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In vitro fertilization

IVF treatment depends on well-controlled conditions to give eggs and sperm the highest chance of getting together to create a pregnancy.
Helpful tools
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In vitro fertilization (IVF)

TED-Ed

How in vitro fertilization (IVF) works.

In vitro fertilization

IVF treatment depends on well-controlled conditions to give eggs and sperm the highest chance of getting together to create a pregnancy.

Many causes of infertility can be successfully treated with IVF: male infertility; tubal damage; endometriosis; ovulation problems and unexplained infertility.

IVF treatment creates the optimal conditions required for egg and sperm to create a pregnancy.

  1. First, medication is taken to increase the number of eggs available. This is called ovary stimulation.
  2. Next, the eggs are removed, during a process called egg collection, and sperm is added to the eggs in the lab: fertilisation takes place.
  3. When IVF includes having the sperm injected directly into the egg, it is called ICSI.
  4. The embryologist then selects the embryo they consider has the best chance of a pregnancy to be transferred into the uterus.
  5. embryos are transferred in a solution called EmbryoGlue which increases the chance of pregnancy - see below for more about EmryoGlue.
  6. Other good quality embryos can be frozen for another chance of pregnancy.

Although numbers vary, each IVF cycle typically makes 6-10 eggs available, so younger women have a 40-50% chance of having a baby from a single treatment. This is double the chance of pregnancy that couples with normal fertility have per month.

While most people think about IVF one cycle at a time, the overall chance of having a child depends on the number of cycles you are prepared to undergo. Many people will not get pregnant on their first cycle. 

Fortunately, Fertility Associates is able to consistently deliver success rates among the best in Australasia.

You will be under expert medical supervision, however IVF also has some risks. 

Do you know about Fertility Cover™?

Fertility Associates also offers a refund package called Fertility Cover™ that includes up to three full cycles and the use of any frozen embryos. This package can work out very cost-effective, especially if you do not get pregnant on the first cycle.

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EmbryoGlue - at the embryo transfer stage of IVF

The final step of your IVF journey in the clinic is your embryo transfer. At Fertility Associates, embryos are transferred in a solution called EmbryoGlue which has been demonstrated to increase your chances of pregnancy. This is included as part of your poackage.

What is it?

EmbryoGlue contains a large molecule called hyaluronic acid, which is present throughout the body and its concentration increases in the uterus at the time of implantation.

We have good evidence that adding some 'glue' to the solution that we put the embryos in at the time of transfer results in more babies being born. In 2014, an exhaustive review of 180 studies selected 18 research papers that were of high quality and their results were combined. Most studies are too small alone to show differences in live birth rates, so this review, called a Cochrane Review, was published and found that 'glue' in the embryo transfer solution is beneficial.

Ready to start your fertility journey?

Book a free 15 minute phone consultation with one of our expert fertility nurses.

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The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early
  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI
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