IVF

IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a common infertility treatment which has been established for over 30 years. Every year about 120,000 couples undergo IVF. It is usually recommended after carrying out a wide range of fertility tests.

IVF treatment usually begins with an initial ovulation induction to artificially increase the number of eggs released by stiulation of the ovaries with a variety of hormones. A needle is introduced through the wall of the uterus to collect a selection of eggs. Sperm is collected, and combined with eggs on a laboratory plate/well, and the resulting fertilised egg(s) are injected back into the womb.

In vitro fertilisation is provided as a solution for several different types and causes of infertility.

Female infertility: If the woman has an ovulation defect, IVF is a common medical option to consider. IVF can be used if both Fallopian tubes are blocked, if the vaginal environment is not welcoming to sperm, anti-sperm antibodies are being produced or if the cervical mucus is too dense or acidic for the sperm to survive.

Male infertility: IVF can help in cases of low sperm count or low sperm motility.

How does IVF work?

Once the eggs and sperm are put together in the test tube, they are incubated in the optimal conditions for fertilisation. Two to five days later, two embryos are usually injected into the womb and the others may be frozen for use in future cycles.

IVF success rate

The success rate of in vitro fertilization is 5% to 25%. However, even for couples on the IVF waiting list, the total chance of conception whilst waiting has been shown to be up to 25%, compared to an average 10% chance of conception from the procedure itself.

Disadvantages of IVF

This procedure is quite invasive and around a third of couples decide not to continue after the first attempt. Because IVF success rates are relatively low, several embryos are sometimes used for a single cycle. The use of multiple embryos may increase the chance of pregnancy, however it also dramatically increases the risk of multiple-birth and associated risks for both mother and babies. For this reason the use of several embryos per cycle is being outlawed in many European countries.

Number of IVF cycles

IVF can only be performed two to four times a year to give the body time to recover between hormonal stimulations. It is important that you and your partner do not stop trying for a baby between IVF cycles. The technology behind DuoFertility can help you to identify with 99% accuracy your most fertile days so that you can maximise your chances of conceiving between IVF cycles.