In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
What is in vitro fertilisation?
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a procedure in which an egg is combined with sperm outside the body, in a laboratory. Once fertilised, the egg is transferred to the woman’s uterus, with the goal of successful pregnancy. It is a common fertility treatment.
Why is in vitro fertilisation performed?
This treatment is an option which can help a woman to become pregnant, in the case of infertility problems, such as:
- Clogged or damaged fallopian tubes
- Advanced maternal age
- Male sterility factor
- Endometriosis
- Unexplained sterility
What happens during in vitro fertilisation?
IVF requires several steps to achieve ultimate success:
- Suppressing the menstrual cycle: with the aid of medication, the regular menstrual cycle is suppressed
- Controlled boost of egg supply: the woman receives a hormonal treatment with medication for approximately 10 days. This is done to stimulate the production of ovules, meaning a greater quantity becomes available. This medication also makes it possible to control the time of ovulation and thus increase the chances that the ovules obtained are suitable for fertilisation.
- Ovarian or follicular puncture: a surgical procedure that consists of extracting the mature ovules from the ovary. The process is carried out by aspiration under anaesthesia and sedation and lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.
- Fertilisation of eggs: the eggs are mixed with the sperm, allowing them to be fertilised
- Embryo transfer: the fertilised embryo are transferred to the womb
Preparing for in vitro fertilisation
The first step when considering any fertility treatment is to visit your GP, who can refer you on to a specialist, or to visit a private fertility specialist or clinic. Once at the clinic, the specialist will speak to you about your fertility history and conduct an examination if necessary.
If IVF is deemed to be the best treatment, you will then be referred for assisted conception. At the clinic or assisted conception unit you and your partner will need to have blood tests, screening tests for sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia, and your egg count will be investigated.
Aftercare
Once the embryo transfer has been made, you should rest for the remainder of the day.
Generally, you’re advised to wait for 2 weeks before a pregnancy test can be carried out. This time can be stressful and the clinic may offer counselling or support. If the treatment has been successful (and it is important to remember that IVF is not always so), you will be offered regular antenatal care and monitored throughout the pregnancy.


What are the chances of IVF working first time?
By Dr Benjamin Abramov
2022-05-25
For couples struggling to have a baby due to infertility, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is an option many look to. What exactly are the chances of IVF working first time, and why do treatment cycles fail? Leading fertility specialist Dr Benjamin Abramov is here to explain. See more


What is reciprocal IVF?
By Dr Malini Uppal
2022-05-24
Starting a family is not always easy. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) gives a lifeline of hope to couples who have so far been unable to have a child. For same-sex couples, the question is which partner will be the baby’s biological parent? Reciprocal IVF is one option that allows two female partners to share in the process of having a child. Fertility specialist Dr Malini Uppal explains. See more


Everything you need to know about assisted conception
By Mr Michael Booker
2022-05-23
Having a baby is not always simple, and some women will require assisted conception (fertility treatment) to be able to conceive. There are several options available and some require handling just the eggs, just the sperm, or both. Mr Michael Booker, a leading obstetrician and gynaecologist, explains what assisted conception is and what the different options available. See more


How does pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) work?
By Dr Benjamin Abramov
2022-05-23
Having a baby is not always straightforward. Genetics and infertility can conspire to make starting a family seem like an impossibility. However, options such as IVF can help to maximise your chances. One such option is pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS), which can help to streamline the IVF process. Fertility specialist Dr Benjamin Abramov explains. See more
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Mr Adrian Lower
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Infertility
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Laparoscopy
- Hysteroscopy
- Fibroids
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
-
Mr Rajendra Rai
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Infertility
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Pregnancy
- Endoscopic surgery
- Uterine malformations
-
Dr Malini Uppal
Fertility specialistExpert in:
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Egg donation
- Egg freezing
- Fertility treatments
- Fetal medicine
- Polycystic ovaries (PCOS)
-
Mr Paul Serhal
Fertility specialistExpert in:
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
-
Mr Michael Booker
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Assisted reproductive technology
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- See all

Oak Tree Clinic
Oak Tree Clinic
2A, Oak Tree Court Mulberry Drive, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff, CF23 8RS
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Lyca Health
Lyca Health
1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf
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Zita West Fertility Clinic
Zita West Fertility Clinic
37 Manchester St, London W1U 7LJ
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Top Doctors
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Oak Tree Clinic
2A, Oak Tree Court Mulberry Drive, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff, CF23 8RS, CardiffExpert in:
- Ultrasound
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Fertility
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Aesthetic Medicine
- Health check up
-
Lyca Health
1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Women’s health
-
Zita West Fertility Clinic
37 Manchester St, London W1U 7LJ, Central LondonExpert in:
- Miscarriage
- Pelvic floor reconstructive surgery
- Cancer screening clinic
- Egg freezing
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Fertility