IVF Treatment

In vitro fertilization is a fertility procedure in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus. It has helped many couples conceive and start families. IVF is usually considered after other fertility treatments have been tried, rather than as a first-line option.

IVF may be recommended for blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, low sperm count or sperm impairments, PCOS or other ovarian conditions, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, unexplained infertility, or advanced maternal age. It can also help where genetic screening is desired or for individuals and same-sex couples seeking parenthood.

Before starting, Dr. Mustafa Aldam assesses your fertility with ultrasound scans to monitor egg development and blood tests to check hormone levels. Where appropriate, pre-genetic screening of embryos is used to help identify healthy embryos for transfer, and a personalized plan is agreed with you.

A full IVF cycle has three stages. First, over about 14–15 days, medication suppresses the natural cycle and stimulates the ovaries to mature several eggs, which are then retrieved. Next, the eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory and grown over several days, with genetic screening where indicated. Finally, one or more embryos are transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter, and a pregnancy test follows about two weeks later.