In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization, commonly known as IVF, is a technique in which the fertilization of the egg occurs outside of the human body and the resulting embryo is grown in the laboratory, which is later transferred back to the uterus to achieve a pregnancy or cryopreserved to be used in the future.

The method of fertilizing the egg outside of the body, can either be via conventional IVF or by using a technique called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). The conventional IVF method is performed by placing purified/ washed sperm next to the egg in a petri dish. The sperm is then attracted to the egg by the cytokines the egg releases. The egg should allow just one sperm to enter and fertilize.

ICSI, on the other hand is a highly specialized method of insemination in which the embryologist selects one good quality sperm and injects that sperm into the egg.

IVF may be recommended for the following reasons

Fallopian tube damage or blockage makes it difficult for an egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus. This is easily resolvable by performing a hysterosalpingogram or a hydrosalpingogram.

If ovulation is infrequent or absent, fewer eggs are available for fertilization.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus implants and grows outside of the uterus — often affecting the function of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.

Fibroids are benign tumours in the uterus. They are common in women in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids can interfere with implantation of the fertilized egg.

Tubal ligation is a type of sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked to permanently prevent pregnancy. If you wish to conceive after tubal ligation, IVF may be an alternative to tubal ligation reversal surgery known as Tubal anastomosis.

Below-average sperm concentration, weak movement of sperm (poor mobility), or abnormalities in sperm size and shape (poor morphology) can make it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg. If sperm abnormalities are found please consult with a reproductive medicine specialist.

Unexplained infertility means no cause of infertility has been found despite evaluation for common causes.

If you or your partner is at risk of passing on a genetic disorder to your child, you may be candidates for preimplantation genetic testing — a procedure that involves IVF. After the eggs are harvested and fertilized, they are screened for genetic abnormalities via an embryo biopsy on day 5 of growth. Embryos that don’t contain identified problems can be transferred to the uterus.

Women aged 37 and older may want to perform genetic testing if undergoing an IVF cycle. As a woman ages, incidents of miscarriage is increased due to the genetic make-up of the egg.

Due to sterilization your chances of falling pregnant naturally is 0%. However, an IVF and testis biopsy can be considered.

PCOS is a condition where the ovaries produce higher than normal levels of male hormones (androgens). This can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility and appearance.

Dr Wynand E. van Tonder

Specialist Obstetrician Gynaecologist 
Sub-specialist Reproductive Medicine

MB ChB (Stell) | FCOG (SA) | MMed O&G (UFS) | MRep Med (Valencia Spain) | MGyn Endo Surg (AITAS) | Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgeon (GESEA)

Contact us

Tel: +27 11 463 4833
Emergency: +27 11 321 0111

reception@drwynandvantonder.co.za
reception2@drwynandvantonder.co.za

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In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization, commonly known as IVF, is a technique in which the fertilization of the egg occurs outside of the human body and the resulting embryo is grown in the laboratory, which is later transferred back to the uterus to achieve a pregnancy or cryopreserved to be used in the future.

The method of fertilizing the egg outside of the body, can either be via conventional IVF or by using a technique called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). The conventional IVF method is performed by placing purified/ washed sperm next to the egg in a petri dish. The sperm is then attracted to the egg by the cytokines the egg releases. The egg should allow just one sperm to enter and fertilize.

ICSI, on the other hand is a highly specialized method of insemination in which the embryologist selects one good quality sperm and injects that sperm into the egg.

IVF may be recommended for the following reasons

Fallopian tube damage or blockage makes it difficult for an egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus. This is easily resolvable by performing a hysterosalpingogram or a hydrosalpingogram.

If ovulation is infrequent or absent, fewer eggs are available for fertilization.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus implants and grows outside of the uterus — often affecting the function of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.

Fibroids are benign tumours in the uterus. They are common in women in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids can interfere with implantation of the fertilized egg.

Tubal ligation is a type of sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked to permanently prevent pregnancy. If you wish to conceive after tubal ligation, IVF may be an alternative to tubal ligation reversal surgery known as Tubal anastomosis.

Below-average sperm concentration, weak movement of sperm (poor mobility), or abnormalities in sperm size and shape (poor morphology) can make it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg. If sperm abnormalities are found please consult with a reproductive medicine specialist.

Unexplained infertility means no cause of infertility has been found despite evaluation for common causes.

If you or your partner is at risk of passing on a genetic disorder to your child, you may be candidates for preimplantation genetic testing — a procedure that involves IVF. After the eggs are harvested and fertilized, they are screened for genetic abnormalities via an embryo biopsy on day 5 of growth. Embryos that don’t contain identified problems can be transferred to the uterus.

Women aged 37 and older may want to perform genetic testing if undergoing an IVF cycle. As a woman ages, incidents of miscarriage is increased due to the genetic make-up of the egg.

Due to sterilization your chances of falling pregnant naturally is 0%. However, an IVF and testis biopsy can be considered.

PCOS is a condition where the ovaries produce higher than normal levels of male hormones (androgens). This can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility and appearance.