In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a process in which fertilisation of the eggs with sperm occur in a laboratory, ‘in vitro’.

Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a process of injecting a single sperm into each egg to enhance fertilisation, during IVF. This technique may be recommended for specific problems.

In the IVF process, before fertilisation, hormonal injections are administered for about two to four weeks to stimulate the follicles within the ovaries. Eggs are then collected and inseminated (IVF) or injected (ICSI) with the husband’s sperm in the laboratory.

After fertilisation, the embryos are incubated for two to five days before being replaced into the womb in a process called embryo transfer. A successful pregnancy can be confirmed 17 days later via a blood test.

What causes of infertility can IVF treat?

IVF may be an option if either you or your partner has been diagnosed with any of the following conditions which may contribute to infertility:

• Tubal factor (e.g., tubal damage from previous infections / previous ligation / salpingectomy)
• Endometriosis
• Ovulatory problems and/or anovulation (e.g., in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome [PCOS))
• Early menopause (premature ovarian failure)
• Male factor (e.g., low sperm count / absent sperm [azoospermia] / inability of sperm to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucous)
• Unexplained infertility

Other procedures involved in IVF

There are other procedures involved in IVF which are suitable for specific problems. Your doctor will advise you if any of the following are necessary for you:

• Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
  ICSI involves injecting a single sperm into each egg to allow fertilisation to occur in the laboratory. This is recommended if the man has poor quality sperm or if you have had difficulties with fertilisation previously.
  
  Injecting single sperm into an egg


• Blastocyst Culture
  Embryos are cultured for five days to become a blastocyst. The chances of pregnancy are much higher with a blastocyst transfer. This may be helpful for couples with repeated IVF failure, multiple eggs and if pre-implantation genetic diagnosis is required.

Who is suitable for IVF?

IVF is the only fertility treatment for women with irreparably damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. IVF is also offered when infertile women cannot conceive with simpler methods of treatment for conditions such as endometriosis, ovulatory dysfunction, unexplained infertility, sperm disorders and immunological problems.