KSHEMA IVF – Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Centre

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Overview

KSHEMA IVF – Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Centre is a pioneering facility dedicated to providing comprehensive fertility care with compassion, expertise, and innovation. Established in December 2013, we are proud to be the first IVF centre within a teaching hospital in Mangalore, operating under the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Justice K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, part of Nitte (Deemed to be University).

Every fertility journey is unique—and often filled with questions, emotions, and tough decisions. At KSHEMA IVF, we walk alongside you—with empathy, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering support—honoured to be part of your hope and healing.

About the centre

Located on the second floor (Room No. 40) of Justice K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, the KSHEMA IVF laboratory is housed in a spacious, well-equipped, and ventilated hall, designed to meet the stringent standards required for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART).

The IVF lab maintains precise control over temperature, humidity, and air quality through advanced HEPA filtration systems and meticulously designed sterile work zones, safeguarding the integrity of gametes and embryos. Central to this is the Air Handling Unit (AHU), which regulates airflow dynamics, ensures consistent pressure differentials, and maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels. By continuously supplying clean, particle-free air—crucial for aseptic conditions—it safeguards highly sensitive areas such as embryo culture and micromanipulation, enabling optimal outcomes in assisted reproduction.

More than just infrastructure, our lab reflects a commitment to patient-centred care. We’ve created a setting that is calm, clean, and clinically sound—so that every individual who walks through our doors feels safe, confident, and well-supported. Whether you're just beginning to explore fertility options or you've walked a long road, our team is here with empathy and expertise.

Why Us

At KSHEMA IVF, we strive to support every fertility journey with clinical excellence, emotional understanding, and ethical transparency.
  • Multidisciplinary Team:Led by Dr. Prasanna Kumar Shetty, an award-winning fertility expert known for his decades of leadership in reproductive medicine. He is joined by Prof. Dakshinamoorthy Swaminathan, an expert in clinical embryology, who brings decades of scientific experience, global teaching, and advanced expertise in reproductive genetics. Together with a skilled team of embryologists, gynaecologists, andrologists, and counsellors, the Centre offers advanced and compassionate fertility care.
  • Comprehensive Diagnostic Workup: Couples undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation including hormonal analysis, ultrasound imaging, genetic testing, and psychological counselling—all under one roof.
  • Male & Female Fertility Expertise: The centre offers advanced sperm function testing, DNA fragmentation analysis, and surgical sperm retrieval techniques (TESA, PESA, MESA). Advanced female fertility care includes tailored therapies such as endometrial receptivity testing, tubal patency assessments, and hysteroscopy/laparoscopy-guided diagnostics.
  • Custom Protocols: Treatments are personalised based on patient profiles (age, PCO, endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, hormonal status), with protocols ranging from mild stimulation IVF to donor oocyte cycles.
  • Ethical, Transparent Practices: Treatment plans are carefully explained to patients, emphasising transparency, affordability, and emotional support.
  • In-house Cryopreservation: Facilities for freezing sperm, oocytes, and embryos enhance treatment flexibility and fertility preservation.
  • Affordable pricing: We believe that financial concerns should never stand in the way of starting a family. That’s why we are committed to offering transparent, ethical pricing—without compromising on quality.

Milestones and Achievements

  • First IVF baby born on 15th August 2017 through a mild stimulation protocol, affordable to the couple.
  • First donor egg IVF baby delivered on 25th February 2020 to a 42-year-old woman.
  • First frozen embryo baby (“snow baby”) born on 22nd April 2017
  • First oocyte freezing performed in January 2020
  • Over 200 IVF cycles completed.

Faculty Details


Dr. Prasanna Kumar Shetty K
Professor & Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Head, KSHEMA IVF – Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Centre
📧 prasannashetty@nitte.edu.in | 📞 9353904844
Dr. Prasanna Kumar Shetty K is the Professor and Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at KSHEMA and leads the KSHEMA IVF Centre. With over 20 years of experience, he specialises in personalised fertility care, offering compassionate, evidence-based treatments for infertility and complex reproductive health issues. A respected expert in assisted reproduction, he has received the ISAR Dronacharya Award in 2024 and published widely in the field. His leadership ensures patients receive the highest standards of care, innovation, and support.


2. Prof. Dakshinamoorthy Swaminathan
Professor of Practice / Senior Consultant Embryologist
📧 dakshina.swami@nitte.edu.in | 📞 9448870476
Prof. Dakshinamoorthy Swaminathan is a Senior Consultant Embryologist at KSHEMA IVF, with over 30 years of experience as an Embryologist, IVF lab manager, and reproductive scientist. Known for his precision and dedication, he ensures the highest standards in embryo care and lab safety. A national leader in embryology training, he has received top honours including the ISAR Dronacharya Award and the SAR-Meyer Excellence Award. Patients benefit from his deep expertise and commitment to best practices in assisted reproduction.


3. Ms. Mayuri Chatterjee
Lecturer / Clinical Embryologist
📧 kshemaivf@nitte.edu.in
Ms. Mayuri Chatterjee is a Clinical Embryologist at KSHEMA IVF, with specialised training in assisted reproduction and embryology. She brings a strong academic background and hands-on experience to support successful IVF outcomes. Recognised for her research and dedication, she plays an active role in both patient care and scientific advancement, ensuring every step in the lab is handled with precision and care.


4. Mrs. Princy Rosaline Dsouza
Senior Clinical Embryologist
📧 kshemaivf@nitte.edu.in
Princy Rosaline Dsouza is a Senior Clinical Embryologist at KSHEMA IVF, with over 8 years of experience in advanced fertility care. Internationally trained in embryo handling, IVF techniques, and stem cell techniques, she brings global expertise to every IVF cycle. Holding a master’s in Human Clinical Embryology and Assisted Conception from the renowned University of Dundee in the UK, complemented by a degree in Applied Genetics from Bangalore University, her active involvement in leading scientific communities ensures that each patient receives the highest standards of care, safety, and innovation in reproductive medicine.


5. Ms. Niharika J K
Lecturer / Clinical Embryologist
📧 kshemaivf@nitte.edu.in
Ms. Niharika J K is a Lecturer and Clinical Embryologist at KSHEMA IVF, with academic training in Clinical Embryology from Manipal. She is a lifetime member of the Manipal Association of Clinical Embryologists (MACE) and actively contributes to research and scientific dialogue in the field. She has trained in embryo biopsy and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Her growing expertise reflects a strong foundation in both laboratory precision and translational research.

6. Mr. Paul Parlees
Clinical Psychologist
📧 paulparlees@nitte.edu.in
Mr. Paul Parlees provides emotional support and counselling for individuals and couples on their fertility journey. With advanced training in clinical psychology, he helps patients manage stress, anxiety, and relationship challenges with care and understanding. His compassionate, evidence-based approach is an important part of KSHEMA IVF’s holistic care—ensuring mental well-being is supported every step of the way.


7. Mr. Rajeev T P
Head of Urology Department
📧 rajeevtp@nitte.edu.in
Dr. Rajeev T P leads the Urology department at KSHEMA, offering expert care in general urology, kidney stones, female urology, and male reproductive health. With advanced medical qualifications and decades of experience, he combines clinical excellence with a compassionate approach to patient care. Dr. Rajeev is also a dedicated teacher and researcher, helping shape the future of urological care through education and innovation. Patients value his thoroughness, clarity, and commitment to delivering the highest standards of treatment.

8. Mrs. Kavya Shettigar
Department Secretary
📧 kshemaivf@nitte.edu.in | 📞 9353904844 (Call & WhatsApp)
Mrs. Kavya Shettigar is often the first friendly face patients meet at KSHEMA IVF. She helps coordinate appointments, guide communication, and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. With her warm approach and attention to detail, she ensures patients feel supported and well-informed throughout their care journey.

Speciality Services

At KSHEMA IVF, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of couples and individuals on their fertility journey.

Diagnostic Services:
  • Fertility Testing for Women
  • Male Fertility Evaluation
  • Hormone and Genetic Testing
  • Ultrasound and Imaging

Treatment Options:
  • Ovulation Induction
  • Fertility Medication
  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
  • In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
  • Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
  • Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
  • Donor egg, sperm, or embryo options

Advanced Technologies:
  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
  • Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)
  • Egg and Sperm Freezing (Fertility Preservation)
  • Assisted Hatching

Supportive Care: At our clinic, reproductive health is more than just fertility treatment. Alongside our advanced fertility solutions, we offer dedicated services to support every stage of a woman's journey. These include Counselling and Emotional Support, Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance, and access to Support Groups and Resources that foster connection and resilience.

Our Well Women’s Clinic is a warm and welcoming space designed to support women at every stage of life. Through close collaboration with our Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department, we provide seamless antenatal and pregnancy care. Our commitment to affordable delivery services ensures that safe motherhood is within reach for all.

This integrated and compassionate model makes our clinic a one-stop destination for comprehensive, holistic reproductive wellness.