In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

IVF is suitable for:

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

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

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 production of eggs is monitored by regular ultrasound scans. When 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 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 unlikely to be unable to produce a sample on the day, sperm may be frozen in advance.

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 good quality embryos may be frozen and stored for future use.

Success rates depend on a number of factors, but most importantly the women’s age. The chance does not improve as each hurdle in the process is overcome; therefore it is helpful to know what the success rate is after egg collection and embryo transfer. We regularly publish success rates, so ask for our latest results.