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NHS Lothian Internet
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) was originally developed to overcome the problem of
fallopian tube blockage but it is also indicated for the treatment of certain
couples with
long-standing unexplained infertility, endometriosis and male factor
infertility. The technique involves removal of eggs (oocytes) from the ovaries,
fertilisation with sperm in the laboratory to create embryos which can then be
transferred directly into the womb (uterus) in a procedure known as embryo
transfer. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is offered to couples with
male factor infertility after investigation and assessment, if clinically
appropriate.
In a natural menstrual cycle women produce only one (or at most two) eggs, but
during the IVF cycle of treatment, the woman is given a course of drug
treatment, to
stimulate the development of several eggs. This will (hopefully) result in the
creation of several embryos which increases the chances of the treatment being
successful. As the policy is to replace only up to two embryos into the womb
during any one treatment, healthy spare embryos can be frozen and replaced in
the womb during the later treatment cycles.
Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) was introduced into infertility
treatment in 1992, and the first UK baby was delivered in 1993. It has
revolutionized the treatment of male infertility. ICSI is a type of IVF
treatment that involves the injection of a single sperm directly into each egg.
The fertilised egg (embryo) can then be transferred into the womb of the woman
as in a normal IVF cycle. Although ICSI is a relatively new technique, it has
already helped many couples. Each year, more than 27,800 infertile couples in
the UK undergo IVF treatment, with around 8,800 babies being born as a result.
The single commonest reason for couples having IVF treatment is male
infertility, and more than 3,650 babies are born in the UK every year as a
result of ICSI. The live birth rates for ICSI and conventional IVF are similar
(about 23% per cycle in the most recent UK data). This page aims to describe the
technique of ICSI, and to outline what is known of the success rates and
problems associated with it.
www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Old Dalkeith Road
Little France
Edinburgh EH16 4SA
Tel: 0131 242 2441/3/6
Fax: 0131 242 2447
Edinburgh Fertility Clinic
Fertility Awareness is a simple system for learning about your body and helping
you get pregnant naturally and quickly. It can reassure you that everything is
working well and that there is no need to panic but can also be a useful aid in
the early diagnosis of a number of conditions, which may make getting pregnant
difficult.
Based on the observation of fertility signs, you will be able to determine
whether or not you are fertile on any given day. It is a fully researched and
scientifically validated method of pregnancy achievement and an excellent tool
for assessing many common gynaecological problems.
After a comprehensive initial assessment (1 ½ hours) of your reproductive health
you will learn the basic principles of Fertility Awareness. That first session
may be all you need but you may benefit from one or two follow-up appointments
(1 hour). After 3 sessions you will be confident to use the methods on your own.
If medical treatment is indicated you will be advised on the information to take
to your doctor or complementary therapist to discuss the next steps and help you
take control of the process.
The Edinburgh Fertility Clinic is a network of natural health practitioners here
to help you to achieve the best reproductive health through a variety of
treatments and techniques including Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Counselling &
Hypnotherapy, Nutritional Therapy and Fertility Awareness.
Our friendly team of qualified practitioners work together with each other and
with you to give you the best chance of conceiving, having a healthy pregnancy,
healthy baby and being healthy parents! Whatever your age or background, we are
here to help.
www.edinburghfertilityclinic.co.uk
Racheal Forrest
Napiers Clinic
35 Hamilton Place
Edinburgh
EH3 5BA
Tel: 0131 315 2130
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