Struggling to conceive is something many people go through. In such cases, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) can be a realistic option. Here is a calm overview of what it is and how it works.
How common are fertility problems?
According to the NHS, about 1 in 7 couples have difficulty conceiving. Causes include irregular or absent ovulation, lower semen quality, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes and endometriosis. In about 25% of cases no cause can be found, and that is not anyone's fault.
What is IVF?
In IVF, eggs are fertilised with sperm in a laboratory and the resulting embryo is placed in the womb. A full cycle usually takes 3 to 6 weeks and has six main steps:
- suppressing natural ovulation;
- stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs;
- collecting the eggs;
- fertilising them in the lab;
- letting the embryo develop;
- transferring the embryo to the womb.