilisation in a laboratory, remains an essential option for patients without male infertility issues. Additionally, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), a less invasive and cost-effective fertility treatment, continues to see steady demand.

In terms of cycle-based classification, the Fresh IVF Cycle is the dominant segment, valued at USD 583 million in 2024 and projected to reach USD 1200 million by 2029. This procedure, which involves retrieving, fertilising, and transferring embryos within the same cycle, is known for its higher success rates and lower risk of complications. On the other hand, the Thawed IVF Cycle (Frozen Embryo Transfer - FET) is gaining traction due to its flexibility and improved pregnancy outcomes. The Donor Egg IVF Cycle remains a vital option for women with low ovarian reserves or early menopause, while Donor Sperm and Donor Embryo IVF Cycles provide solutions for male infertility cases.

India’s Competitive Edge in Global Fertility Tourism

India's cost benefit continues to be the driving force behind drawing foreign patients. IVF procedures in India cost between USD 3,000 and USD 5,000 per cycle, while the same procedure in the United States costs between USD 15,000 and USD 20,000. This affordability, combined with state-of-the-art medical facilities, has made India a popular destination for reproductive tourism.

Patients from nations with stringent fertility laws or expensive treatments have been finding their way to India for procedures like surrogacy, egg donation, and gender selection. Moreover, the drive by Maharashtra to add IVF services to government hospitals has widened treatment access to more people. Government-sponsored schemes like easing medical visas and subsiding fertility treatment have further enhanced India's global reputation as a reproductive healthcare destination.

Outlook: A Market Poised for Sustained Growth

India’s IVF industry is set for continued growth, driven by advancements in technology, increased affordability, and strong government support. The growing acceptance of IVF treatments in both urban and rural India, combined with public and private sector investments, is expected to enhance accessibility further. The Union Budget’s emphasis on healthcare infrastructure and medical tourism will also play a crucial role in expanding fertility treatment options across the country.

India's IVF industry will benefit from AI-powered fertility solutions, genetic research, and digital healthcare innovations. As advancements in personalised medicine and embryo screening progress, fertility experts will offer more effective and customised treatment options. With awareness campaigns reducing the social stigma around assisted reproduction, demand for fertility treatments will rise significantly..

India's IVF market is at the forefront of medical advancement and technological innovation. With fertility solutions powered by artificial intelligence, regulatory environments providing guarantees of ethical practices, and a growing number of fertility clinics, the nation will become one of the world's most dominant reproductive healthcare providers. With reproductive tourism booming and fertility treatments becoming increasingly affordable, its reputation for cost-effective, high-quality fertility care, India will solidify its position as a premier medical tourism destination and a transformative force in helping millions of couples all over the world realize their dream of having a child.