What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a procedure in which eggs from a woman’s ovaries are removed and then fertilised with sperm in a laboratory procedure. A fertilised egg (embryo) is then returned to the woman’s uterus. Any remaining embryos of sufficient quality can then be frozen and stored for future use if desired.
What is ICSI?
Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a laboratory procedure used alongside IVF treatment for some couples with male factor infertility. In the ICSI procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into each egg to achieve fertilisation.
What is IUI?
Intra Uterine Insemination is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a woman's uterus to facilitate fertilization. The goal of IUI is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization
IUI treatment if only recommend if there is evidence of healthy fallopian tubes in the female partner. Patients will be individually assessed and careful consideration will take place before this treatment is offered. IUI would be recommended if:
- You/your partner have a borderline low sperm count or reduced motility
- You’re unable to have sex with your partner because of disability, injury or a psychosexual problem
- You're using donated sperm in your treatment
- You're a female couple or single woman
- You have unexplained fertility problems.
Egg Donation
There are a number of different reasons why you may need donor eggs.
- As you get older, the number and quality of your eggs drops.
- During and after menopause, you stop having periods and producing fertile eggs.
- Some genetic conditions, like Turner syndrome, mean you have no eggs at all.
In these cases and if our tests have shown you might not have the number or quality of eggs needed for treatment, you might like to consider using donor eggs.
Donor Sperm
Donor sperm treatment is available to couples for the following reasons:
- Couples with male fertility problems
- Female same-sex couples
- Single women