In Vitro Fertilization... (IVF)

IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a fertility treatment where fertilisation happens outside of the body. It is one of several techniques available to help people with fertility problems have a baby. During the IVF process, eggs are fertilised with sperm in a lab, using either your own eggs and sperm or using donor eggs and sperm. A fertilised egg is called an embryo, which can then be transferred back into the uterus to grow or frozen for transfer later on. IVF is usually referred to as a cycle, with distinct stages during a cycle

When should you consider IVF

Ovulation Disorder: This is when ovulation is infrequent or absent in women, resulting in fewer eggs for fertilization.

Falopian Tube Blockage or Damage: A damaged or blocked fallopian tube makes it difficult for an egg to be fertilized or an embryo to travel to the uterus.

The Process of IVF

1. Ovarian Stimulation And Monitoring: In a normal cycle, a single egg is released from the ovary every month. However, to maximize the chances of successful fertilization with each IVF attempt, your ovaries will be stimulated to produce multiple mature egg follicles. The growth and development of the eggs are closely monitored by repeated ultrasound and or blood tests. Based on information obtained from these tests, we can determine when ovulation will take place. Final maturation of eggs from the ovary is then achieved by administering an injection called HCG or Buserelin depending on the response. You will then be ready for egg collection.
2. Egg & Sperm Collection: Egg collection is performed at our clinic via a transvaginal route under conscious sedation and local anaesthesia. The physician uses a direct vision via ultrasound imaging to help identify follicles and retrieve eggs more accurately. A semen sample is also produced, a few hours before eggs collection. The sample will be processed in the laboratory to enhance the chance of fertilization.
3. Incubation And Fertilization: The processed sperm is injected into the egg, this is then placed in a specially designed laboratory incubator which functions at standard body temperature. Within 48hrs, fertilization is expected to take place. The embryo is allowed to grow or develop over three or five days into the embryo.fertilization is expected to take place
4. Embryo Transfer: Embryo transfer is the procedure by which the embryo will be returned to the womb. It is a painless & simple procedure. The embryos are placed in a special catheter and are transferred into the womb. You will be given a progesterone hormone (vaginal suppository) after the procedure, which you should insert daily for two weeks after embryo transfer.