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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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