In-Vitro Fertilisation (I.V.F.)
This is the original 'test tube' technique. The most common indication
for this procedure is blocked or damaged Fallopian tubes.
IVF is offered for infertility problems which do not respond to conventional
medical or surgical therapy. These include damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis,
semen abnormalities, unexplained infertility, or when a combination of
factors prevent pregnancy. IVF is a process stimulating the development
of multiple ova (eggs) which are then retrieved from the ovaries by ultrasound
guided needle puncture.
The eggs are then transferred to the laboratory where they are fertilized
with the partner's sperm and are allowed to develop in special culture
medium. The embryos that result are then replaced in the uterus where
they will hopefully attach and develop further into a successful pregnancy.
Requirements:
- An adequate semen sample.
- The production of 4 or more oocytes (eggs).
-
Hormone treatment (superovulation) to ensure the development of several
oocytes.
- Monitoring of follicular growth.
- Induction of ovulation.
-
Transvaginal aspiration of oocytes, under sedation (intra-venous introduction
of drugs for sedation).
-
The sperm sample is collected approximately 1 hour before the aspiration
of the oocytes.
- Oocytes are inseminated with the husband's sperm sample.
- Embryo development (2-5 days).
- Transvaginal transfer (no anaesthetic) of up to 4 embryos.
- Pregnancy test (10 to 13 days after transfer).
Number of visits to centre:
- 7 to 10 per cycle for the female
- 2 visits for the male
Pregnancy chance: approximately 50% per cycle
View TMC Fertility Centre's Success Rates
Assisted Reproductive Technology (A.R.T.)
Back
Copyright © 2000-2007 TMC Fertility
Centre. All rights reserved.
|