IVF & Advanced Assisted Reproductive Technology
Comprehensive IVF and assisted reproduction services including ICSI, preimplantation genetic testing, and embryo transfer.
What is IVF and when is it recommended?
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one of the most effective fertility treatments available. It involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, collecting those eggs under light sedation, fertilising them with sperm in the laboratory, and transferring a selected embryo into the uterus. IVF may be recommended in various female or male indications, or when simpler treatments have not been successful.
What does ovarian stimulation involve?
The first stage of IVF involves using hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single cycle, rather than the single egg that would normally develop. This increases the number of eggs available for fertilisation and improves the overall chance of success. The response to stimulation is closely monitored throughout using ultrasound scans and blood tests, allowing the medication dose to be adjusted to achieve a safe and effective result. Stimulation typically takes 10–14 days.
How are eggs collected?
Egg collection is a short, minimally invasive procedure performed under light sedation, so you will be comfortable and will not feel pain. Using ultrasound guidance, a fine needle is passed through the wall of the vagina to gently aspirate the fluid from each follicle and retrieve the mature eggs. The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes and most patients are able to go home within a few hours. Some mild discomfort or bloating in the days following is normal.
What happens in the laboratory?
Once collected, the eggs are assessed and fertilised with sperm in the laboratory. This is done either by placing the eggs and sperm together in a culture dish (conventional IVF) or by injecting a single sperm directly into each mature egg (ICSI — intracytoplasmic sperm injection). ICSI is used when sperm quality is reduced or when previous fertilisation has been poor. The fertilised eggs are then cultured in the laboratory for up to five or six days, during which time the embryologists monitor their development closely. Updates on embryo progress are provided throughout this period.
What does embryo transfer involve?
Embryo transfer is a simple procedure that does not require sedation or anaesthesia. A selected embryo is loaded into a fine catheter and gently placed into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. The process takes only a few minutes and is generally well tolerated. Any remaining good-quality embryos can be frozen for use in future cycles. A pregnancy test is performed 10 days after the transfer.
Ready to discuss your situation?
Book a consultation with Dr Kirshenbaum to explore your options.