What is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a form of Assisted Reproductive Technology that allows sperm and egg fertilisation to occur outside the female body, in a laboratory.
Every woman’s experience with IVF will vary, but the following are the main steps that occur throughout the IVF treatment process:
- Ovaries are stimulated with FSH injections (to help with egg collection)
- Eggs are collected while the patient is under sedation
- Fertilisation of the eggs and sperm can be done with standard IVF (involving mixing the eggs and sperm together) or through another method known as ICSI (which involves injecting sperm inside the eggs for fertilisation). The options taken will depend on the sperm quality.
- Embryos then develop and are continuously monitored in a laboratory. These embryos are kept in controlled temperatures and an environment that is best for the successful development.
- After the embryos have developed, they are graded by the Gardner’s classification and other criteria to identify the best embryos with the highest chances of pregnancy success after transfer.
- Further testing may be done to detect any genetic abnormalities or issues before transferring the embryos into the patient for pregnancy.
How IVF Can Help With Fertility
IVF is a leading form of treatment that has helped many couples and women with fertility issues fall pregnant successfully – helping them achieve the dream of starting and growing their own family.
However, it’s important to understand that when starting IVF, the chances of success mainly depend on the age of the female patient, and several attempts may be needed for a successful pregnancy.
This is why it is always recommended for women and couples looking to start a family that they seek out help early. The earlier treatment is done, the higher chances that the quality of the egg and sperm will be – leading to better pregnancy outcomes in the end. For women, egg quality declines significantly after the age of 35.
Get ongoing support & personalised care throughout your entire IVF journey
If you have been diagnosed with infertility issues or have had trouble conceiving naturally for several months or years, the good news is that with the help of an experienced and supportive fertility specialist, you’ll find that there are ways you can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy – whether that be through IVF or any other measures suitable for you.
But first, choosing your fertility specialist when it comes to any form of fertility treatment is absolutely crucial.
As a fertility specialist who has undergone IVF treatment myself, I truly understand what my patients go through during their IVF journey.
It is with this unique perspective that I believe I bring an empathic and stronger level of support & patient care for every person who walks into my clinic.
At every stage of your IVF journey, I make sure my team and I provide you with utmost support, compassion and care so that you feel comfortable and confident that you’re in great hands at all times.
I’ll be there whenever you have any questions, concerns or worries, and ensure that you’re well-informed about the most suitable options for you along your IVF journey that aligns with your lifestyle, preferences and future family goals.
In the end, this plays a big part in helping couples and women keep going throughout their IVF journey – and completing treatment once they’ve achieved a successful pregnancy and finally get to hold their newborn baby in their arms one day.
Where to get help
If you believe that you may have endometriosis or are suffering from similar symptoms of endometriosis, my team and I are here to provide you with the best level of patient care and support.