Indications for IVF:

  • Blocked fallopian tube.
  • Poor semen quality.
  • Endometriosis.
  • Anovulation.
  • Unexplained infertility.
  • Ovarian failure.

Reproductive Therapies

In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the most commonly implemented assisted reproductive technology (ART) and has helped thousands to realize their dreams of parenthood. IVF is a type of fertilisation in which the egg and sperm are fertilised in the laboratory. The procedure involves monitoring and stimulating a woman’s ovulatory process, removing an ova or ovum (egg or eggs) from her ovaries, and allowing the sperm to fertilise them in a laboratory. The fertilised egg (zygote) undergoes embryo culture for 3–5 days and is then transferred to the same or another woman’s uterus, with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy.

5 basic steps in the IVF and embryo transfer process:

  • Monitor and stimulate the development of healthy egg(s) in the ovaries.
  • Collection of eggs.
  • Preparation of sperm.
  • Combine the eggs and sperm together in the laboratory and provide the appropriate environment for fertilization and early embryo growth.
  • Transfer embryos into the uterus.

Donor IVF

If a couple cannot be helped through procedures such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), they may want to consider using donor eggs. Donor eggs allow an infertile woman to carry a child and give birth. The conditions considered for this type of treatment are:

Premature ovarian failure: a condition in which menopause has started much earlier than usual, typically before age 40.

Diminished reserve: meaning that the eggs that you have are of low quality; this can often be caused by age, because fertility drops off steeply after 40.

Genetically transmitted diseases that could be passed on to your child.

A previous history of failure with IVF, especially when your doctor thinks that the quality of your eggs may be the problem.