Frequently Asked Questions

What is IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and when is it used?

IVF is a treatment in which an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body, in the laboratory, and the resulting embryo is then placed into the uterus. It is offered when the fallopian tubes are blocked, in significant male factor infertility, in ovulation disorders, in endometriosis, or when simpler steps such as intrauterine insemination have not resulted in pregnancy.

How long does an IVF cycle take?

A single IVF cycle usually takes two to four weeks from the start of medication to embryo transfer, followed by a wait of 10–12 days for the pregnancy test. The exact duration depends on the stimulation protocol chosen, how the ovaries respond, and how the embryos develop.

How should IVF success rates be interpreted?

Success rates vary with age, ovarian reserve, embryo quality and the cause of infertility, so a single headline percentage is not informative. The meaningful question is how a clinic performs within your own age group and diagnosis, based on its own patient data. Any figure quoted should be interpreted as an average for a group, never as a guarantee for an individual outcome.

What does a low AMH mean — does it mean I cannot conceive?

AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) is produced by small follicles in the ovaries and reflects ovarian reserve; it declines with age. A low AMH indicates a lower number of eggs available, but it does not by itself mean you cannot conceive — egg quality and age are the stronger determinants of the chance of pregnancy.

Who is egg freezing suitable for?

Egg freezing (cryopreservation) is considered for women who wish to preserve fertility for the future, for those whose ovarian reserve is declining rapidly, and for patients about to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy that may affect fertility. Outcomes are closely related to the age at which eggs are frozen, so the procedure is best planned while a sufficient number of eggs can still be collected.

Does endometriosis reduce the chance of pregnancy with IVF?

Endometriosis can reduce natural fertility through adhesions and ovarian involvement, but IVF remains one of the most effective treatment routes because the embryo is placed directly into the uterus, bypassing the fallopian tubes. Whether surgery is needed beforehand depends on the stage of the disease and on ovarian reserve, since ovarian surgery can reduce reserve.

Do I need IVF if I have PCOS?

PCOS alone is not an indication for IVF. Many patients conceive with weight management, ovulation induction medication or intrauterine insemination. IVF is considered when these steps are unsuccessful, when the fallopian tubes are blocked, or when a significant male factor is also present.

What causes recurrent miscarriage?

Investigations for recurrent miscarriage cover chromosomal factors, structural problems inside the uterus (septum, fibroids, adhesions), hormonal disorders, clotting disorders and immune-related conditions. In a substantial proportion of cases no definite cause is identified, in which case management is based on cycle-level monitoring and, where appropriate, genetic screening of embryos.

What is ICSI and when is it used?

ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) involves injecting a single selected sperm directly into a mature egg. It is used when sperm count, motility or morphology are reduced, when sperm has been retrieved surgically, or when previous cycles showed poor fertilisation.

What does IVF treatment cost include?

The total cost comprises medication, egg collection, anaesthesia, embryo culture, freezing and storage, thawing and transfer, and required investigations. The only meaningful comparison is to place all items side by side on the same basis, so a written, itemised quotation should be requested before treatment starts.

How should I choose a fertility clinic abroad?

Look at measurable criteria rather than advertising claims: the embryology laboratory's infrastructure and staff continuity, whether the protocol is individually designed, how detailed the pre-treatment information is, whether costs are itemised in writing, and whether the evidence level of any add-on treatment is explained. Ask for outcome data for your own age group, and do not hesitate to request a second opinion.

What happens during embryo transfer?

Embryo transfer does not require anaesthesia; it usually takes five to ten minutes, during which a fine catheter passes through the cervix and places the embryo into the uterus. Normal activity can be resumed the same day — prolonged bed rest has not been shown to improve the chance of pregnancy.

When is the beta-hCG test done after IVF?

The blood beta-hCG test is performed 10–12 days after embryo transfer. There is no single absolute cut-off value; what matters is the rise between two measurements taken 48 hours apart, because a healthy pregnancy shows a consistent, roughly doubling increase.

What is menopause and when does it usually begin?

Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation and is confirmed retrospectively, twelve months after the last period. The average age of onset is between 45 and 50; when it occurs before the age of 40 it is described as premature menopause.

Is hormone therapy for menopause safe?

The benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy are individual. Current understanding is that benefits are more pronounced when treatment is started below the age of 60 and within the first ten years after menopause, while breast cancer risk increases modestly with long-term combined use. The decision is therefore made through individual assessment and regular follow-up.