In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedure used to treat a range of fertility problems. In IVF, a physician will surgically remove eggs from a woman’s ovaries, and then fertilize the collected eggs with sperm in the embryology laboratory. Once fertilized, the embryos are then transferred into the woman’s womb to implant and develop into a pregnancy. IVF treatment can take place using the patient’s eggs and sperm or with the use of donor eggs or donor sperm.
When should you consider IVF
IVF is usually considered if you (or your partner) have certain health conditions. These include:
- Ovulation Disorder: This is when ovulation is infrequent or absent in women, resulting in fewer eggs for fertilization.
- Fallopian tube blockage or damage: A damaged or blocked fallopian tube makes it difficult for an egg to be fertilized or an embryo to travel to the uterus.
- Endometriosis: This is an often painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
- Genetic Disorder: When you or your partner are at risk of passing on a genetic disorder to your child, IVF is considered. Uterine Fibroids: Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus. Sometimes these tumours become quite large and may lead to infertility. Impaired Sperm Production: This occurs when men have little or no viable sperm in the semen.