| IVF |
|
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) involves the sperm and egg being mixed together in the laboratory before the egg is returned to the womb.
A semen sample is collected shortly before the collection of eggs from the womb. The sperm and egg are mixed together and kept in laboratory conditions for between 2 and 5 days before the fertilised eggs are replaced. Only 2 eggs are currently legally allowed to be replaced in women under 40 (three for the over 40s).
|
| |
|
|
| ICSI |
|
ICSI stands for Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection and is a treatment for low male fertility. A single sperm is injected into the egg in a laboratory and the egg returned to the womb. This process can be used in tandem with the standard IVF process. |
| |
|
|
| IUI |
|
Intra-Uterine Insemination is the process by which sperm is inserted directly into the uterus. The sperm is prepared in the laboratory shortly before this procedure which takes place at around day 13-14 of a standard 28 day cycle usually after artificially induced ovulation. |
| |
|
|
| PESA / TESA |
|
The process by which sperm is retrieved for the epididymus or testicle. |
| |
|
|
| GIFT |
|
Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer is the process by which an egg and sperm are retrieved and placed into the fallopian tube for fertilisation. |
| |
|
|
| Blastocyst Transfer |
|
A Blastocyst is a 5-day old embryo that has been cultivated in the laboratory in a special solution for 2-3 days longer than in conventional IVF. One blastocyst is replaced thus avoiding risk of multiple pregnancy. Generally success rates of blastocyst transfer are similar to those who have had two embryos replaced. This procedure is dependent on the successful growth of the blastocyst in the laboratory and is only suitable for certain patients - your consultant will advise you. |
| |
|
|
| PGD / PGS - Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis/Screening |
|
For couples at risk of having children affected by an inherited disease, PGD / PGS involves analysis of a fertilised embryo once it has been collected through the standard IVF procedure. |
| |
|
|
| Sperm and embryo freezing and storage |
|
Cryopreservation of embryos and sperm which are stored and preserved at extremely low temperatures is available. |
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
