What is the best treatment for infertility?
GIFT and ZIFT can be used to treat many types of infertility, except in cases where there is damage to or abnormalities of the fallopian tubes. These techniques can also be used in cases of mild male infertility, as long as the sperm is capable of fertilizing an egg.
How long does it take for an embryo to be placed in the uterus?
In IVF, the embryo is placed into the uterus at 3-5 days with a catheter inserted into the vaginain a quick and simple procedure. In GIFT, an incision has to be made in the abdomenand the eggs and sperm are immediately placed in the fallopian tubes using a laparoscope, a small telescope-like instrument.
How long does it take for a zygote to be fertilized?
While in traditional IVF the embryos are observed and raised in a laboratory for 3 to 5 days, in ZIFT, the fertilized eggs -- at this stage called zygotes -- are placed in the fallopian tubes within 24 hours.
How do you know if an egg is fertilized?
If all goes well, once the eggs are in the fallopian tubes, at least one will become fertilized by the sperm and move on to the uterus, where it will mature. But, because the eggs and sperm are placed into the fallopian tubes before conception, there's no way to know if fertilization has taken place.
Why do women need an egg donor?
One reason for using an egg donor is age. Women over age 35 are less likely to have viable eggs and more likely to have children with birth defects than younger women. Women with premature ovarian failure, a condition in which menopause has begun early, might also consider a donor if they want to carry a child.
What is the goal of infertility treatment?
The ultimate objective of infertility treatment is the delivery of a healthy child into a loving and supportive family environment. Infertility affects 15% of couples and it has been estimated that half of those couples who attend infertility clinics will be successful but equally about half do not achieve the baby they seek. New treatments for infertility enhance our chance of success but couples are delaying their pregnancies (Q9.5) and this reduces fertility. Furthermore, as the reputation of infertility treatment improves, couples with a poor prognosis continue to seek treatment whereas a few years ago they would have given up earlier.
Why is anovulation a risk?
The greatest risks are associated with multiple pregnancy and this is largely dependent on the use of ovulation induction agents (Q10.4). A common reason for anovulation is PCOS (Q7.2) and ovulation induction agents have frequently been employed. The arrival of metformin as an effective treatment that reverses the underlying cause of PCOS may reduce the need for ovulation induction.
Is it important to have a pregnancy after infertility treatment?
When infertility treatment has been necessary, increased vigilance and intervention are necessary. We believe that there is a self-evident advantage when the team involved in your infertility treatment can continue care through the pregnancy.
How many babies are born with 3 gestation sacs?
In one study, there were 38 pregnancies with three gestation sacs between three and four weeks after IVF/embryo transfer. At delivery there were seven single babies, twelve twins and eighteen sets of triplets.
Is it difficult to compare success rates?
Comparison of success rates is extremely difficult as different units may have varying exclusion policies. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) allows for adverse factors that could influence the results of the British assisted conception units by providing an ‘adjusted’ live birth rate.
Is metformin expensive?
New effective treatments arrive almost yearly. Some, such as metformin for patients with PCOS (Q7.14) are surprisingly simple to use and cost very little whereas others like ICSI (Q10.25) are extremely complex and expensive.
Is a fallopian tube ectopic?
Disorders of the Fallopian tube are more common in women with reduced fertility and there is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy in those with a history of infertility. Even when embryos are transferred into the uterine cavity following IVF there is still a 4.5% chance of an ectopic compared to 0.5% in the general population.