Case Studies
& FAQ’S
Case Study IVF
Case Study IVF
Lucy and Graheme had been trying to conceive for two years before they came to SEFC. Lucy, 28 years was a legal assistant and Graheme 27 years, a warehouse manager. The couple were both in good health.
Previous investigations had been carried out at their local hospital.
A Laparoscopy under general anaesthetic allowed Lucy's gynaecologist to assess her pelvis. This showed pelvic adhesions with both fallopian tubes being blocked. Graheme had a normal semen analysis. In view of the obvious tubal damage the couple were advised to seek treatment by in vitro fertilisation (test tube baby technique).
The couple went for consultation at SEFC where the Consultant confirmed the need for IVF. Treatment would involve a course of ovarian stimulation by injection to produce approximately 10-12 eggs followed by an egg collection. Lucy would have to attend for three or four ultrasound appointments to watch the follicles, which contain the eggs, develop. The eggs would be harvested as a day case procedure, under sedation, using transvaginal ultrasound. The eggs would then be inseminated to achieve fertilisation and up to two embryos transferred to the uterus after three days. Typical pregnancy rates were in the order of 35% at embryo transfer. Lucy had a nurse consultation to plan a treatment cycle and to complete a number of consent forms.
Lucy underwent a course of ovarian stimulation and responded well to the medication. The egg procedure was uncomplicated and nine eggs were collected. Five of the eggs fertilised normally and the embryos developed well. The couple were keen to avoid a multiple pregnancy so five days later one good blastocyst was transferred to the uterus. Three remaining embryos were of excellent quality and were frozen for possible future use.
Lucy and Graheme had a positive pregnancy test two weeks later and the pregnancy scan at seven weeks confirmed a foetal heartbeat. The couple were advised to contact their family doctor to arrange antenatal booking.
Cost:
Lucy and Graheme paid £175.00 for their initial consultation. Normally a single attempt at IVF would have cost them a total in the order of £4000. On this occasion there were additional costs for blastocyst culture and embryo freezing. A detailed and up to date price list is available from the clinic or by clicking here.
Comment:
IVF is an expensive type of fertility treatment and may require more than one attempt.
Typical pregnancy rates for IVF are around 35% at embryo transfer. Multiple pregnancy rates are in the order of 20%. Many couples are happy with the idea of a multiple pregnancy although there is no doubt that multiple pregnancies can be more complicated.
Lucy and Graheme elected to have a single embryo transfer to minimise any risk. Single embryo transfer is becoming a more popular decision for many couples.
The couple elected to have a blastocyst transfer five days after the egg collection. This means the embryo was more advanced. It also allowed the best embryo to be selected for transfer with more certainty. Although expensive technology, carrying out blastocyst transfer allows us to maximise the chance of pregnancy for our couples, particularly when transfering just one embryo.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Home • Treatments • Egg Donation &
Sperm Donation • Case Studies & FAQ’S • Price Guide • Contact the Team • News • Downloads
South East Fertility Clinic Ltd, Amberley House, 9 Queen's Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9LL
Directors: Mr M Wilcox, Mr M Rimington. Registered in England & Wales. Company No: 6546136