Advantages of IVF

 It has been used for a long time and has a safe track record. The first ‘IVF baby’,
Louise Brown, was born using natural IVF in 1978. Since then, the technology has
advanced, and techniques refined in order to create safer and successful treatment. We
use only the safest forms of IVF with fewer drugs in order to reduce the risk of side
effects such as Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
 IVF can help to diagnose fertilization problems. In some cases of unexplained
infertility, there could be a problem with fertilization. Cases such as these may not be
diagnosed until fertilization is attempted in the laboratory. Although this would be a
disappointing outcome, it is useful to be able to uncover such problems so that solutions
could be reached for future treatment with ICSI.
 Embryos can be used to screen for inherited diseases. For individuals who are
known carriers of genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease and
muscular dystrophy, IVF with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is one of the
most reliable ways to ensure that a child conceived will not suffer from the disorder. Pre-
implantation genetic screening (PGS) can improve the chances of a successful outcome,
as it screens embryos for chromosomal disorders such as Down’s syndrome. Both of
these techniques are available at our clinics.
Disadvantages of IVF

 An IVF cycle may be unsuccessful. The success of IVF is not guaranteed, and

patients often have to undergo more than one cycle of treatment before they are
successful. This naturally varies woman to woman, and a fertility specialist will be able to
give a more accurate and personalized likelihood of success. It is important to be
realistic but positive about the chances of success.
 Multiple pregnancy. In IVF treatments, there is often more than one embryo put back
into the uterus, and this leads to a higher likelihood of multiple pregnancy; around 20-
30% of IVF pregnancies can result in multiple pregnancies.
 IVF treatment can be expensive. IVF treatment is not cheap, and after paying for
medication and blood tests, the costs can quickly mount up. It is good to have a clear
idea of the costs involved before starting treatment, and to have your finances in order
before beginning. 
HISTORY
In 1976 Edwards and Steptoe began working with an infertile couple, Lesley and John Brown. In the
successful attempt, Edward and Steptoe transferred a fertilized egg at midnight, the time at which
the egg was mature—accidental timing that they later discovered was critical when they realized that
diurnal cycles of hormonal levels are crucial to the success of the egg implanting in the wall of the uterus.
On 25 July 1978, Leslie gave birth to Louise Brown, the first “test tube baby.”

Since the birth of Louise Brown, over three million babies have been born as a result of IVF and other
assisted reproductive technologies, and the technique has improved as well. Laparoscopy is no longer
used to extract eggs from the ovaries. Instead, physicians use transvaginal oocyte retrieval; that is, with a
sonogram to visualize what they are doing, they guide a needle through the vaginal wall, and enter the
ovaries to extract the eggs. By using this method, the risks associated with the anesthesia required for
laparoscopy as well as the costs of the procedure are considerably reduced.
Success rates