In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
The Conventional Test Tube Baby Technology
In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
The Conventional Test Tube Baby Technology
IVF is the most common technique because it can be used to treat almost all forms of female infertility. Where there is a sperm related problem, ICSI is the treatment of choice.
There are many treatment regimens within IVF, but the 2 most commonly used are the long protocol (agonist) and the short protocol (antagonist). Put simply, the long protocol takes 6-7 weeks because your hormones are suppressed before starting ovarian stimulation while the short protocol does not include this suppression phase so only takes 2-3 weeks.
The clinical team will talk you through both options unless there is a medical reason why one is unsuitable or preferable for you. Generally speaking, both are equally effective but most fertility clinics are more familiar with the long protocol because it has been around much longer. This is where the expertise of Bristol Fertility Clinic gives our patients an advantage because we are best able to tailor your treatment to match your specific needs.
During stimulation, you will be scanned to check the number and size of eggs ready for egg collection, which is where your eggs are collected in preparation for IVF. On this day, the sample of sperm will be added to your eggs in a laboratory dish for fertilisation – hence the name ‘in vitro’ which is Latin for “in glass”. Once fertilisation occurs, an embryo is formed and this will be grown to an advanced embryo stage called blastocyst. This is later returned to the woman’s uterus through an embryo-transfer procedure, or it is frozen to be used at a later date. Any remaining blastocysts are also frozen for future use.
Two weeks later, you will be asked to take a urine pregnancy test that will reveal whether the treatment has been successful or not. We are always on the other end of the phone and are keen to support you during this especially sensitive time in any way we can.
