IVF

In Vitro Fertilisation Most people are under the misconception that IVF starts with harvesting eggs from the woman and sperm from the man. It actually starts weeks before that with the woman having to administer daily hormone injections. First these hormones induce a temporary menopause then further injections stimulate the ovaries to develop a number of follicles. This whole process is carefully monitored as serious complications can occur. Only once the follicles are ready are the eggs ripened and then collected in a surgical procedure under sedation or anaesthetic. Sperm is collected at this time and with some luck eggs fertilise and embryos start to develop. After a couple of days (or five if going to blastocyst stage) usually either one or two embryos are placed into the uterus and the couple must wait two weeks to find out if they are pregnant. IVF is a harrowing treatment which many patients describe as an emotional rollercoaster but many infertility patients are more than willing to put themselves through this (often on numerous occasions) in the hope to have a family.