In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
IVF is also commonly known as the test-tube baby. It is an assisted reproductive procedure where the egg is fertilized with the sperm in a laboratory dish. The fertilized eggs are then transferred into the uterus for implantation.
2. Which patients are suitable for IVF treatment?
- Women with bilaterally blocked tubes
- Prolonged infertility e.g women more than 35 years old and infertility for more than 5 years
- Severe endometriosis after failing other treatment.
- Male factor such as severely reduced sperm count or no sperm at all.
- Several failed IUI cycles.
- Unexplained infertility
3. What is the success rate with IVF?
This depends on a number of factors such as the female partner’s age, cause of infertility and treatment approaches. Overall success rate is approximately 30 – 35% and reduces with the women’s age.
4. What are the steps involved in the IVF treatment?
- Drug treatment to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Monitoring of follicles either by ultrasound or hormones via blood test
- Eggs collection (Oocyte retrieval) usually under local anaesthetic. This is usually done through the vagina. There is no incision on the abdomen. The procedure is shown in the picture at the top of this article.
- Sperm could be obtained the natural way or if the male partner has no sperm in the ejaculate (azoospermia), the sperm is retrieve by a simple procedure called percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) or Testicular sperm extraction (TESE)
- Fertilisation. Both the sperm and egg are placed together in the laboratory dish. If the sperm count and quality are very poor, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)may be performed. The next day, the eggs are examined under the microscope by the embryologist to see whether fertilization has occurred.
- Embryo transfer into the womb after two to three days later if the eggs have fertilized.
- Medications will be given after embryo transfer to support the pregnancy.
- Pregnancy testing (By scan or blood testing)
5. What is the cost of an IVF treatment?
This depends on the fertility clinic and the required treatment but could cost anywhere between RM$10,000 – $30,000.
6. What are the risks associated with IVF treatment?
- Multiple pregnancy
The risk associated with multiple pregnancies would be premature labour and the complications associated with prematurity.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
This is due to over stimulation of the eggs from the medications given leading to multiple follicles are formed in the ovaries
- Emotional and Financial stress
The couple needs to be counseled and plan their financial cost for IVF and the possible future pregnancy properly as this may lead to a lot of emotional stress.
7. What if I am unable to produce any eggs or my husband does not have any sperm?
Donor egg or sperm is an option. However, this is illegal in Malaysia currently.
