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What is IVF - In Vitro Fertilization?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The procedure is used to help women conceive in situations where conception isn’t possible due to infertility.

How does IVF work?

IVF is the process of manually fertilizing eggs by extracting the eggs, obtaining a semen sample, and combining these. Several embryos are obtained from this process. These are transferred to the uterus where implantation occurs. More than one embryo can be implanted to account for the fact that not all will develop into a pregnancy.

It is possible to freeze some of the embryos for transferal at a later time.

IVF - In Vitro Fertilization Treatment Duration

The initial IVF process – before eggs are extracted – happens in cycles. Each cycle can last a few weeks to allow time for consultation, to administer fertility medication, and for the egg to develop.

It takes about 3 – 5 days for the fertilized eggs to develop into embryos.

What are IVF - In Vitro Fertilization Risks?

A small number of people may experience side effects to the hormones administered at the start of IVF to stimulate egg production.

Possible side effects include:

• Headaches 
  
• Mood swings 
  
• Abdominal pain 
  
• Hot flashes 
  
• Abdominal bleeding 
  
• Very rarely ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome 
  

Seek medical advice if you experience more serious symptoms.

A low level of risk is associated with IVF. Patients are usually able to resume day-to-day activities a day after the treatment.

Possible side effects include:

• Passing a small amount of blood 
  
• Mild cramping 
  
• Mild bloating 
  
• Constipation 
  
• Breast tenderness 
  
• Ectopic pregnancy could occur after embryo transfer – if you experience the more severe symptoms associated with an ectopic pregnancy, you should urgently seek medical attention 
  

Seek medical attention for more severe symptoms.

IVF - In Vitro Fertilization Statistics

On average, nearly 30% of women achieve pregnancy and about 23% result in live births (CDC Report, 2009).

A woman's age and the reason for infertility can influence the success rate.

The outcome of IVF depends on multiple factors, especially the reason for infertility and the patients ages.
The data is as follows for the live birth of 1 baby or more:

• 34 years and under: 40% success rate
• 35 - 37 years: 31% success rate
• 38 - 40 years: 21% success rate
• 41 - 42 years: 11% success rate
• 43 years and over: 5% success rate

About Cyprus

Cyprus is an island country famous for being the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and is located in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus has 2 official languages, Turkish and Greek and has a population of over 1.1 million.

Healthcare in Cyprus

The Cyprus Healthcare System consists of both private and public healthcare. The Public healthcare is very affordable if not free, particularly in the case of EU citizens.

The Transport System in Cyprus

Cyprus has no railway system, thus patients would need to use other methods of transport such as by road, air or sea to get to their destination. Just because their isn't a railway system, it doesn't mean that getting around cyprus is difficult, in fact the public bus system between the main centres is excellent. The easiest of all though would be to rent a car. Getting to and fro North Cyprus and South Cyprus is also reletaviely simple as long as you don't forget your passport, there are several checkpoints and all you have to do is show your passport.

Airports in Cyprus

The most popular airports in Cyprus are:

1. Larnaca International Airport in Larnaca
2. Paphos International Airport in Paphos