What is Conventional IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of several techniques available to help people with fertility problems have a baby. During IVF, mature eggs are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a laboratory. In conventional IVF, 50000 or more swimming sperms are placed next to the egg in a laboratory dish. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to the uterus.

Who can have IVF?

The guidelines recommend that IVF should be offered to women under the age of 43 who have been trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for two years, or who have had 12 cycles of artificial insemination.

Also, IVF should be offered to women with:

• Fallopian tube damage or blockage
• Ovulation disorders
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Previous tubal sterilization or removal
• A genetic disorder
• Fertility preservation for cancer or other health conditions
• Men with low sperm count
• Men with penetration or survival inability of sperm in cervical mucus

Risks:

• Medication side effects such as:
• Hot flushes
• Feeling down or irritable
• Headaches
• Restlessness
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
• Multiple births
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
• Ectopic pregnancy

Chances of success:

The success rate of IVF is between 35% to 40% and depends on the age of the woman having treatment, as well as the cause of the infertility (if it’s known).

Younger women are more likely to have a successful pregnancy. IVF isn’t usually recommended for women over the age of 43 because the chances of a successful pregnancy are thought to be too low.