IVF – what is in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and how does it work?
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What is IVF?
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) literally means ‘fertilisation in glass’.
IVF treatment involves the fertilisation of an egg (or eggs) outside the body. The treatment can be performed using your own eggs and sperm, or using either donated sperm or donated eggs, or both.
A clinic may recommend IVF if:
- you have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility
- your fallopian tubes are blocked
- other techniques such as fertility drugs or intrauterine insemination (IUI) have not been successful
- the male partner has fertility problems but not severe enough to require intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- you are using your partner’s frozen sperm in your treatment and IUI is not suitable for you
- you are using donated eggs or your own frozen eggs in your treatment
- you are using embryo testing to avoid passing on a genetic condition to your child.
How does IVF work?
IVF techniques vary according to your individual circumstances and the approach of your clinic. Before your treatment...
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