Chapter 23 – Quality Management in Reproductive Medicine
Abstract For fertility clinics to be successful, quality must be a priority. Quality is not just about ticking boxes, it is about ensuring jobs are completed to the best standard…
Chapter 24 – Early Pregnancy
Abstract Early pregnancy problems are common and cause significant physical and psychological morbidity and mortality. Miscarriage is thought to affect one in five pregnancies and ectopic pregnancy to occur in…
Chapter 19 – Gamete Preparation and Embryo Culture
Abstract The pioneers of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were Robert Edwards, a scientist working at Cambridge University, and Patrick Steptoe, a gynaecologic surgeon from Oldham, who collaborated together to develop…
Chapter 17 – Common Stimulation Regimens in Assisted Reproductive Technology
Abstract Since the early days of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), the results of IVF treatment have much improved with a 32.8% live birth rate being reported for women aged under…
Chapter 22 – Gamete and Embryo Cryopreservation
Abstract Cryopreservation is a fundamental adjunct for any in vitro fertilisation (IVF) programme for both gametes and embryos. Sperm can be frozen for use in donor cycles, treatment cycles or…
Chapter 21 – The Risks of Assisted Reproduction
Abstract Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) are now responsible for more than 2% of all human births in the United Kingdom and closer to 5% in mainland Europe. According to the…
Chapter 20 – Single Embryo Transfer
Abstract Worldwide 95% of the adults express their desire for a child. Between 8 and 12% of reproductive-aged couples worldwide have problems conceiving. The probable global average for infertility is…
Chapter 18 – Oocyte Retrieval and Embryo Transfer
Abstract The oocyte retrieval procedure has undergone a substantial evolution over almost forty years moving from the abdominal to vaginal approach. Ultrasound- guided oocyte retrieval is performed now as a…
Chapter 16 – The Role of Regulation in Reproductive Medicine
Abstract The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) started work on 1 August 1991. However, its formation was the result of a long process of discussion and development of in…
Chapter 15 – Ovulation Induction for Anovulatory Infertility
Abstract Folic acid should be taken at a daily dose of 400 mcg or, in those who are obese, 5 mg. There is debate about the restriction of fertility treatment…
