Ovulation Induction

• Objective: To stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
• Procedure: Fertility medications, e.g. Clomiphene (Clomid), Letrozole, or injectable gonadotropins, are used to induce ovulation, which is monitored through ultrasound and hormone level assessments.
• Potential Issues: Multiple pregnancies. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), causing abdominal pain, bloating, and possible fluid accumulation in the abdomen and chest.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

• Objective: To facilitate the meeting of sperm and egg by placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus.
• Procedure: Sperm is processed and concentrated before being introduced into the uterus during the woman’s fertile window.
• Potential Issues: Low success rates.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

• Objective: Combine eggs and sperm outside the body, leading to embryo formation for implantation.
• Procedure: Ovarian stimulation to retrieve multiple eggs, fertilisation in the laboratory, and transfer of one or more embryos into the uterus.
• Potential Issues: Emotional and financial stress, especially when repeated cycles are involved. Multiple pregnancies. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

• Objective: To address male infertility by directly injecting a single sperm into an egg.
• Procedure: Used in conjunction with IVF, ICSI enhances fertilisation when there are sperm-related issues.
• Potential Issues: Risk of genetic abnormalities.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) and Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)

• Objective: Place gametes (unfertilised eggs and sperm) or zygotes (fertilised eggs) directly into the fallopian tubes.
• Procedure: GIFT involves transferring gametes, while ZIFT involves transferring fertilised eggs.
• Potential Issues: Invasive surgical procedures, so carry the usual risks associated with surgery.

Egg Donation

• Objective: The use donor eggs when a woman’s own eggs are not viable.
• Procedure: Eggs from a donor are fertilised with sperm, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient’s uterus.
• Potential Issues: Possible emotional implications for the donor and recipients.

Surrogacy

• Objective: Using a gestational surrogate to carry and deliver the baby.
• Procedure: Embryos created through IVF, using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm, are implanted in the surrogate’s uterus.
• Potential Issues: Legal and ethical complexities.

Sperm Retrieval Techniques

• Objective: To obtain sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis in cases of male infertility.
• Procedure: Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA), Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA), or Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA).
• Potential Issues: Can be uncomfortable.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

• Objective: To address male infertility by directly injecting a single sperm into an egg.
• Procedure: Used in conjunction with IVF, ICSI enhances fertilisation when there are sperm-related issues.
• Potential Issues: Risk of genetic abnormalities.

Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

• Objective: To retrieve sperm directly from the testicles for use in IVF.
• Procedure: Surgically extracting a small piece of testicular tissue to isolate viable sperm.
• Potential Issues: Potential damage to the testicles during the extraction process.

Sperm Cryopreservation (Sperm Freezing)

• Objective: To preserve sperm for future use, especially for individuals facing medical treatments affecting fertility or those with conditions causing infertility.
• Procedure: Collect and freeze sperm for later use in IVF or ICSI.
• Potential Issues: Reduced sperm viability after thawing.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

• Objective: To screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation.
• Procedure: Cells from embryos created through IVF are analysed for genetic conditions.
• Potential Issues: False positives/negatives.

Cryopreservation of Embryos, Eggs, or Sperm

• Objective: To preserve embryos, eggs, or sperm for future use.
• Procedure: Freezing and storing reproductive material for later use, often in cases of fertility preservation.
• Potential Issues: Storage limitations/viability.

Assisted Hatching

• Objective: To facilitate embryo implantation by creating a small opening in the embryo’s outer layer (zona pellucida).
• Procedure: Performed before embryo transfer during IVF.
• Potential Issues: As with IVF, increased risk of multiple pregnancies.

Donor Sperm or Egg Banks

• Objective: Provide access to donor sperm or eggs for individuals or couples with fertility challenges.
• Procedure: Selection and use of donor reproductive material in IVF or IUI.
• Potential Issues: Limited information about the donor.

As you can see, there are a diverse range of assisted reproductive technologies that can be selected based upon your individual circumstances. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the cause of infertility, age, and overall health of the individuals involved. Consultation with a fertility specialist is crucial to determine the most suitable approach.

Getting IVF, ICSI or IUI on the NHS isn’t guaranteed. NHS funded fertility treatments aren’t just a postcode lottery, they are also a personal lottery. Each NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) has its own eligibility criteria that must be met in order to qualify for NHS-funded fertility treatment, however there are some common factors that most ICBs take into account:

• Evidence of Infertility: You need to demonstrate that you have tried to conceive naturally for at least two years (or in some cases 3 years), unless there is a medical reason why this isn’t possible.
• Woman’s Age: The upper age limit is typically 40-42 for most ICBs, but some have stricter requirements.
• Clinical Factors, including whether you have any underlying conditions, and the number and quality of eggs you have available (ovarian reserve).
• Lifestyle Factors: Have you ever smoked? Your body mass index (BMI) – all ICBs have a maximum BMI limit for the woman, and some also have one for the man.
• Fertility History: If you’ve already had IUI or IVF, even if you paid for it privately, many ICBs won’t consider you for NHS-funded treatment.
• Family History: 76% of ICBs will only fund IVF if neither partner has any living children, although some will allow it if there are children from another partner.
• Relationship Length: Some ICBs consider how long you’ve lived with your partner.
• Female same-sex couples also need to go through several (up to 12) rounds of artificial insemination (such as IUI), some of which must be self-funded (@ £900-1250 per round).

Finding out whether you are eligible for NHS-funded fertility treatment is now simple, thanks to Fertility Mapper’s Eligibility Calculator. All you have to do is click the button and enter some basic information, then the online calculator does all the hard work for you.

If you aren’t eligible for NHS-funded fertility treatment, Fertility Mapper also has a webpage that helps you to find a private clinic near you. It gives each fertility clinic a score out of five, based on real customer reviews, and shows the typical costs of IVF and Egg Freezing.