Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a relatively new but well-established procedure first performed in 1992. The procedure was developed to help male factor infertility. The procedure involves injecting a single sperm into the cytoplasm of each egg using a fine glass needle. The first ICSI baby was reported in 1992. The ICSI has largely replaced the two previously developed procedures, PZD (partial zona dissection) and SUZI (subzonal insemination) because it achieves much higher fertilization rates.
The injection of immature sperm (spermatid) into the egg is not allowed in the UK because …

Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT) is a procedure in which the eggs are mixed with sperm and the mixture is then injected into the Fallopian tube. It is suitable for women who have at least one healthy Fallopian tube. The aim of GIFT is to allow fertilization to occur in the right place and implantation at the right time.
There are selected groups of patients to whom gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) is recommended.• Couples with unexplained infertility.
• Women with minimal endometriosis.
• Men with infertility problem (not severe).
• Couples who have had failed …

The embryo replacement (embryo transfer) procedure is quite simple and usually pain free. It may cause minimal discomfort and no anesthetic is used, although some women may need sedation or occasionally a general anesthetic. The male partner is usually invited to attend the procedure. The couple may also be able to view the embryos through a monitor before the embryos are replaced.
Some couples are concerned that their eggs, sperm or embryos may mix up with that of other couples. The probability of this happening in a good centre is very …

Pain. The patient may experience pain. It is not unusual for women to experience some abdominal or pelvic pain. A hot water bottle or painkillers are often helpful. However, if the pain is severe, or persists, then you should consult your doctor.
Bleeding. The patients may have to wear panty liners for a day or two following egg collection. Any bleeding should be minimal and dark or brown in colour. If bleeding is severe or bright red then consult your doctor.
Nausea and vomiting. The patient may experience nausea or vomiting for …

There are several aims when monitoring the treatment cycle. These include: checking the development of follicles and lining of the uterus, to adjust the dose of the drugs if necessary and to time the hCG injection. Each patient is different, so the ovarian response varies between patients both in the number of follicles produced and the speed at which they mature. On average, you need to attend the clinic for two or three visits and occasionally more to see how well you have responded to the injection and adjust the …

Preliminary testing. When attending an IVF clinic for the first time, the doctor will conduct a consultation. He or she will review in depth the past medical history, conduct physical and internal examination and your doctor may perform a ‘dummy’ embryo transfer to make sure there is no technical problems with the procedure. The doctor may order some investigations before proceeding with treatment.
These usually include:
• Semen analysis to check for sperm number, swimming ability, shape, and survival. . For men who have difficulty in producing semen samples on demand, the …