The term ‘infertility’ can sound so final to couples desperately trying to start a family. It is defined as ‘a failure to conceive after regular unprotected sexual intercourse for one to two years’ – but there is still hope when that period passes: IVF. The good news is that assisted conception techniques are continually developing and we have already come a long way: according to the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA), the IVF birth rate which was just 14% in 1991 nearly doubled to 25% in 2012. Today, 2.2% of all babies born in the UK have been conceived through IVF.
What are the affecting factors?
As female gynaecologist Amanda Tozer explains to couples presenting at her London fertility clinic, there are various factors that affect the successful outcome of IVF treatment, including a woman’s previous pregnancies, the type of infertility problem affecting either or both partners, whether donor eggs from a younger woman are used, the health and lifestyle of the couple, and even the clinic attended. The most influencing factor, however, is age. The likelihood of becoming pregnant after IVF treatment is strongly linked to the age of the woman being treated. Women aged between 18 and 34 have a markedly higher success rate per embryo transfer (41.8%) than older women: those in the 40–42 drop to 23.1%.
What should I look for in a fertility clinic?
IVF is a high specialised, highly technical procedure so choose with care. London fertility expert Miss Tozer’s success rate is in line with other respected and credible fertility treatments because she follows a methodical process of diagnosis and treatment procedures. With personalised, one-to-one care not often received at large, impersonal clinics, Amanda Tozer has guided many childless couples through the IVF process and helped them achieve the family they so desire.