IVF (in vitro fertilisation) can be a life-changing process, helping couples overcome fertility challenges. This guide explains the essentials, tailored to help men understand the process while supporting their partners.
Essential Info
• IVF involves fertilising an egg outside the body and transferring it to the uterus.
• It’s suitable for individuals with fertility challenges, low sperm quality, or same-sex couples.
• Choosing a clinic licensed by the HFEA and aligned with your needs is crucial.
What Happens During IVF?
IVF changes the location of fertilisation. Instead of occurring naturally in the fallopian tube, fertilisation happens in a lab under controlled conditions. The process generally follows these steps:
1. Ovarian Stimulation: Women take medications to stimulate the ovaries, producing multiple eggs.
2. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected through a short, minimally invasive procedure under sedation.
3. Fertilisation: Sperm and eggs are combined in a petri dish in the lab.
4. Embryo Transfer: The fertilised egg (now an embryo) is placed into the uterus, where it may implant and grow into a pregnancy.
Who Is IVF Suitable For?
IVF is recommended for:
• Blocked fallopian tubes preventing natural fertilisation.
• Conditions such as endometriosis or ovulation disorders.
• Men with low sperm count or poor motility; only the highest-quality sperm is used for fertilisation.
• Same-sex couples, using donor sperm or eggs as required.
If there is a diagnosis of male factor infertility, then you may be recommended to have an additional procedure called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). You would still undergo the IVF procedure outlined in this article, but there will be an additional step at the fertilisation stage, where an embryologist will extract a single sperm cell from the sample, and inject into the egg to force fertilisation to occur. This technique is often required if the sperm is unable to swim to the egg for fertilisation to take place.
When Should Fertility Treatment Be Considered?
NHS guidelines suggest seeking help if you’ve been trying to conceive for:
• 12 months: If you’re under 40 and have not conceived naturally.
• 6 months: If the woman is over 40 or has known reproductive issues.
A GP can arrange baseline tests, such as semen analysis or ovulation tests, to rule out common causes before referring you for IVF (link to previous article and https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/).
How Long Does IVF Take?
The process generally takes 4–6 weeks, broken down as follows:
• 2 weeks: Ovarian stimulation and egg maturation.
• 30 minutes: Egg retrieval under sedation.
• 1–5 days: Fertilisation and embryo development in the lab. (This includes the ICSI technique if required)
• 2 weeks: Post-transfer wait to confirm pregnancy.
Success Rates for IVF
Success depends on a number of factors including age, medical history and embryo quality:
• Under 35: 40–50% chance per cycle.
• 38–40: 20%.
• 43–44: 3–5%.
• Over 45: 1%, but higher with donor eggs
Success rates are individualised and your individual success rate will be discussed with you at your clinic appointment.
How to Choose a Fertility Clinic
Selecting the right clinic ensures you feel confident throughout the process. Key considerations include:
1. Eligibility for NHS Treatment: Guidelines recommend up to three cycles of IVF for women under 40, and one cycle for women aged 40–42, depending on ovarian reserve and past IVF history. Discuss with your GP or local Integrated Care Board (ICB)
2. Private Clinic Criteria: If opting for private treatment, consider:
• Costs and affordability.
• Success rates for your age group.
• Location and accessibility.
• Staff expertise and communication style.
• Counselling services and support groups.
Ensure the clinic is licensed by the HFEA, which regulates and inspects fertility clinics in the UK
Questions to Ask Your Clinic
• What are your success rates for my age group?
• How long is the wait for appointments or treatment?
• Are evening or weekend appointments available?
• What additional costs might arise?
• Is counselling included, and how long is the wait for it?
Conclusion
IVF is a scientifically advanced option that provides hope to many couples facing fertility challenges. Understanding the process, timing, and clinic options helps you navigate this journey effectively while staying informed and supportive of your partner. Visit the NHS fertility guide or the HFEA for more detailed information on treatment options and licensed clinics.