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What is IVF?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is treatment to assist couples with fertility problems to have a baby.
IVF is a procedure where eggs are fertilized outside the body in the laboratory and then the fertilized eggs are inserted into the uterus to develop.
IVF can be an infertility treatment option when the man has a low sperm count, the woman has problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes, or the reason for infertility is unexplained.
How is IVF carried out?
The woman is given a drug to suppress the natural monthly cycle as an injection or nasal spray, to be taken for around two weeks.
A fertility hormone is administered for around 12 days to stimulate the body to produce more eggs.
Eggs are collected by inserting a needle through the vagina into each ovary.
The eggs are mixed with the man’s sperm in a laboratory.
The fertilized eggs – embryos – are incubated and then transferred into the womb.
Prior to the transfer, the woman prepares the uterus for the embryo by taking progesterone to thicken the lining.
For women aged under 40, one or two embryos are placed in the womb.
For a woman aged over 40, three embryos are implanted.
How popular is IVF compared to other fertility treatment options?
IVF is not usually the first step in fertility treatment. IVF can be a costly and complex procedure, and only around 5 percent of couples with infertility problems carry it out.
What affects the chances of success of an IVF procedure?
The reason for infertility
The age of the woman (the younger the woman, the higher the chances of success)
The experience and ability of the doctors carrying out the procedure
Woman's Age
Chances of a live birth
After 1 IVF cycle
After 2 IVF cycles
After 3 IVF cycles
under 35
33%
52%
67%
35–37
28%
47%
58%
38–39
21%
35%
47%
40 and up
9%
16%
24%
A study by the National Health Service in the UK, the percentage of IVF cycles in 2006 that resulted in a live birth was:
Woman's Age
Chances of a live birth as a result of one IVF cycle
under 35
29%
35–37
26%
38–39
17%
40–42
11%
43–44
5%
over 44
Less than 1%
About IVF
Key facts to plan your treatment: how long it takes, your hospital stay, anaesthesia, risks and recovery.
Duration of surgery/treatment
One full cycle of IVF takes around 4 to 6 weeks.
Egg collection typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
Days admitted
None. Following egg collection, you may be asked to rest for a few hours at the clinic but the IVF procedure doesn’t require an overnight stay.
Anesthesia
Egg collection in IVF takes place under a sedation anesthesia, or a general anesthesia if it is required.
Recovery
The clinic may advise a short period of rest after egg collection and egg implantation but others will allow you to carry on with normal activities straight away.
Risks
IVF is associated with a few risks.
Risks include:
- Reaction to fertility drugs including hot flashes, mood change and headaches.
- Cramps and a small amount of bleeding may occur after egg collection.
- Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Multiple births.
- Older women are at increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
- IVF may be less successful with age.
After care
- Calm cramping after egg collection with appropriate pain killing medication.
- Monitor any side effects arising from fertility drugs and consult your doctor if you are experiencing problems.
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