In vitro fertilisation (IVF) means bringing eggs and sperm together in our laboratory, growing the embryos for a few days, and placing the best embryo in the womb.
Who IVF can help
- Women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Couples with unexplained infertility after simpler treatment
- Men with a low sperm count or poor sperm quality
- Some women with endometriosis
- Women with ovulation problems that have not responded to tablets or injections
What happens in an IVF cycle
- Consultation and tests. Hormone tests and a scan for you, a semen analysis for your partner.
- Ovarian stimulation. Daily hormone injections for around 8 to 12 days help several eggs mature. We monitor you with scans and blood tests.
- Egg collection. A short procedure under anaesthesia. The eggs are collected through the vagina using an ultrasound-guided needle. You go home the same day.
- Fertilisation. The semen is processed to select the healthiest, most active sperm, and placed with the eggs. We check for fertilisation the next day.
- Embryo culture. Embryos grow in the lab for 3 to 5 days.
- Embryo transfer. The selected embryo is placed in the womb with a fine, soft catheter. It is painless and needs no anaesthesia.
- Pregnancy test about two weeks later.
Good-quality embryos that are not transferred can be frozen for a later attempt, so you may not need another full cycle.
Common questions
Is IVF painful?
The injections cause mild discomfort. Egg collection is done under anaesthesia, so you will not feel it. Embryo transfer feels similar to a routine pelvic examination.
How long does one cycle take?
About four to six weeks from the start of injections to the pregnancy test. You need to visit for scans during the stimulation phase, usually every two or three days.
How many cycles might we need?
It depends on age, egg reserve, sperm quality and the cause of infertility. We will give you an honest estimate of your chances at the consultation, based on your reports.
How long should we try before considering IVF?
If you are under 35, see a specialist after one year of trying; if you are over 35, after six months. See us sooner if you have irregular periods, known tube problems, endometriosis, or a partner with a known sperm problem.
What does IVF cost?
The cost depends on the medicines you need and whether you need ICSI, freezing or other lab procedures. We give you a written estimate after the consultation, before you start.
Talk to our team
Book a consultation, or call us during consulting hours. We will explain your options in plain language before anything is decided.
Book an IVF consultation