Essential guide to the IVF process and success factors

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a widely recognised treatment for infertility, offering hope to couples struggling to conceive. 

The process, while complex, has advanced significantly over the years, improving success rates and accessibility. However, several factors, such as age, lifestyle, and overall health, play a crucial role in determining its effectiveness. 

Here's an overview of the key aspects of IVF, from the influence of age on fertility to the steps involved in the procedure.  

The role of age in infertility

A woman’s age remains one of the most significant predictors of IVF success. Women are born with a finite supply of eggs—between one and four million—which gradually decline with age. By menopause, this reserve is entirely depleted, making age a crucial factor in fertility treatment outcomes.  

Similarly, male fertility is affected by age and lifestyle choices, despite misconceptions to the contrary. 

Studies increasingly highlight how factors like excess weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption can negatively impact sperm quality. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a specialised technique, allows fertilisation even when only a single healthy sperm is available, providing a solution for male-related fertility issues.  

The IVF process:

Step 1: Ovarian stimulation

The first step in IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs for fertilisation. This is achieved by administering follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) through small injections under the skin. 

While these hormones boost egg production, they also come with potential side effects, such as mild discomfort at the injection site, nausea, headaches, or hot flashes.  

Once the eggs are ready, they are retrieved in a procedure known as egg harvest or oocyte pickup (OPU).  

Step 2: Egg retrieval  

When the eggs reach maturity—typically around 18 mm in size—and oestrogen levels align with egg development, a trigger injection is administered to finalise growth.

About 36 hours later, the eggs are collected through a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed with pain relief while the patient remains awake.  

Step 3: Fertilisation

The retrieved eggs are carefully washed and placed with sperm in a lab. Fertilisation occurs when the eggs and sperm are combined, or through ICSI, where a single sperm is directly injected into the egg.  

Step 4: Embryo culture and transfer

Fertilised eggs, now embryos, are monitored for several days as they develop in controlled conditions. The healthiest embryo is selected and transferred back into the uterus on the fifth or sixth day. If additional healthy embryos are available, they can be frozen for future use.  

Two weeks after the transfer, a blood test or home pregnancy test will measure levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to confirm pregnancy.  

Considering the cost

The costs associated with IVF vary and depend on individual circumstances and the specific treatments required. It’s essential to consult your specialist to understand the full breakdown of expenses before starting the process. 

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