In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the most widely practised assisted conception procedure in the world. IVF begins with drug treatment with gonadotropin injections to induce the ovaries to develop a number of egg follicles.

Eggs are then removed from the ovary for fertilisation in the laboratory. Egg collection uses an ultrasound probe placed within the vagina. The probe contains a needle guide, which allows the needle to be pushed into each ovary in turn. The doctor can then remove eggs from the egg follicles using gentle suction. 

The eggs are then processed and fertilised with the partner’s sperm in the embryology laboratory. After two or three days, one or two embryos (fertilised eggs) are replaced in the cavity of the uterus to allow a chance of implantation and pregnancy.