IVF / Fertility Treatment

After down-regulation, daily subcutaneous FSH injections stimulate multifollicular development over 8-14 days, monitored by transvaginal ultrasound. A trigger injection (hCG or GnRH agonist) is given 36 hours before ultrasound-guided transvaginal needle aspiration of follicles under sedation. Oocytes are fertilised by conventional insemination or ICSI and cultured to day 3-5. One blastocyst is loaded into a soft catheter and transferred transcervically into the uterine cavity; remaining good-quality embryos are vitrified.

1. 1Pre-treatment investigations: ovarian reserve testing (AMH, antral follicle count), semen analysis, screening for blood-borne viruses, and pelvic ultrasound.
2. 2Optimise BMI, stop smoking, limit caffeine and alcohol, and start folic acid 400 mcg daily.
3. 3Counselling on success rates, multiple-pregnancy risk and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
4. 4Teaching session to learn self-administration of subcutaneous injections.
5. 5Confirm a treatment calendar and arrange time off work for monitoring scans, egg collection and transfer.

1. 1Day of egg collection: Rest at the clinic for 1-2 hours under monitoring before discharge; mild cramping and spotting are normal.
2. 2Days 1-5: Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and intercourse; continue luteal-phase progesterone support.
3. 3Day of transfer: Brief outpatient procedure; resume light activity immediately.
4. 4Days 1-14 after transfer: Normal daily activity; avoid alcohol and unprescribed medication.
5. 5Day 12-14: Beta-hCG blood test to confirm pregnancy.
6. 6Week 7: Early viability ultrasound scan if pregnant.