In vitro fertilization (IVF)

What is it?

IVF is probably the most commonly used of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). IVF is also known as the original 'test tube baby' procedure and has helped infertile couples conceive and bear children for over two decades. In order for a pregnancy to occur, an egg must be released from the ovary and united with a sperm. During the process of IVF, this union takes place in a laboratory after both eggs and sperm have been collected. The fertilised eggs are then transferred to the uterus to continue growth.

When is it appropriate?

The most common indication for this procedure is blocked or damaged Fallopian tubes.

Requirements:

• An adequate semen sample.
• The production of 4 or more oocytes.

1. Hormone treatment (superovulation) to ensure the development of several oocytes.
2. Monitoring of follicular growth.
3. Induction of ovulation.
4. Transvaginal aspiration of oocytes, under conscious sedation (intra-venous introduction of drugs for sedation).
5. The sperm sample is prepared approximately 2 hours after the aspiration of the oocytes.
6. Oocytes are inseminated with the husband's sperm sample.
7. Embryo development (2-3 days).
8. Transvaginal transfer (no anaesthetic) of up to 3 embryos.
9. Pregnancy test (Day 10, after transfer).

Number of visits to clinic: 7-10 per cycle

Success rate:

30-40% per treatment cycle (general figure for all patients). In patients with exceptional embryos and those younger than 35 years of age the pregnancy rate can be as high as 60% per cycle. See benchmark results for more information.