Photo: Nica Patricio
What is it"

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most effective fertility treatments, as it can be done using your own gametes (eggs and sperm), donor gametes or embryos or even a gestational carrier. With IVF, eggs are removed from the ovaries and mixed with sperm in a laboratory culture dish (?in vitro? is Latin for ?in glass?). In cases of poor sperm quality, the sperm are actually injected into the egg using a micromanipulation technology known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Who can benefit from IVF"

IVF is the safest and most effective option for managing all fertility problems, unless the primary problem is irregular ovulation, in which case simple ovulation-inducing medications can be used. Due to the lower cost and the absence of an egg harvesting procedure, superovulation with intrauterine insemination (IUI) is typically the first option for many couples. IUI treatment is effective, with 10 to 20 percent pregnancy rates. Depending on the specifics of the couple?s problem, IVF has a pregnancy rate of 30 to 50 percent per treatment for women under 36. In this age group, these success rates can be achieved with the transfer of a single embryo into the woman?s uterus. ?If a woman has irregular periods and is not ovulating, the best treatment for this fertility problem is to simply use medication to help the woman ovulate,? says Paul Claman, a reproductive-medicine specialist at the Ottawa Fertility Centre. ?If there?...