In vitro fertilisation (IVF ) is a process of fertilisation where an egg is combined with sperm in vitro. The process involves monitoring and stimulating a person’s ovulatory process, removing an ovum or ova from their ovaries and letting sperm fertilise them in a culture medium in a laboratory.

After the fertilised egg (zygote) undergoes embryo culture for 2–6 days, it is implanted in the same or another person’s uterus, with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy.

As we all know, Times have changed and so has the world moved from seeing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) as a mysterious procedure in combating infertility that produced what was then known as “test-tube babies.”

Today, in vitro fertilisation or IVF, for short, has come to be embraced with open arms and is undoubtedly one of the major alternatives couples consider when child-bearing and infertility is discussed.

Infertility in itself can be a traumatising experience for couples who intend to have kids of their own.

Although it is fair to admit that IVF isn’t exactly the first choice in the treatment of infertility, save in situations where there is a total tubal blockage, which makes it ‘nearly’ impossible for sperm to get to the eggs. Rather, IVF is explored when fertility drugs, artificial insemination and other options have been exhausted.

Who is IVF Ideal For?

1. Women with damaged or blocked fallopian tubes.
2. Older patients.
3. Women with low ovarian reserve.
4. Men with infertility issue.
5. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
6. Patients with endometriosis
7. Women with premature ovarian failure

Advantages of IVF

1. IVF can be of benefit to single women and same-sex couples (women).
2. IVF can assist diagnose fertility problems.
3. IVF has been around since 1978 and has a safe track record.
4. Embryos can be used to screen for genetic or inherited diseases.

Disadvantages of IVF

1. Cases of multiple pregnancies
2. Higher chance of ectopic pregnancy.
3. An IVF cycle may be unsuccessful.
4. IVF treatments can be emotionally and psychologically tasking.
5. IVF treatments are expensive.

Average Cost of IVF in Nigeria

The average cost of IVF in private hospitals, clinics or facilities in Nigeria is about N700,000 – N900,000 for a single cycle while a two-cycle plan ranges between N1.2 million – N1.4 million. A three-cycle IVF treatment in Nigeria is between N1.6million – N2.3 million. These prices vary from clinic to clinic.

First child successfully born through IVF treatment

According to wikipedia: Louise Brown was the first child successfully born after her mother received IVF treatment. Brown was born as a result of natural-cycle IVF, where no stimulation was made. The procedure took place at Dr Kershaw’s Cottage Hospital (now Dr Kershaw’s Hospice) in Royton, Oldham, England. Robert G. Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010.