In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) which means ‘fertilization in a glass’ is often more commonly referred to as a test tube baby. The process involves sperm from a woman’s partner or a donor being placed in a dish with eggs that have been removed from her ovaries and fertilizing them before being placed in her womb. When other fertilization techniques have failed, the mother may be older or there is no apparent reason for infertility, then In Vitro Fertilization is frequently recommended.

The In Vitro Fertilization process should go something like the method set out below but may differ slightly between clinics. At first your physician will halt the release of hormones that are produced during your monthly cycle by giving you some drugs. This will help them have improved control as to when your eggs will be produced. Further drugs are given to ensure your ovaries create more than a single egg.

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To monitor your developing eggs, vaginal ultrasound scans are taken as well as blood tests to ensure that the eggs are increasing the estrogen level. Once the time is right, another hormone will be injected to help the eggs mature. Timing is crucial, as you must have this injection 34-38 hours before your eggs are collected - this may mean you having it last thing at night. Ultrasound guidance is used to help collect the egg but it means you have to be given drugs or a general anesthetic to help you relax because it takes about 30 minutes.

It is not until this time that the man gets involved and needs to produce a sample of fresh sperm. This will be stored for a short time before the sperm are washed and spun at a high speed, so that the healthiest and most active can be selected. With donated sperm, the process is the same but the sample is taken from the freezer. After the eggs and sperm have been collected they are left to mix in a laboratory dish for between 16 and 20 hours and then inspected to see whether fertilization has taken place. During the next stage, only successfully fertilized embryos are kept and left for a further 24 to 48 hours before a final check is done.

Two days after your eggs have been collected; you are given an injection, gel or pessaries to help prepare the lining of your womb.

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