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General Information
What are the biggest challenges faced during the IVF journey?
Check out our video where we discuss the most common hurdles patients encounter throughout their IVF journey.
What can I expect when I begin my fertility journey with TFP?
Watch our video to learn about the initial steps you’ll take as you start your fertility journey with us.
We’re having trouble conceiving. What should we do first?
If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year without success, it’s important to schedule a fertility assessment with your healthcare provider or a private clinic. This evaluation can identify any underlying issues affecting your ability to conceive.
What lifestyle changes can I implement to improve my chances of conception?
Your lifestyle plays a significant role in fertility. Consider making these adjustments:
- Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Take supplements like ‘well man’ or ‘well woman’ and vitamin D
- Avoid smoking and recreational drugs
- Limit alcohol intake
- Ensure you’re getting enough sleep
- Manage stress levels
Can a donor trace my child?
Donors do not receive any personal information that could identify a child resulting from their donation. They can inquire about the total number of babies conceived from their donation, the year of birth, and the gender of the child.
Why is counseling necessary for fertility treatment?
We highly recommend that all TFP IVF patients participate in counseling throughout their treatment. These confidential sessions, available before, during, and after treatment, provide essential emotional support during what can be a challenging journey.
What treatments are available for male infertility?
Male infertility treatments are personalized, but may include:
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Sperm is directly injected into the egg to address issues like low sperm motility or count.
- Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR): If sperm is absent from the ejaculate, surgical options may be explored.
- Donor Sperm: Altruistic donations can help achieve pregnancy. TFP provides specialized counseling for individuals and couples regarding donor sperm implications.
How are fibromyalgia and endometriosis connected?
Fibromyalgia may develop in women with endometriosis over time because endometriosis is a chronic and painful condition.
How can we enhance the quality of our sperm and eggs?
Several factors can impact the quality of eggs and sperm. To improve conditions for reproductive cell development, consider long-term lifestyle changes. You can explore more in our Lifestyle Advice section.
What causes infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Approximately 1 in 7 couples face challenges in conceiving, a rate that is on the rise due to delayed family planning and declining sperm counts. With the right support, most couples can achieve their dream of parenthood.
Common female infertility issues include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Abnormal BMI (too high or too low)
- Medications impacting ovulation
- Egg quality concerns
- Previous pelvic infections or surgeries
Common male infertility issues include:
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm motility
- Minor genetic issues affecting sperm quality
- Past infections
What is unexplained infertility?
Sometimes, couples experience “unexplained infertility,” where no clear cause can be identified. This doesn’t mean there’s nothing wrong; it simply reflects our current understanding of the many factors involved in conception.
How does low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) affect my cycle?
Your AMH level can indicate how well your ovaries will respond to IVF stimulation. It helps tailor treatment and predicts egg quantity and the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). While low AMH levels are linked to reduced pregnancy rates, age plays a significant role in this correlation. Pregnancies have been documented even with low AMH levels, though the risk of fertilization failure increases.
How is sperm produced?
Sperm is generated in the testes, developing within tiny tubules called seminiferous tubules before moving to the epididymis for storage. On average, a man’s testes produce thousands of sperm every second, but it takes about three months for them to mature.
What fertility tests are available for men?
Testing begins with a semen analysis. If results are normal, additional tests may not be necessary. However, for abnormal results, individualized assessments and options will be discussed.
What if my sperm quality declines?
We will discuss sperm quality with each couple on the treatment day. If the sample is lower than expected, we may use ICSI, which involves injecting a single sperm into each egg to enhance fertilization rates. In critically low cases, we might perform a surgical sperm retrieval.
What if I can’t provide a sperm sample on treatment day?
If you’re worried about producing a sample on the day of treatment, please consult with an embryologist about the possibility of freezing a sample in advance. If no sample is available at the time of egg collection, surgical retrieval or egg vitrification may be options for proceeding.
Can I produce a sperm sample at home?
If producing a sample at the clinic is impractical, arrangements can be made for at-home collection. You will receive a sterile container for transport, and it’s vital to keep the sample at a temperature between 20C – 37C.
Where should I produce the sperm sample?
Ideally, the semen sample should be produced at the clinic in a private room. The sample is then transferred directly to our lab for processing. If you wish for your partner to accompany you, please inform us, and we will do our best to accommodate.
Is it okay to be intimate during treatment?
Many couples choose to remain intimate during treatment, which is generally acceptable. However, there may be instances where unprotected intercourse should be avoided, and we will clarify these situations during your treatment.
How long does the IVF process take?
For a standard antagonist cycle, the medication course lasts about 14 days, while a long cycle may extend to approximately 4 weeks. Egg collection occurs after this period, followed by embryo transfer typically 5 days later. Individual circumstances may influence these timelines.
What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?
IVF involves mixing a high number of prepared sperm with collected eggs and checking for fertilization the next day. ICSI, on the other hand, involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, often used when sperm quality is low or previous IVF attempts have failed.
What is blastocyst culture?
Blastocyst culture refers to the process of growing embryos until they reach 5 days of age, at which point they have developed into a more complex structure.
What are my chances of success?
Success rates in IVF are influenced by numerous factors. Your doctor can provide the most accurate assessment based on your treatment plan and personal circumstances.
Can I freeze my extra embryos?
Embryos not transferred can be frozen if they meet quality standards. An embryologist will discuss the quality of your embryos and advise whether they are suitable for freezing.
Do frozen embryos degrade over time?
Frozen embryos are preserved in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, allowing them to remain in a suspended state without deterioration during storage.
Is there an egg or embryo donation program available?
Yes, we do offer a donation program. Please reach out to your local clinic for more information.
Will I be accepted as a patient?
All UK fertility clinics follow HFEA guidelines. Contact your local clinic to schedule a consultation. If, after your initial visit, we determine that IVF may not be in your best interest, we will provide thorough counseling to help you decide on the next steps.
What are the costs involved?
Treatment costs vary based on individual circumstances and the most suitable options for you. For details on IVF costs and payment methods, reach out to us. Fertility treatment is a significant financial commitment, so we strive to make our pricing clear and straightforward.
In addition to our FAQs, you might find our blog post on baby clothing brands for 2025 interesting. For those considering at-home options, check out this kit as an authority on the subject. Also, be sure to visit this excellent resource for information about pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
This FAQ section aims to provide essential insights and guidance for TFP fertility patients embarking on their IVF journeys. From addressing common concerns about lifestyle changes and treatment options to clarifying the IVF process, we strive to support you at every step. For tailored advice and further information, please reach out to us.