So What Is IVF?

The question that crosses many couple minds when they can't naturally get pregnant is "What is IVF?"

IVF means - In vitro fertilisation ( In vitro is latin and its means 'in glass') So quite basically it means fertilization (of the egg, by the sperm) outside of the human body, or in vitro fertilization means fertilisation in glass! The embryo(s) then get placed back into the womans body, and that's it! Sounds simple enough, but it's not quite that easy, you're not actually pregnant until an embryo plants itself onto the lining of the uterus.

Dr Robert G Edwards pioneered that treatment and went on to win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine back in 2010.

The first test tube baby was born in 1978, and since then over a million more have followed.The statistics of IVF, pregnancy and birth rates have improved year after year. Meaning that IVF is increasingly performed worldwide.

One of the downside to IVF is the risk of multiple births, this can occur when more that one embryo is transferred to the womans body, and then more that one embryo attaches to the uterus.

Who would have IVF?

• Women who have endometriosis.

• Women who have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.

• Women who have had to have their fallopian tubes removed due to various reasons.

• Women that have 'unexplained infertility' (where no problems can be found)

• Women with cervical mucus problems (ie: inhospitable environment for sperm)

• Women who's partners have infertility problems.

Your doctor may discuss the idea of IVF with you. IVF can be a costly exercise, and each cycle of treatment can cost anywhere up to approximately £3000. Some NHS fertility clinics will offer free IVF treatment if you have been sponsored by your local health authority. You should ask your GP for more information on this process in your area.

Lets take a look at the finer details of IVF

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