In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

IVF

In IVF, this process of fertilisation happens outside the woman’s body. A woman’s eggs are surgically removed and fertilised in a laboratory using sperm that has been given as a sperm sample.

Next, the fertilised egg, called an embryo, is surgically implanted into the woman’s womb.

Typically, one cycle of IVF takes between four and seven weeks.

IVF risks:

There are health risks involved in IVF treatment. These include:

Multiple pregnancy:

There is an increased chance of multiple pregnancy with IVF. Multiple pregnancy has health risks for both the mother and children as twins or triplets are more likely to be born prematurely and to be underweight at birth. Learn more about twins and multiples.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS):

Drugs used to stimulate the ovaries during IVF can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

In OHSS, the ovaries enlarge and become painful, causing abdominal discomfort. More severe cases can lead to shortness of breath, fluid retention in the abdominal cavity and formation of blood clots. In these cases, you may need a stay in hospital.

Infection:

When eggs are removed from the woman, a fine needle is passed through the vagina and into the ovaries. There is a risk of introducing infection into the body, though antibiotics and surgical hygiene ensure that this rarely occurs.