IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)

IVF is a treatment widely used all over the world. The female undergoes a treatment cycle where her own menstrual cycle will be switched off, this is done using drugs to suppress the pituitary gland, which is responsible for enabling the process of the normal menstrual cycle. Once this has been achieved the ovaries are then stimulated with gonadotrophin drugs to produce several eggs.

When the follicles in which the eggs are contained reach maturity an injection will be given to allow the follicles to release the eggs. This is all timed accurately so that the eggs can be collected (usually under sedation or light general anaesthetic) using ultra-sound guidance.

Once the eggs are retrieved they will be fertilised with prepared sperm sample from the partner and incubated over night. The clinic will inform you the next day of how many eggs have fertilised. An appointment will be given to you to attend for the embryo transfer, usually on days 2 or 3 or days 5 or 6 after egg collection.

Pregnancy test will be carried out 11 to 14 days after embryo transfer; depending on which day the embryos were transferred.

IVF can be an emotional roller coaster, time will have been spent with you before treatment starts to make certain that all the risks and side effects are fully discussed and all consent forms are signed and fully understood.

The nursing teams are largely responsible for your day-to-day care during this time. We are happy to always answer your questions and to support you throughout. Sometimes the process does not always go as expected and we understand that this can be very disappointing; we are here to manage your expectations with our expertise and with the support of your clinicians and our embryologists.

If your treatment is successful an early pregnancy scan will be carried out vaginally when you are between six and seven weeks pregnant. This is to check for an on-going pregnancy by checking the growth of the foetus and the heartbeat, and to see that everything is in the right place.

We have a responsibility to help you understand the risks related to multiple pregnancies and there will be certain situations where we have recommended the transfer of only one embryo, this will be dependant on age and other factors. Our gold standard is one live healthy baby.

We’re here to help and support you with IVF

Each person has a unique reaction to infertility. It’s an emotional roller coaster and you may have feelings that range from disappointment and frustration to hope and excitement. It’s understandable. But these feelings can be unpredictable and upsetting, and can even cause tension in relationships – you may need help in coping with them.

It’s our aim to take care of your overall wellbeing, as we help you in your efforts to start a family. We’ll provide you with information about the stages of your treatment and help you to make decisions. We’ll address any concerns you may have and support you every step of the way. And we have independent counsellors, who will be there for you, to help you through the whole process. Even before you decide, you can always come in to see the facilities and chat to a specialist nurse. We see this as part of helping you reach a decision, so it’s informal and free of charge.

You’re in good hands

While there are no guarantees, we are well placed to do everything we can to help you conceive a child. Our assisted conception units are within full service hospitals. They offer all ranges of fertility treatments. And some of our assisted conception services have more than 20 years’ experience. In this time we’ve helped over 6,500 children come into the world – an enviable record that we’re very proud of.

We’d like to think our success is based on creating a caring environment in the hospital. Walk through the door and you’ll find the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. And our people are selected for their commitment to our caring philosophy, as well as their expertise. Our nurses, for example, take the time to get to know you. To them, you’re a person, not a patient, and we’re always told what a difference that makes.

Getting in touch with Nuffield Health

You can contact us directly, or choose to ask your doctor to refer you to us. Some of our assisted conception services units offer a one stop fertility clinic where all your diagnostic tests can be carried out on one day, including a consultation with a clinician. This will include a tubal check, semen analysis and other diagnostic blood tests. Following this you can have a full consultation for treatment.

For further information

For more information on other options available, please visit our assisted conception services page.

The Human Fertility and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is the body that regulates and licenses facilities providing conception services. Our assisted conception services units are licensed by the HFEA.

Your safety and happiness are very important to us. If you are unhappy with any area of your treatment you can contact us at the hospital and we will make every effort to help you. Alternatively, you can contact the HFEA directly.