One of the assisted reproductive technologies, IVF (in-vitro fertilisation), sometimes known as ‘test-tube’ conception, is when the eggs are removed from the woman’s body, fertilised with the partner’s sperm, and the fertilised eggs re-introduced to the womb for implantation. IVF was originally devised to help women with blocked Fallopian tubes to get pregnant, but today it is also used for women who produce antibodies to their partner’s sperm, where there are hormonal problems, or even for cases of ‘unexplained’ infertility.
Success rates vary, and it is a demanding process to hormonally stimulate the maturation of numerous eggs at one go, to be surgically ‘harvested’ before seeing how many eggs can be successfully fertilised. Then up to three embryos are transferred to the womb, in the hope of successful implantation, two to three days later.
We can help you increase your chances of success with our IVF Support Programme and also with referrals to IVF clinics.
