In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

The abbreviation IVF stands for "in vitro fertilisation". This is an assisted reproductive technique in which the egg and sperm are combined outside the body in the laboratory to achieve pregnancy.

IVF is recommended for couples dealing with severe fertility issues, recurrent miscarriages, or when other fertility treatments have not succeeded. This advanced approach provides hope for achieving pregnancy when other methods have not been effective.

Success rates for IVF vary based on factors such as age, the underlying cause of infertility, and the health of the eggs and sperm involved. Generally, success rates per cycle range from 20% to 40%, with individual variations. Our specialists can offer a realistic assessment based on your specific circumstances.

The requirements for IVF treatment can vary, but typically the following criteria must be met:

1. Diagnosis of infertility: An accurate diagnosis of infertility is necessary to understand the causes.

2. Ovarian reserve: The woman should have a sufficient ovarian reserve.

3. Uterine health: The uterus should be healthy and receptive to pregnancy.

4. Sperm quality: High-quality sperm from the partner or a donor is critical.

5. Overall health: The general health of both partners influences the outcome.

The cost for a fresh IVF cycle typically ranges from CHF 5,000 to 8,000.

In most cases, preparation with medication is required for IVF treatment. This includes the administration of hormones to promote egg maturation, GnRH analogs to regulate the cycle and an hCG injection to trigger ovulation. The exact drug preparation varies depending on the individual treatment plan. There is also the option of IVF naturelle, which involves minimal or no medication, relying on the body's natural cycle.

In Switzerland, there is no uniform legal age limit for IVF treatments. The decision is therefore usually at the discretion of the specialist treating the patient at the respective fertility clinic.

The number of IVF attempts required to achieve a pregnancy varies from person to person. Factors such as the woman's age, the cause of infertility and the response to treatment all play a role. While some may achieve pregnancy on the first attempt, others might require multiple cycles.

The entire IVF process spans several weeks. Following 2-3 weeks of medication and hormonal stimulation, egg retrieval is conducted, which lasts about 20-30 minutes. Post-fertilisation, embryos develop for 3-5 days before being transferred. A pregnancy test is then performed 14 days after the embryo transfer. The total duration can vary depending on individual responses to treatment.

While both IVF and IUI are forms of assisted reproduction, IVF involves fertilising eggs outside the body, and IUI entails placing sperm directly into the uterus to foster natural fertilisation. IVF is more complex and typically used when other methods, including IUI, have not been successful.