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Assisted Reproduction

What is assisted reproduction?

The term refers to various medical procedures designed to assist couples or individuals reproduce when conventional methods are unsuccessful. IVF is one procedure. Others include ovulation tracking, ovulation induction and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

What is ovulation tracking?

Ovulation tracking involves monitoring your hormonal changes and physical signs to predict when an egg is released. It helps to identify which days in your menstrual cycle are the most fertile days for conception.

How is ovulation tracked?

Methods of ovulation tracking include monitoring your basal body temperature, observing your cervical mucus consistency, and employing ovulation predictor kits. These techniques help detect your hormone surges and help to establish your optimal time for conception.

 The other thing I can do is an antral follicle count: an ultrasound timed with your cycle, to count how many follicles are in the ovaries in that particular month.”

Why is ovulation tracking important?

Ovulation tracking helps you time intercourse for the best possible chances of conception chances. Through hormonal and physical cues, it hones in on the fertile window in your menstrual cycle.

What is ovulation induction?

Ovulation induction involves the use of medication to stimulate your ovaries and prompt egg release. Often I start with oral ovulation induction tablets, to try and trick your body into releasing an egg.

Am I a candidate for ovulation induction?

If you’re struggling to conceive because of irregular ovulation or any other unexplained factors, you can potentially benefit from ovulation induction.

What are common medications used for ovulation induction?

Typical medications are clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins. These drugs are prescribed to stimulate your ovaries, encouraging the growth and release of eggs, and increasing your likelihood of successful conception.

What is intrauterine sperm injection or insemination?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility procedure that involves washing and concentrating sperm, then directly placing it into your uterus.

Is IUI painful?

IUI is a minimally invasive process, and usually painless, like a Pap smear — but you might experience some mild post-procedure cramping.

How successful is IUI?

IUI success rates fluctuate depending on your age, any fertility issues you’re facing, and your choices of treatment. Success rates range from 10% to 20% per menstrual cycle, giving you a fair opportunity for successful conception within a controlled clinical setting.

Genetic Testing

What if I have an inherited genetic disease?

If you’re worried, we can also perform a Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) test, where we analyse cell-free DNA from your bloodstream to gauge the risk of your baby carrying certain genetic conditions like Down syndrome.

What are the benefits to Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS)?

Advantages include:

  • Low Risk: NIPS is a simple blood draw from your arm, with no need for inserting a needle into the uterus. This reduces the risk of complications and miscarriage associated with invasive procedures.
  • High Accuracy: NIPS has demonstrated high accuracy in detecting certain chromosomal abnormalities. The accuracy rates are generally higher than traditional screening methods, leading to fewer false positives and false negatives.
  • Early Detection: NIPS can be performed as early as the 10th week of your pregnancy, so you can make informed decisions in plenty of time.

How do I know if my genetic disease carried through to the embryo?

Another test we can do is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), where we screen your fertilised embryos before they’re implanted in your uterus, and look for any genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities. So if you have a known genetic risk or a history of certain disorders, it’s an opportunity to select embryos free from those conditions, reducing your risk of passing them to your children.

“50% of the patients who are getting testing and investigations done with me end up pregnant with no need for further interventions”
Dr Erin Fuller