What is In Vitro Fertilisation?

Fertilisation is a term that is used for a series of events that take place at the penetration of the egg by the sperm. The egg ripens within a growing follicle, which is a small fluid containing sac within the ovary. In a natural cycle usually only one follicle grows fully and one egg is released. Under normal circumstances fertilisation occurs in one of the woman's fallopian tubes and thereafter the fertilised egg enters the womb where it grows. IVF means fertilisation in a glass dish in the laboratory. It is alternatively called “test tube baby treatment”.

Your First Consultation

You should allow about an hour for your first consultation with the Consultant. During the consultation your medical history will be taken and you will have an examination. Your husband/partner may be asked to produce a semen sample for analysis. This can be organised locally on the day of your consultation. You will be asked to abstain from sexual intercourse for approximately two to three days before your initial consultation so that a satisfactory sperm sample can be obtained for analysis. The result of the semen analysis will be available during consultation.

Please remember that everything you tell your consultant is confidential. The purpose of this consultation is to obtain background information and find out if there are any health problems that might affect a pregnancy. If you have any information you do not wish to disclose to your partner or GP please let the consultant know. This visit is an important visit to discuss the role of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the consent forms, the welfare of the child, ethical issues and the rights of the unborn child.