In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

IVF involves retrieving eggs from women’s ovaries then fertilize them with sperm and subsequently transfer the fertilized egg (embryo) into her uterine cavity.

It is often recommended when:

• Sperms are abnormal or having a very low sperm count
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Patients with severe endometriosis
• Incompatibility between sperm and the cervical mucus
• Couples who experiences a number of failures in IUI treatment
• Unknown cause or old age

IVF is probably the most commonly used assisted reproductive technology and it has helped infertile couples conceive and bear children for well over two decades. It starts with ovarian stimulation and ovulation induction, followed by egg retrieval, fertilization and embryo transfer. Sometimes downregulation of the pituitary gland may be needed before the start of IVF treatment in order to maximise the effects of ovarian stimulating drugs for ovulation induction.

Advantages of IVF

• Fertilization can be assured
• High successful rate

Disadvantages of IVF

• Technically demanding
• Risk of multiple pregnancy
• High costs

Common IVF Procedures