IVF - In vitro fertilisation

IVF is suitable for:-

• Unexplained infertility
• Ovulation disorders
• Tubal damage
• Older women
• Male factor problems

What is it?

IVF literally means fertilisation ‘in glass’ hence the familiar name of ‘test tube baby’. Eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilised by sperm in a laboratory dish and the resulting embryos are placed into the woman’s womb.

What does it involve?

For her

IVF involves taking fertility drugs which are tailored to your individual needs. Your own hormone production is temporarily switched off and your ovaries are stimulated to produce more eggs than usual. The development of the eggs is monitored by regular ultrasound scans. When the eggs are ready to be released, you will have a minor operation to collect them (egg collection).

For him

You will be asked to produce a sperm sample at the clinic on the day of the egg collection. The sperm are collected in a sample pot and after a short time are washed and spun at high speed to select the best sperm which are mixed with the eggs.

If for any reason you are likely to be unable to produce a sample on the day, sperm may be frozen in advance.

What happens next?

The eggs are mixed with sperm in the laboratory and left to fertilise. After two or more days, one or two embryos are placed in your womb. Any other good quality embryos may be frozen and stored for your future use.

How successful is it?

Success rates depend on a number of factors, but most importantly the woman’s age. The chance does improve as each hurdle in the treatment process is overcome, therefore it is helpful to know what the success rate is after egg collection and embryo transfer. We regularly publish our success rates, so ask for our latest results or check our website.