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Your guide to in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
IVF is one of the most widely used and effective forms of fertility treatment, giving individuals and couples the hope to build a family they have always dreamed of. This guide aims to cover the process, who can benefit from IVF and how to prepare for IVF.
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In this guide:
If you’ve been trying to start a family for a while or are facing fertility challenges, IVF treatment can assist you in your journey toward parenthood.
In this guide, we will cover:
- What IVF is and what it entails
- How the IVF process works
- Steps to take in preparation for IVF
- Understanding success rates of IVF
What is IVF?
IVF is one of the most common and effective forms of fertility treatment. The process begins with the collection of eggs from the ovaries, which are then fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are cultured for five to six days until they reach the blastocyst stage. This stage increases the chances of successful implantation when the embryos are transferred to the womb.
Healthy embryos can either be transferred during the same IVF cycle or frozen for use in future IVF treatment.
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What is the IVF process?
Every IVF cycle is different and tailored to your individual needs. After initial fertility tests and a consultation with a specialist, you’ll receive a personalised IVF treatment plan. A typical IVF cycle will follow the steps below and can take between four to six weeks.
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Step one
Control and stimulation of the ovaries
The appropriate stimulation protocol is determined by a woman’s AMH level but it generally it involves a 7 to 14-day course of hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce several good-sized follicles.
Step two
Monitoring progress
Pelvic scans will be performed to check the development and growth of the follicles in the ovaries. This will determine when the eggs are collected from the follicles.
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Step three
Egg retrieval
Once the follicles have reached the correct size, an injection will be given to mature the eggs for collection. A needle is then gently guided through the vaginal wall to capture the eggs one by one. Don’t worry, you will be sedated for this part of the procedure to ensure no pain or discomfort.
Step four
Fertilisation
Healthy eggs are combined with sperm in the lab where they reach and penetrate the egg naturally. A method called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg, may be used for cases of low sperm count or quality
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Step five
Embryo transfer
Fertilised eggs are left for five days to develop into mature embryos. These are monitored using an EmbryoScope™ which helps us select the strongest embryos for transfer. Any additional healthy embryos can be frozen for future use on day five or six of development.
Who can benefit from IVF?
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Couples unable to conceive naturally
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Same-sex female couples
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Those pursuing solo parenthood
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Older people
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How to prepare for IVF
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can enhance your preparation for IVF, benefiting your mental and physical wellbeing, fertility health during the IVF process.
Focus on consuming a nutritious diet that provides the right nutrients. These include folic acid, iron and vitamin. The Mediterranean diet, is often recommended by fertility experts and can potentially enhance fertility and IVF success rates. Additionally, make sure to take appropriate supplements and stay hydrated. Engaging in moderate exercise can also be beneficial. It helps manage weight, reduce stress, and improve overall health. More importantly, prioritise your mental wellbeing.
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Conventional and mild IVF
Conventional IVF stimulation methods are generally recommended to maximise success rates. However, milder stimulation protocols may be appropriate for certain patients looking to reduce the amount of medication required. Additionally, natural cycle IVF does not involve the use of any stimulation drugs.
Typically, natural IVF is not recommended for most patients as it tends to have significantly lower success rates. In exceptional circumstances, it may be considered, but you should discuss this in detail with your fertility specialist.
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Options for funding IVF treatment
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Self-funding
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NHS
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Access Fertility
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Bupa
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AXA
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Egg sharing
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Armed Forces
Understanding IVF success rates
IVF success rates represent the percentage of treatments at each clinic that result in a pregnancy or live birth. These figures are often compared to the national average to give a general idea of outcomes.
It’s important to remember that not every embryo transfer leads to a successful result. Success rates vary and depend on many factors, including your age, specific fertility issues, and whether you have a fresh or frozen embryo transfer. While IVF percentage success rates provide useful information, they don’t guarantee what will happen in your particular case.
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IVF FAQs
Start your fertility journey
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Ready to start your fertility journey? We're here for you
Speak to our patient support team for advice about your options and to book your first consultation with a fertility expert.