The IVF journey offers many possibilities, and the approach that’s right for you depends on your unique needs and circumstances. That’s why it’s essential to consult a fertility specialist and, after completing the necessary tests, choose the option that best suits you individually.
IVF using your own eggs
In this treatment, your eggs are collected from your ovaries following a course of hormonal stimulation. They are then fertilised in the laboratory using sperm from either your partner or a donor.
IVF with your own eggs may be recommended if your fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, if you have endometriosis, an ovulation disorder such as PCOS, unexplained infertility, or a known male-factor issue preventing natural conception.
Using donor sperm with your own eggs is often chosen by single women and female couples. It may also be advised if previous IVF attempts with a partner’s sperm have been unsuccessful and a sperm-related problem is suspected. This option can also be appropriate when a male partner has a genetic or chromosomal condition that cannot be safely addressed through pre-implantation genetic testing of embryos.
IVF with donor eggs
This approach involves using eggs from a donor, which are then fertilised in the laboratory with either your partner’s sperm, or sperm from a donor which is known as double donation. The resulting embryos are transferred to your uterus so you can carry the pregnancy.
IVF with donor eggs is usually recommended if you have specific issues with your own eggs, such as a low ovarian reserve, a known genetic or chromosomal condition, or a medical condition that makes ovarian stimulation unsafe. It may also be considered after several unsuccessful IVF attempts using your own eggs.
Embryo donation/adoption
Some patients choose to donate embryos left over after their own treatment, to give others the chance to become parents. Other embryos are created from donor eggs and sperm specifically for donation.
Donor embryos can help if you are a part of couple with both male and female infertility, or if you are a single woman who can’t use her own eggs, offering you the possibility of building a family when other options may not be available.
IVF with previously frozen eggs
Using frozen eggs in IVF allows you to pursue a pregnancy without undergoing a full cycle from scratch. The eggs are carefully thawed and fertilised with sperm to create embryos, which are then transferred to your uterus. This approach can increase flexibility and reduce treatment time, and is often used by those who have eggs stored from a previous cycle, are using frozen donor eggs or have previously chosen to undergo egg freezing, either for medical or personal family planning reasons.
Additional information
For additional information on these varied approaches, please see:
