IN VITRO FERTILISATION (IVF)

A world-renowned procedure
enabling fertilisation of an egg
outside of the body

Introduction - In Vitro Fertilisation

IVF is one of the primary treatments offered for couples experiencing infertility and is a more involved procedure than IUI as it requires stimulating your ovaries to produce eggs, retrieving your eggs, having an embryologist fertilise them with your partners sperm or donated sperm in a laboratory, followed

by close observation of any developing embryos, until the optimum time for transfer which ensures only the best quality embryos are placed back into your uterus so that they can continue growing as with a normal pregnancy.

Why Choose in Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?

If you or your partner have been diagnosed with a genetic, anatomical or hormonal fertility problem, you are likely to be offered IVF treatment as which provides a greater chance of success than other treatments.

Your consultant will advise if an IVF treatment pathway is appropriate for you, particularly if you or your partner have been diagnosed with any of the following;

Fallopian tube damage or blockage
Ovulation disorders including premature ovarian failure (e.g early menopause)
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Previous tubal sterilization or removal
Impaired sperm production or function.
Unexplained infertility
A genetic disorder

Sometimes donor eggs or sperm are used for couples who cannot produce their own or where either their own eggs or sperm are of poor quality.

How Does the IVF Treatment Process Work?

There are several distinct stages within an IVF treatment cycle:

Stimulation of the ovaries with medication and close observation
An egg collection procedure
Sperm production
Insemination
Continuous monitoring of the developing embryo(s)
An Embryo transfer procedure or freezing of all embryos

Please see our Overview of the IVF Journey which outlines a typical cycle and provides you with a timescale of a complete treatment cycle

IVF: What Happens Next?

Once the embryos have been transferred into your uterus, you will be need to continue taking any drugs prescribed in your treatment and wait 16 days before taking a pregnancy test to see if your treatment has been successful. You can continue your day to day activities but we recommend you refrain from any strenuous physical exercise and rest if you feel you need to. The clinic will confirm your pregnancy with ultrasound scans and blood tests before discharging you back to your own GP for antenatal care.

What Are the Side Effects and Risks of IVF Procedures?

As with any medical procedure there are possible side effects and risks. Whilst side effects to treatment vary from patient to patient, reactions to medications may include skin irritation at the injection site, abdominal bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, and nausea. You may also be at risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) where the ovaries may have produced too many eggs.

After a successful IVF treatment, there are also associated risks with multiple births, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Your consultant will discuss any risks that may be relevant to your particular circumstances and can answer any questions you may have. At any time you are concerned, please do call the clinic for advice.

Treatments

Find out more about our related services

Why Choose Us?

Here are some facts about your fertility journey with us that we’d like to share with you:

Every evaluation and treatment plan is uniquely tailored to meet your individual needs

You will have access to leading professionals, with over 35 years combined expertise, providing you with confidence and reassurance in your fertility diagnosis and subsequent treatment

Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in fertility, urology, nutrition, counselling, genetics, endocrinology, haematology and weight management to provide a comprehensive range of support as and when you need it

We will work with you closely to understand your individual circumstances, identify any problems and agree with you, the best course of action to help make your dream a reality

We will always be honest and open about your chances of success with treatment.

Your comfort and care is always our top priority

Our focus remains entirely on you as an individual, your unique needs and your wellbeing

All investigations and treatments are provided within our new state-of-the-art clinic based in Elstree which offers a spacious environment with comfortable surroundings, to enhance your care and experience. We offer investigations and scans at our satellite locations too.

Our friendly consultant-led team is here to support you at every step throughout your fertility journey

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