Helping you build the family you’ve always wanted
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a medical procedure used to help individuals or couples who are experiencing fertility problems in conceiving a child.
Common reasons why IVF may be recommended:
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a medical procedure used to help individuals or couples who are experiencing fertility problems in conceiving a child.
Common reasons why IVF may be recommended:
How does IVF work?
The IVF process is a more interventional process that takes eggs and sperm and combines them in the embryology lab to create an embryo. Embryos are then transferred into the uterus where they implant and develop into a pregnancy.
IVF Treatment Procedure
STEP 01Pre-Treatment Appointment
Prior to starting treatment, you will have a pre-treatment appointment with the nursing team who will guide you through:
The infection screening process
The consent forms
Your treatment protocol
How to administer the medication you will be required to take
Advise you of any side effects to the medication
Answer any questions you may have.
STEP 02Day 1-3 of your period
Your will require a baseline ultrasound scan and hormone tests.
STEP 03Stimulation
Eggs grow in fluid-filled sacs called follicles within the ovaries. Only one egg will mature and be released during normal ovulation.
In order to facilitate many eggs to develop simultaneously for the purposes of fertility treatment, you will require stimulation with injectable hormones from day 2 or 3 of your period onwards.
Our nurses will guide you on how to use the hormones which includes the process of:
How to measure the right dosage
Where to inject the dose into your body
You will also have a monitoring program that includes scans and blood tests (3 to 5 visits).
Many patients are anxious about administering their own injections. We understand your worries and concerns, and our nursing team will take the time to teach you how to self-administer the injections. Our nurses can also teach your partner how to administer them for you.
The stimulation injections can take 10 to 16 days. Once the follicles are ready for egg retrieval further instructions will be given. Your partner will also be notified when they would be required.
STEP 04Ovulation Trigger
Once the eggs mature, based on the hormones tests and ultrasound monitoring, the Consultant will advise you to take your last injections in preparation for your egg collection.
Egg collection will typically take place approximately 36 hours later.
STEP 05Egg Retrieval
Your egg collection is done in an operating theatre when you are under light anaesthesia (called sedation).
The eggs are extracted vaginally using an ultrasound guided needle into each ovary. The procedure takes approximately 15-20mins.
STEP 06Sperm Collection
If you are a couple using fresh sperm, the male will produce a sample on the morning of the egg retrieval
If you are using frozen sperm or donor sperm our embryologist will have it ready in the embryology lab. The embryologist will prepare the sperm sample to collect the most viable sperm for fertilising your eggs.
STEP 07Fertilisation
The embryologist will prepare your eggs for insemination with sperm for fertilisation either with standard insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
In standard insemination the eggs and sperm are placed together in a culture dish to fertilise naturally like they would within your own body. With ICSI, the embryologist selects a single “ideal” sperm to inject directly into each individual egg.
STEP 08Embryo Development
The fertilised eggs, called embryos, are monitored daily to record their development and quality. You will be updated daily on their development.
STEP 09Embryo Transfer
Your fertility specialist with work with the embryologist and nursing team to determine what day will be ideal for your embryo transfer and how many embryos will be transferred. A maximum two embryos are transferred.
You will be given instructions on how to prepare for the embryo transfer. The process is similar to having a pap smear test and only takes a few minutes.
During the procedure, you will remain awake. Once completed, you can continue with your normal day to day activities. Many patients have concerns about how secure the embryo is. Rest assured, the embryo is secure within your uterus and will not fall out if you stand up or go to the bathroom.
The embryo transfer may be at the earliest, on day 3 of fertilisation, but it can also be day 5 or 6. Some patients will only be suitable for a delayed embryo transfer (frozen embryo transfer), rather than a fresh embryo transfer depending on individual parameters. Spare and good quality embryos will be preserved for future use as appropriate.
STEP 10The Two Week Wait
We understand that this can be a stressful and anxious period.
An interval of two weeks is required prior to confirming if your treatment has been successful.
Our team will be here to support you during this period. They will give you ample instructions on the medications you will require during the two weeks. They will also advise you when to reach out to your fertility team, should a circumstance arise.
STEP 11The Pregnancy Test
A pregnancy and progesterone hormone blood test will be done fourteen (14) days after your embryo transfer.
Depending on your pregnancy results, you will be given advice on how to proceed.
You will be offered a debrief appointment to review and discuss your treatment. A summary of the details of treatment is availed to every patient.
Ready to start your fertility journey?
