Your guide to in vitro fertilisation (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.

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.

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.

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.