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The history behind IVF
With research and discoveries dating back to the 1890s, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has become a life-changing phenomenon, giving the gift of parenthood to individuals who once believed it was impossible. It has allowed people to focus on their careers, provided opportunities for single parents and offered hope to those who have been struggling with infertility. Ultimately, it has provided individuals to have children when they are ready.
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What is IVF treatment?
IVF treatment is one of the most common fertility treatments for those having difficulty conceiving naturally. With IVF, a combination of the patient’s own egg and the partner’s sperm can be used. There is also an option to use donor eggs or sperm.
The process begins with hormonal injections to stimulate egg growth. Once the eggs have matured, they are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised eggs develop into embryos and are cultured for five to six days until they reach the blastocyst stage. The healthiest embryo is then transferred into the womb or frozen for future use.
Who first discovered IVF?
Physiologist Robert Edwards and gynaecologist Patrick Steptoe, working along with embryologist Jean Purdy, developed IVF, which led to the birth of the first IVF baby, Louise Brown, in 1978.
Robert Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work on IVF, while Patrick Steptoe and Jean Purdy were not eligible as they had unfortunately passed away before it was given.
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How has IVF developed since it was first discovered?
Dr Steptoe established the first IVF clinic, Bourn Hall, in Cambridgeshire in 1980, where he continued to develop IVF techniques. Concerns regarding multiple births were addressed, and the team aimed to limit the number of embryos transferred during the procedure. In the mid-1980s, advancements were made in freezing techniques and preservation in allowing the implantation of only one or two embryos while preserving remaining healthy embryos for future use.
What other treatments have been developed off the back of IVF?
Since the discovery of IVF, various techniques and treatments have been further developed. One significant advancement that has occurred is the ability to transfer embryos under mild sedation rather than keyhole surgery to manage discomfort. Additionally, treatments addressing male infertility have emerged, including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which was established in the 1990s. This method involves injecting a single, healthy sperm directly into an egg.
Preservation techniques have also come a long way, particularly with vitrification, a rapid cooling technique that enhances the preservation of eggs and embryos.
Other important techniques include preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which tests embryos for genetic abnormalities before transfer, therefore increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy. There has also been progress in facilitating conception through sperm or egg donation.
These advancements have led to a substantial increase in the success rates of IVF, rising from 10% in the early 1980s to around 40% today.
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How has TFP Fertility developed the IVF process?
Since our inception in 1979, our journey began with Professor Fleming’s team, who demonstrated how ultrasound scans can be used to identify and measure follicular growth. This has made the procedure more sophisticated and precise, providing clearer images while being less invasive. It can help predict how an individual may respond to treatments, identify underlying issues that may prevent implantation and conduct embryo transfers safely and quickly.
Additionally, we utilise innovative technology, including the EmbryoScope™, a specialised incubator with built-in cameras. This device was used in 2013 to witness the world’s first conception. It provides a score and time-lapse video of embryo growth, which helps to identify which embryos are most likely to lead to a successful pregnancy.
In 1982, our team discovered that we don’t need to rely on an individual's natural cycle to carry out stimulated IVF; instead, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH) can be used to control the development of the follicles and optimise the timing of egg retrieval. Furthermore, in 2007, our team identified that the anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) can predict ovarian reserve, providing a better understanding of a patient's fertility.
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Today, we have eight treatment clinics in the UK, one in the Netherlands and two in Poland.
Here, we have developed personalised treatment plans, tailored to meet individual needs. By considering factors such as age, fertility issues and any relevant medical conditions, we determine the most suitable treatment to increase your chances of success.
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